Chuck Todd, chief White House correspondent and political director for NBC News, visited George Washington University, his alma mater, this week to discuss 2012, but surprised the audience when he admitted he didn't actually graduate from "Gee-Dub." Other facts he revealed:
[See a collection of political cartoons on the economy.]
1. He feels some of the best candidates in the GOP didn't run this year, including former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.
2. Sets his alarm for 5:15 a.m. but usually wakes up earlier.
3. Isn't convinced the White House is run flawlessly. "The West Wing doesn't feel very well run," he says. "When you are dealing with 9 percent unemployment would any West Wing be quote, unquote run well?"
4. Tweets 10 to 25 times a day and uses Twitter both as a wire service and for news ideas he cannot get on television.
5. Defends MSNBC's left-leaning programs from 5 p.m. on, calling the time slot the "op-ed page."
6. Most wanted interview: Fidel Castro, but admits, "it's always Andrea's first."
7. Happy with his job. But if he could do anyone else's for a day, he'd do what Jon Stewart does, but without being a "jerk" about it. [Check out our editorial cartoons on President Obama.]
8. Was once reprimanded by the secretary of Health and Human Services during a press conference at the White House for sneezing into his hand instead of his elbow.
9. Got the phone call alerting him of Osama bin Laden's death while at home, watching 60 minutes, and halfway through a beer.
10. While at George Washington University, Todd recalls his best day was when he played a French horn recital with a community symphony as his accompaniment.
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Jay of CA 1:22PM December 01, 2011
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