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MSNBC Gives Lefty Maddow Prime-Time Slot

She will replace longtime host Abrams, following Olbermann

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Aug 19, 2008 10:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – MSNBC is honing its left-leaning lineup in the “final leg” of the presidential election, swapping longtime host Dan Abrams for the more overtly partisan Rachel Maddow in its 9pm time slot. The switch has been long expected, reports the New York Times. Network execs see Maddow as a better fit with popular lefty host Keith Olbermann, whose show airs at 8. Maddow begins her full-time gig on Sept. 8, after the political conventions.

Abrams, a former MSNBC general manager, will remain with the network after his last show airs on Thursday. He’ll also keep his spot as NBC chief legal correspondent. MSNBC has pushed its branding as a major liberal news source in this election, a sort of alternative to Fox, and Abrams agrees that putting Maddox in the spotlight right now is “the right call.”

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Rachel Maddow will take over MSNBC's 9 p.m. slot on Sept. 8. (NBC)

Rachel Maddow's addition to the MSNBC evening lineup is viewed as a complement to host Keith Olbermann's liberal leanings. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, file)

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MSNBC Gives Lefty Maddow Prime-Time Slot