The San Francisco Chronicle's Joe Garofoli profiles Bay Area native, and new MSNBC show host, Rachel Maddow. Garofoli writes, "Armed with self-deprecating humor and a impressive intellect, Maddow is the newest marquee commentator on a network that finds itself in the middle of controversy about blurring the line between political commentary and straight reporting." But, he adds:

Maddow won't touch the turmoil, saying she doesn't follow media issues. She might be the only TV talk show host who doesn't own a television - she hasn't since she left her folks' house to attend Stanford University. "It's not like 'Oh, I am too righteous for television.' I have a constitutional weakness in which I am very easily distracted by flashing lights. If there is a TV on in the room, I can't have a conversation with you. I won't eat, I won't sleep, I'll just meld with my couch."

MSNBC is hoping the flashing lights at 9pmET will keep viewers melded to their couches. After the first two nights, Maddow is averaging 516,000 viewers in the A25-54 demo, good enough for second place ahead of Larry King Live's 474,000.

• Earlier: The TVNewser live chat with Rachel Maddow...