In a front page New York Times story Jim Rutenberg shapes a Sunday morning TV showdown into "a generational battle royal." In one corner Tim Russert gets an hour with Sen. Barack Obama. In the other, George Stephanopoulos interviews Sen. Hillary Clinton. The theme: fairness and competitiveness during this long, unending Democratic primary.

Mr. Russert is said by friends to respect Mr. Stephanopoulos without viewing him as his broadcasting equal. His network takes a similar view. "I don't really need to pay much attention to what's going on at any of our competition," said Steve Capus, president of NBC News.

Mr. Stephanopoulos has gained new credibility with high-profile interviews and aggressive bookings, typified by his lobbying of Mrs. Clinton for the interview after NBC News had announced that it would devote its program to Mr. Obama.

"I think he has proved himself to be the Sunday show heir," said Elizabeth Wilner, who has worked for both men at both networks. "If Tim decides to retire, he will be the dominant Sunday show host."

I'm thinking Chris Wallace might have something to say about that.

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