History of Chuck Todd in Timeline

Chuck Todd is an American television journalist known for his work at NBC News from 2007 to 2025. He is most recognized as the 12th moderator of NBC's Meet the Press and host of Meet the Press Now. Before these roles, Todd was NBC's Chief White House correspondent and hosted The Daily Rundown on MSNBC. Additionally, he served as NBC News' on-air political analyst for NBC Nightly News and Today, solidifying his presence in political news coverage.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 8, 1972: Chuck Todd Born

On April 8, 1972, Charles David Todd was born. He would later become a well-known television journalist and moderator of NBC's Meet the Press.

1990: Attends George Washington University

In 1990, Chuck Todd began attending George Washington University, where he majored in political science and minored in music.

1992: Joins The Hotline

In 1992, Chuck Todd began working for National Journal's The Hotline, marking an early step in his career in political reporting.

1992: Works on Harkin Presidential Campaign

In 1992, Chuck Todd worked for the presidential campaign of Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), gaining practical political experience.

1994: Leaves George Washington University

In 1994, Chuck Todd left George Washington University without earning a degree.

2006: Wife's Involvement in Jim Webb's Senate Campaign

In 2006, Kristian Denny Todd, Chuck Todd's wife, served as the spokesperson for Jim Webb's successful U.S. Senate campaign.

March 12, 2007: Leaves The Hotline

On March 12, 2007, Chuck Todd ended his time at National Journal's The Hotline, where he had served as editor-in-chief for six years.

March 2007: Becomes NBC News Political Director

In March 2007, Chuck Todd joined NBC News as political director, brought in by Tim Russert.

2007: Joins NBC News

In 2007, Chuck Todd joined NBC News, marking the start of his prominent career with the network.

June 2008: Candidate to Replace Tim Russert

After Tim Russert's death in June 2008, Chuck Todd was considered a candidate to replace him as host of NBC's Meet the Press, though David Gregory was eventually chosen.

August 2008: Profiled in Los Angeles Times

In August 2008, Chuck Todd was the focus of an article in the Los Angeles Times, which discussed his rise alongside the growing influence of cable news.

December 18, 2008: Named NBC News Chief White House Correspondent

On December 18, 2008, Chuck Todd succeeded David Gregory as NBC News Chief White House Correspondent, while also retaining his role as NBC News Political Director and becoming a Contributing Editor to Meet the Press.

2008: Co-authors "How Barack Obama Won"

In 2009, Chuck Todd co-authored, with Sheldon Gawiser, "How Barack Obama Won: A State-by-State Guide to the Historic 2008 Presidential Election."

July 6, 2009: Launch of Mediaite

On July 6, 2009, Dan Abrams launched Mediaite, a website that ranks media figures. Chuck Todd was ranked number five on the site as of October 2009.

October 2009: Ranked on Mediaite

As of October 2009, Chuck Todd ranked number five on Mediaite's list of most influential TV journalists.

2009: Co-authors "How Barack Obama Won"

In 2009, Chuck Todd co-authored, with Sheldon Gawiser, "How Barack Obama Won: A State-by-State Guide to the Historic 2008 Presidential Election."

January 11, 2010: Co-hosts The Daily Rundown

On January 11, 2010, Chuck Todd became co-host of The Daily Rundown on MSNBC, alongside Savannah Guthrie.

December 21, 2011: Reaches Number Two on Mediaite

As of December 21, 2011, Chuck Todd rose to number two on Mediaite's ranking of television journalists.

January 9, 2013: Falls on Mediaite Ranking

By January 9, 2013, Chuck Todd had fallen to number 90 on Mediaite's ranking of TV journalists.

August 14, 2014: Named Host of Meet the Press

On August 14, 2014, NBC announced that Chuck Todd would become the host of Meet the Press, starting September 7, 2014.

September 7, 2014: Begins Hosting Meet the Press

On September 7, 2014, Chuck Todd officially began his role as the host of Meet the Press.

2014: Publishes "The Stranger"

In 2014, Chuck Todd authored "The Stranger: Barack Obama in the White House."

July 23, 2015: Returns to MSNBC with MTP Daily

On July 23, 2015, MSNBC announced that Chuck Todd would return to the network with a daily political show called MTP Daily.

September 2016: Hosts Chuck Toddcast

Since September 2016, Chuck Todd has hosted the weekly Chuck Toddcast.

January 2017: Addressed Alternative Facts

In January 2017, Chuck Todd addressed "alternative facts" as lies.

January 22, 2017: Interviews Kellyanne Conway

On January 22, 2017, Chuck Todd interviewed Kellyanne Conway on Meet the Press about claims of under-reporting crowd size at President Trump's inauguration.

December 2019: Discusses Disinformation in Rolling Stone Interview

In December 2019, Chuck Todd discussed his views on disinformation in the media during the Trump administration in an interview with Rolling Stone.

2020: Moderates Democratic Presidential Debates

In 2019 and 2020, Chuck Todd, along with others, moderated the 2020 Democratic Party presidential debates. His moderation style received criticism.

June 4, 2023: Announces Departure from Meet the Press

On June 4, 2023, Chuck Todd announced that he would be stepping down as the moderator of Meet the Press later in the year, to be replaced by Kristen Welker, citing family reasons.

June 2023: Announcement of Replacement on Meet the Press

In June 2023, Chuck Todd announced that Kristen Welker would succeed him as the moderator of Meet the Press.

September 2023: Kristen Welker Became the Host of Meet the Press

On September 17, 2023, Kristen Welker officially took over as the host of Meet the Press, replacing Chuck Todd.

January 12, 2025: Semafor Reports on Todd's Plans to Exit NBC

On January 12, 2025, Semafor reported that Chuck Todd had been planning to leave NBC at the end of his contract.

January 2025: Announcement of Exit from NBCUniversal

In January 2025, Chuck Todd announced his departure from NBCUniversal to pursue other opportunities.

2025: Departure from NBC News

In 2025, Chuck Todd concluded his tenure at NBC News, which began in 2007, ending his role as moderator of Meet the Press and Chief Political Analyst for NBC News.