More Praise for Rachel:The Los Angeles Times chimes in

Another stellar examination of what Maddites know already: Rachel is kicking some serious ass throughout the news industry. Our good friend Matea Gold over at the L.A. Times, who covered The Chuck's parallel meteoric rise in an article this past August, chronicles what happens when someone like Rachel uses brains and their power of personality for good.

The New York Times on Rachel:"what she doesn’t have is a worthy opponent"

A great article by Alessandra Stanley explores Rachel's unabashed liberalism, her great voice and how she's a welcome presence amongst "the channel’s aging, white male divas".

Culture 11 explores the Rachel Maddow phenomenon

One of our favorite writers, Cheryl Miller over at Culture 11 dives into all the buzz surrounding our girl Rachel here and here. Some of you may recognize Cheryl's byline; she did a great piece on Chuckolytes earlier this month.

Channel Changer: The American Prospect takes a look at Rachel

A fine article on Rachel from Sam Boyd over at the American Prospect

Rachel's ascension continues

Any Maddites catch the latest promo for the Friday Presidential Debates?

It's sort of the first public face on the whole brouhaha of Uncles Matthews and Olbermann getting kicked to the curb and David Gregory getting the reins. In the midst of this commercial, a funny thing was noticed. Halfway through the promo, there was the lousiest Photoshop job of all the MSNBC boys (Scarborough, Olbermann, Gregory and Matthews) and Rachel. The announcer said the night would be hosted by Gregory, but on this slate of all the boys, a certain young lady stood out from the pack - Our Rachel. Even though David Gregory was the official anchor for the upcoming night, there stood Rachel in front and perspectively bigger than Gregory in the center. In fact, Gregory looked a tad weasely in comparison with the other gentlemen who were ham-handedly cut and pasted into the montage.

She is the nicest and smartest juggernaut they will ever know - get out of her way boys.

Nice Job on Countdown Shuster

Hats off to you on filling in for Uncle Keith. There's something about this guy we like.

FREE VIVA RACHEL MADDOW RINGTONEDecision 08 Theme Music

Okay, we've really outdone ourselves on this one (right click - save link as).

We feel especially proud that we beat MSNBC to the punch, because we know all Chuckolytes and Maddites are going to install this pronto.

Morning Joe gives Rachel her props!

Governor Sarah Palin Vlog #13: MADDOW!

Okay, so the Viva Rachel Maddow staff members have been getting emailed left and right about this video. It's a zany send-up of Sarah Palin with a friend who reluctantly admits a longing for Rachel. It isn't Disney, so don't click if you're easily offended.

And now a word from our sponsor:New Cerebral Itch e-cards

Here's just a couple of the new political e-cards we've added.

Did you really think we'd sit by and let this whole McCain/Palin thing go by without popping off?

Last moment's pause

A truly "special" comment from Ms. Maddow.

Now that's more like it

Tonight's show was the show we tuned in to see last night. Snappy opening credits, a multitude of fresh guests and Rachel looking like she's been at this for years. We'll have more later, but until then, flood us with comments.

Well...?

Tonight's post is a two-fer. In our first poll we ask what you thought of this new show, it's format and overall representation of the Maddow brand. Take note of the "other" option; the gray box below that option is for you to write in exactly what you thought.

Well...? Part Deux

Our next poll has to do with what was your favorite segment. You had Ms. Information, a concise examination of topical facts. Talk Me Down, a self-professed opportunity for catharsis and reason. It's Pat, a segment with "Uncle Pat" Buchanan that takes it's title from the androgynous SNL character created by Julia Sweeney, causing all of us to chuckle knowing that if Buchanan knew the origin he would probably have a stroke. And lastly, Just enough. A obligatory pop-culture segment with her Air America sidekick, John Stevens, er, correction, Kent Jones.

Let us know which one was your favorite:

MSNBC online marketing steps up to the plate and we stand corrected

Just in time for Rachel's debut, MSNBC created an online presence that properly represented Rachel's place amongst the gentlemen that also have their own shows. Now the only thing missing is The Chuck and his own show...patience Chuckolytes, patience.

Wish Rachel your best

Wish Rachel all the luck in the world on her big night by leaving a comment on this post.

Break a leg Rachel, there's a lot of people rootin' for you.

Dr. Maddow's MIXOLOGY:The Perfect with a lemon twist

As all you Maddites prepare for the big night, we thought it only appropriate that we furnish you with an official libation to accompany your viewing pleasure of The Rachel Maddow Show. Allow us to present the very drink that Rachel and Susan enjoy at home:

The Perfect with a lemon twist

1.5oz sweet vermouth

1.5oz dry vermouth
lemon twist
over ice in a rocks glass

Also, we felt that a drinking game for the premiere episode of The Rachel Maddow Show was in order. Since we have no idea of the format or guest list, we're going to punt and go with every time Rachel is on the screen, raise your glass and cheer at the top of your lungs. Every time you get a glimpse of that damned sexy beauty mark on her neck, sip your libation of choice (preferably The Perfect). If she should happen to mention Viva Rachel Maddow, down a double shot of hard liquor, kiss the TV and run through your neighborhood naked, because that's sure as hell what we're going to do.

New Viva Rachel e-cards in honor of her big night

The folks over at Cerebral Itch fired up three new Rachel Maddow e-cards in honor of her big night. One is to keep your friends away while you enjoy the show in peace and another is an invite for a viewing party. The third is just an ode to smart girls...Rachel of course, being the queen.

They're free and made with the warm breath of puppies...enjoy.

Nothing like having the support of the MSNBC marketing department two days before your big night (or lack thereof)

So as the Viva Rachel Maddow staff was preparing the for the big night, we thought we'd zip over to MSNBC and snag the new show logo so we could put up an ad link on Viva Rachel Maddow and help the cause. Well, much to our surprise, as of today, there's still no presence for The Rachel Maddow Show anywhere on MSNBC. A couple of press releases and collateral mentions here and there, but otherwise, nada.

Now, we're sure there's nothing but chaos this weekend at MSNBC as preparations are being made, but c'mon - This is Rachel Maddow we're talking about here; someone with an online fanbase probably hovering around 95% and ready to do the viral marketing heavy lifting. Plus adding insult to brand injury: there's a nice little picture strip in the upper right-hand corner of the MSNBC page with David Gregory, Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann and Joe Scarborough. All fine gentlemen with their own shows, just like a certain young woman come Monday who'll be kicking ass and taking names. Let's get her picture up there!

The first taste of how our weeknights just got a whole lot better

Rachel Maddow stands up against facial hair tyranny and stands up for The Chuck's goatee

You know, there's a rush the Chuckolytes get when Rachel Maddow throws them some crossover love as she works The Chuck's goatee into the opening schtick of Countdown's Oddball segment.

Rachel on Gustav and the RNC

Courtesy of IFC news

Keith and Rachel on Sarah Palin