Chuck Todd ushered in a new era of “Meet the Press” on Sunday when he welcomed Kristen Welker as the show’s next host.
Todd, who took over hosting duties from David Gregory in 2014, said goodbye to the longest-running television show in the US after announcing his resignation as host in June.
“On my first day at Meet the Press, I was handed an audience survey of Sunday show viewers. And the main reason people said they tuned in wasn’t who the person behind the chair was or the guests. It was just about educating yourself,” Todd said in a farewell speech to the audience on Sunday.
“For nearly a decade, I have had the honor of helping explain America to America and Washington to America…And it is this piece of education that I will hold on to for the rest of my professional life.”
Todd handed anchor duties to Welker, who served as NBC News’ chief White House correspondent and co-hosted the weekend edition of the “Today” show.
You in particular moderated the second – and final – debate between then-President Donald Trump and future President Joe Biden before the 2020 election.
Welker, who is expected to be the 13th host since the show’s debut in 1947, showed her appreciation to Todd and told him how she plans to take the job.
“I want to approach this as a reporter. It’s me. I always have been,” said Welker, noting her coverage of the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations.
“I traveled all over the world with all of these presidents. And that’s what I really want to bring to the show every Sunday to make sure we’re giving our viewers the information they need.”
She further addressed the divisions in the country and emphasized that she needs to “keep her finger on the pulse of what’s important to voters.”
“I’ll be on the trail. I’ll bring your questions here to the moderator table,” Welker told Todd.
“And you’ve always said this: The moderator’s role is to bring Washington to the rest of America and vice versa. It’s a big responsibility. This is something I take very seriously.”
You can watch Todd’s farewell and his full interview with Welker in the clip below.