Dan Abrams -- Smart move for MSNBC

MSNBC has made a bold move by appointing Dan Abrams chief honcho at MSNBC. Based on what I know, it's a smart move.

Dan and I have been friends for a dozen years. He'll probably be mad at me for saying this, but sometimes I'd give him career advice as we worked out at a gym in New York City (not that I'm wiser than him, just older).

Dan is incredibly smart and he's not tainted by the corporate network culture. He's not the kind of guy who believes in convention for the sake of it. MSNBC has some great talent -- Keith Olbermann, Allison Stewart and Chris Mathews for starters. They need someone with programming/business sense to package it all effectively.

Dan has a penchant for business stuff. I remember there was a time when he was thinking of opening up a wine shop in NYC. He really impressed me with an elaborate business and marketing plan -- wine, TV, whatever. it's all the same.

There's a great book out called Desperate Networks. The premise is that all these established network heads passed on the biggest hits out there, including 'Idol.' I think it's a great move to take someone fresh, who's smart and untainted and give him a shot.

I've got a good feeling about this move.