How does NBC top ABC's gambit of bringing in former Today star Katie Couric to co-host Good Morning America this week? By having one of Couric's most storied interview subjects, Sarah Palin, guest host the Today show on Tuesday. After their infamous 2008 interview, in which Couric stumped the vice presidential nominee simply by asking what newspapers she reads, the irony of pitting the two against each other anew "is just too sweet," says Chris Ariens at MediaBistro. When Palin was asked how it feels to face off against Couric when Today's ratings dominance is vulnerable for the first time since the mid-'90s, Palin told Big Hollywood, "Game on." As rating stunts go, how does pitting Palin against Couric rank?
It's brilliant: We love watching a person seeking revenge, and in this case, Palin "may just best Katie at her own game," says Julie Ryan Evans at The Stir. We already know what to expect from Katie: "Bubbly, cute, smiley, personable." But Palin is undeniably "fascinating, smart, and engaging," and thus perfectly suited for Today. I bet more people will tune in to Today out of sheer intrigue.
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