NBC has decided that Tim Russert will not becoming back from the dead, so Cardinal Brokaw has anointed David Gregory to assume the mantle of responsibility for Meet the Press. Brokaw’s “pal” died of something, I forget what, and the Inside-the-Beltway mob has been wringing their hands over who was going to take over the Sunday morning entertainment. But they still are paying high tribute to the High-Preist-of-Sunday Tim.

Gregory admits that he suckled at the teat of the great Tim Russert. He continues to suckle at Tom Brokaw’s.

I was somewhat sad that he didn’t cry when he mentioned his beautiful wife, the former Executive Vice-president and General Counsel for Fannie Mae. He choked up, (4 minutes into video) but not enough. David, If you’re going to talk on camera, you gotta learn to cry. Then again, is he too young to remember the movie Broadcast News? David Gregory/Tom Grunick – separated at birth?

Heads up, NBC Newser boss! Spontaneous crying can be the sign of TIA, the precursor to a stroke.

Favre got it. There is crying in football. There can be crying in Meet the Press.

(Annotated Video…)

1 Samuel 28: 13 – 14 – The king said to her, Be not afraid; what do you see? The woman said to Saul, I see a god [terrifying superhuman being] coming up out of the earth! He said to her, In what form is he? And she said, An old man comes up, covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and made obeisance.
The part of king was played by Tom Brokaw, the part of Saul was played by Brian Williams, the woman was played by Betsy and the Staff. Samuel was played by Tim Russert.

UPDATE: Move over Matt Lauer:

BC-APNewsAlert,0058

NEW YORK (AP) — NBC names named David Gregory as new host of “Today” program.

APTV 12-07-08 0953EST

12-07-2008 14:55UTC / (AT.ny-at.02a.am-nyny-inwcp01) /