Russert: I'll go on Imus' show ... if NBC doesn't say no

Last April, as Don Imus's career seemed to be going down in flames, his high-powered friends suddenly fell mute. But Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, from Imus's home port of WFAN Radio, had his back. Russo went on the air and named names that should go into the "Imus Hall of Shame" because they had profited immensely from hours of free air time to plug their books on "Imus in the Morning," yet refused to defend him in his time of need.

Number one on his list: "Meet the Press" moderator Tim Russert.

This month "Meet the Press" is marking 60 years on television. I spoke with Russert on Wednesday about that, and in the process I asked him about the return of the I-man to Citadel Broadcasting Dec. 3 (with a simulcast on RFD-TV). Would Russert go on the show if asked?

Listen to Russert's reply (MP3)

There was a follow-up question that should've been asked here, and I didn't ask it. I guess that's why Tim Russert makes the big bucks and I don't. (In my defense, Russert called about three hours before I was expecting him to.)