Newsweek’s Julia Baird gives an in-depth look at Rachel Maddow‘s childhood, home life and MSNBC program in the upcoming issue of the magazine.

Baird visits the show, beginning at the afternoon staff meeting, on the day after Obama’s election, and describes Maddow’s work ethic. “She regularly works 16-hour days, only eating once she has finished,” she writes. “She often has just one large meal at 2 a.m., purchased from street vendors.”

Part of the piece focuses on how the program’s ratings success can continue in an Obama presidency. Maddow says she thought Barack Obama was “monotone, literally and figuratively,” after first interviewing him.

Even those that could be counted as critics, like David Frum, had compliments for the host, who described her as an “unusually thoughtful and intelligent person.”

Maddow appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien on Friday. Click continued to see the appearance…