Sarah Palin is going rogue and infiltrating the "lamestream" media.
The one-time Republican vice-presidential candidate and ex-governor of Alaska pops up tomorrow on NBC's "Today" (on WHDH, Ch. 7) as a guest cohost for the 8 a.m. hour.
When was the last time "Today" had a guest co-host -- outside its own ranks -- for the 8 a.m. hour?
You're not alone if you're feeling stumped.
It's just a sign of how frightened NBC is of ex-"Today" anchor Katie Couric, who returns -- this week only -- to guest-host ABC's "Good Mornng America."
And it's a sad turn for the peacock network. Its No. 1 morning show takes another lurch into infotainment territory.
Palin called into the show this morning, promising to talk up the issues affecting the nation, like energy.
Judging from the "Today" gang reaction, they're taking her stop a lot more lightly than she is.
"Are you reading some newspapers?" Matt Lauer joked, referring to her infamous 2008 gaffe in a Couric interview.
Vieira warned Palin, "Matt will deface your property, so don't bring anything of value. Ann (Curry) hits the limoncello on a pretty regular basis, and if Al (Roker) asks to let him 'show you his neck of the woods,' run."
Palin is expected to talk politics in one segment and then join "Today's" professionals panel of Star Jones, Donnie Deutsch and Dr. Nancy Synderman to debate hot-button issues.
If NBC really wanted some memorable TV, they'd book Palin to co-host the fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.
How soon would it be before they were all drinking wine out of a box?
NBC's panic to keep "Today" on top seems palpable. The network hyped the return of a "Today legend" with a big announcement: It turned out to be Meredith Vieira, who has signed on to cover the Olympics. We love Vieira as much as the next "Today" diehard, but calling her a legend is a disservice to "Today" chimp J. Fred Muggs.
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest is dropping by tomorrow with his own bulletin -- probably to confirm rumors that he is joining the show as a roving correspondent, his first step at rehabilitating himself as a more serious TV personality.
At this rate, the morning TV wars will claim us all as casualties.
