• CHUCK TODD TO DO MOST THINGS FOR NBC NEWS: Whoa hey it’s press release day at your Wonkette! “NBC News announced today that Chuck Todd has been named Chief White House correspondent,” NBC News announced in a press release. He will remain NBC News Political Director and will also become a regular contributor to Meet The Press, with David Gregory, who used to be Chief White House correspondent. Chuck Todd, everyone! [Sigh]. We would pay millions of dollars just to watch Chuck Todd describe Lake County, Indiana precinct returns at midnight one more time.

• John Kerry is not funny. Neither is the situation in Iraq that Republican candidates are distancing themselves from. [WP, NYT]

• “Tuesday’s vote will deliver a referendum on six years of Bush’s leadership.” [WP]
• Network news anchors — The New Class, face their first prime-time national election coverage ratings battle. Brian, Katie, and Charlie will have support from master sensei Brokaw, Schieffer, and Stephanopoulos respectively. [WSJ]
• Republican leadership’s talking points received loud and clear by average Republicans: “The biggest thing that I’m afraid of is that the Democrats will take power. We’d see an increase in taxes and weaker national defense. Plus, there would be a redistribution of income. Big-time.” [WP]
• Hillary Clinton issued her “most comprehensive criticism” to date on all things Iraq. [NYT]
• The genius of Barack Obama laid bare: every campaign stop promotes his book, his chances in 2008, and the Democratic candidate he is ostensibly supporting. [NYT]
• Tommy Carcetti Martin O’Malley is trying to talk his way to Annapolis. [WP]
• It’s easy! Create your own vicious Campaign ad! [WSJ]

* Reliable Source: NBC flack on David Gregory: “Of course he was not drinking. Do you watch Imus? If so, you know how he jokes.” [WP]
* Cindy Adams: Bush “wears a thin, made-to-fit, barely noticeable mouth guard when biking.” [NYP]
* Lloyd Grove’s Lowdown: Tucker Carlson promises his week-long vacation is not the end of his MSNBC program; “Hardball” will be repeated in its place. [NYDN]