I take this responsibility so seriously, Welker said.
I am ready because you have helped me get ready, Chuck.
She credited Todd for bringing her to D.C. and teaching her just about everything I know about politics.
Kristen Welker and Chuck Todd on Todd’s final “Meet the Press"William B. Plowman/NBC News
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Todd asked Welker what her plans were for the show.
I want to approach this as a reporter, she said.
Thats who I am.
Thats who I always have been.
I have covered three administrations now the Obama administration, the Trump administration, the Biden administration.
Ive traveled all over the world with all of these presidents.
Welker starts on the show next week.
We are living in a world in which we are deeply divided as a country, Welker said.
I am going to be out on the trail.
Im going to be bringing their questions here to the moderators desk.
Its a huge responsibility.
Its one I take very seriously.
He also will serve as chief political analyst for the connection.
Kristen Welker will succeed Todd as moderator next week.
Todds final show featured California GovernorGavin Newsomand Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) as guests.
Todd noted that his sign off comes as both parties find themselves at a crossroads.
Many leaders in both parties desperately want to start looking toward the future, Todd said.
But as you know, both parties are stuck in the present, and voters are exhausted by it.
Todd has been moderator ofMeet the Pressfor nine years, having done more than 430 broadcasts.
Meet the Pressis the longest running show in TV history, having debuted in 1947.
Tim Russert had the longest tenure as moderator, at 17 years until his death in 2008.
