Viewers who tuned in to MSNBC’s election protection Tuesday wasted no time in mourning the departure of Steve Kornacki ― although most appeared to heat to the journalist’s substitute by the evening’s finish.
In April, it was introduced Kornacki ― whose poll-tracking prowess and lovably staid wardrobe made him an unlikely TV icon in recent times ― had signed with NBC because the community ready to separate from MSNBC.
Entering into Kornacki’s common position on Election Day was Ali Velshi, a Canadian-born journalist who has been with MSNBC ― set to rebrand as MS Now later this month ― for about 9 years.
Although some still expressed their sadness at Kornacki’s absence, the consensus amongst most who tuned in was refreshingly constructive.
“Election nights with Steve Kornacki are large khakis to fill, however Ali Velshi is doing a fantastic job!” one individual wrote on X, previously Twitter.
Added one other: “Oh, ali velshi on the large board ??!!! I can get behind that!”
Essentially the most resounding reward, nevertheless, got here from an X user who coined a nickname for Velshi’s apparel that rivaled Kornacki’s signature khaki trousers.
Noam Galai by way of Getty Photos
“At the moment, [Velshi] launched the….ALI VESTi as we’ve got retired the Kornacki Khakis,” she wrote.
In an interview with People revealed Wednesday, Velshi stated the feedback from viewers had been “a pleasant bonus” whereas emphasizing the “sensible” facet of sporting a vest whereas on-air.
“I’ve really appreciated vests for years, however they had been usually swimsuit vests worn underneath a jacket,” he stated. “I began folding them into my on-air rotation extra lately.”
He went on to notice: “A part of it’s sensible — studios run cool and a vest retains me heat and not using a cumbersome jacket. Principally, although, it’s a clear, tailor-made look that lets me transfer on the board with out bunching.”
Viewers who miss Kornacki can nonetheless catch him on the air, probing the numbers in polls, elections and sports activities, albeit solely on NBC.
Although taking up for a reporter who made People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” list and was dubbed the “crown jewel” of MSNBC’s election protection isn’t any straightforward process, Velshi stated, “It was an honor.”
“Steve set a really excessive bar, and stepping to the wall on election evening is equal components adrenaline and self-discipline — my job is to make a seemingly chaotic stream of numbers really feel coherent and helpful in actual time,” he told People. “I used to be happy with our group and grateful for a way shortly viewers embraced my a part of the protection.”
