Getting to know Willie
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 | The week in Blagojevich news Jan. 30: MSNBC's Willie Geist reviews the remarkable week that was for former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich. MSNBC |
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[Comment From Anthony] We always hear what you learn every morning on the show. What have you learned from the chat?
Willie Geist: Great question, Anthony. I’ve learned that you guys have great questions. We should all go out for some whiskey sometime.
[Comment From JLD] So, does Joe really order that fru-fru whipped up coffee drink every morning, or does that just appear too? I would have thought a rough and tumble guy from the panhandle would be drinking black coffee.
Willie Geist: JLD, that is Joe’s real drink. It’s the equivalent of melting down a 7-layer chocolate cake and pouring it into a large cup. Just vile.
[Comment From Katherine] I’ve learned that girls named Katherine don’t get noticed.
[Comment From Katherine] What’s the deal with the Ambien remarks? Do Joe and Mika take it? I take it - and I don’t have to be in bed by 7:30 PM!
Willie Geist: I see you, Katherine. I see you. I believe Mika enjoys a hit of Ambien from time to time. Our set is like a Mexican pharmacy: whatever you want, no oversight.
[Comment From Thomas] Willie is the world going to end in 2012?
Willie Geist: Thomas: Yes. Just after President Palin is elected.
[Comment From Jeff] Willie, whats with Mike (Barnicle) and the shirt-tails? Really!
Willie Geist: Jeff: Mike Barnicle is a mess. His problems are so much more profound than an untucked shirt. We’re trying to tackle the big stuff without henpecking him about the small stuff.
[Comment From Donna] Willie who have you met via your career that you are most honored to have met?
Willie Geist: Donna: I meet people every day on the show who I have no business being in the same room with. Jack Welch is a perfect example. Hillary Clinton. Chevy Chase was an exciting one for me because I can recite his movies verbatim.
[Comment From Anthony] Blago or Palin: Who would you rather have a shot at interviewing if you could choose one?
Willie Geist: Anthony, I’d say Sarah Palin because, like it or not, she’s someone who still has to be taken seriously politically. I’d be happy just hanging out in Reno with Blago. No interview necessary.
[Comment From Donna] Willie, while on the set, you guys are so warm and open. Watching you daily tends to make us all feel as if we know you...do you ever fear that we are of bunch of psycho’s with NO lives? Do we SCARE you? LMAO! What is the weirdest fan encounter you have ever had?
Willie Geist: Not at all, Donna. We try to create the feeling that you are part of the conversation. That you’re just dropping in on breakfast with us. Some days you laugh with us, some days you yell at us. Just like real life. As for weird encounters, I had a person jog with me in New York for an extended period of time. I wasn’t fast enough to outrun him...
[Comment From Jill B] Willie, there was a news story this morning that suggested Nancy Pelosi was President Obama’s biggest problem and not the economy. How would you weigh in on that and why?
Willie Geist: Good question, Jill. The argument is that the stimulus bill has been hijacked by liberal Democrats who are gloating in their electoral victories. I think President Obama knows he has to wrestle the bill away from Rep. Pelosi somewhat to make it more palatable for the Senate. Not the time for endzone dancing.
[Comment From Jon in NYC] When you grow up will you change your name to Will Geist, just like Ricky Schroeder became Rick?
Willie Geist: Jon, that’s a pretty good idea. I went with Will for the first two months of college (I have the term papers to prove it) and it just doesn’t feel right. “Willie” may not be a fitting name for a grown man, but I’m sticking with it.
[Comment From Neko] Willie: How close are you to the Today Show? By that, I mean it seems guest that on the 7:00 houir of Today get to Morning Joe afterwards.
Willie Geist: Neko, the Today show is one of our biggest assets. We’ve gotten to the point now where we’re able to book the big-name guests, but when Today has someone we’re also interested in talking to, they never hesitate to share the wealth. We benefit from the power of their show.
[Comment From Anthony] Buchanan or Barnicle: Who would you rather be stuck on a deserted island with?
Willie Geist: Anthony, that’s just unfair. You’ve given me a veritable Sophie’s choice. I guess I’d say Barnicle because I wouldn’t feel guilty when the time came to feed him to the natives. Pat Buchanan is a national treasure who deserves a better fate than that.
[Comment From Thomas] Willie or Tucker: Who would win in a game of Chess?
Willie Geist: Thomas, I think Tucker would win. I’m better at games that don’t involve strategy or thought. I’d wipe the floor with Tucker in a game of Chutes and Ladders. I’m also pretty good at Card Sharks where you guess whether the next card will be higher or lower based on absolutely nothing.
[Comment From Katherine] Willie, have you given any thought to doing what Tucker did and going on Dancing with the Stars?
Willie Geist: Katherine, Dancing With The Stars has not called. I can assure you of one thing though: I would be MUCH better than Tucker. That’s a pretty low standard, I know.
[Comment From jamey] How much research do you do for the show? i’m assuming you have a staff of them...basically, are topics thrown to you or do you get to bring cards to the table yourself?
Willie Geist: Good question, Jamey. I do most of my research the night before. Reading everything I can get my hands on. When we come in, our GREAT staff (which gets here at midnight in some cases) has condensed everything into a group of stories that will drive our show. They edit the soundbites and video, they make graphics, and do the hard work that starts the conversation.
[Comment From Trish from RI] Willie Buy Mike B some brown or black socks PLEASE
Willie Geist: Trish, it’s a lost cause. Barnicle is about 2 weeks away from being in a home.
[Comment From Katherine] Has Dennis Miller ever graced the MJ show?
Willie Geist: We haven’t had Dennis Miller on the show, but I’d love to talk to him. I think he has a contract with Fox News. He’s on O’Reilly all the time. Funny guy.
[Comment From Thomas] Willie, How old is Mika? If this is a life or death question feel free not to answer.
Willie Geist: Mika is an ageless wonder, Mika. Why put numbers and labels on her?
[Comment From Jason Ellinger] Willie, go crash Joe and Mika's radio show.
Willie Geist: I hosted the radio show with Mika last week when Joe was out. Lots of fun. Just what the world needs: 2 more hours of us running our mouths.
[Comment From Chantal] Do you see my questions? Why not ship overseas, all the high paying jobs? if shipping middle class job overseas is good for capitalism, then it’s time to do the same for high paying jobs.
Willie Geist: Hey Chantal. Sorry, I can’t see the questions. I just work here. I detect a hint of sarcasm in your question. I would not be against putting some of these CEOs on a slow boat to China.
Chat moderator: Alright everyone, thanks for the comments, but the curtain needs to fall on this chat. Willie needs to run, so that’s it for today. Keep checking joe.msnbc.com for news of more Web chats!
Willie Geist: Thanks, guys!
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