The Rachel Maddow Show moved into the MSNBC sandbox playground Monday night and, as usual, was a breath of fresh air sandwiched between the two toughest lefties Countdown’s Keith Olbermann and Hardball’s Chris Matthews.

Rachel has been a hit on Air America Radio bringing gravitas and style to the otherwise ranting progressives (of which I am proudly a member). Her talking points and ability to go toe-to-toe intellectually to deflate any air bag are legendary. I still want to see her have a regular segment attacking in true debate style a member of the right… Alas they will be too scared to even try.

1st night there were a few jitters as she worked her way through my favourite segment; “Talk Me Down…” off the ceiling because that’s where I am at the moment looking at the sheer stupidity of what I have just seen and heard here.

Her insightful look into Palin’s pastor and modus operandi of intimidation and revenge was also quite good. But Rachel never lost her cool and I would love to see her go toe-to-toe if some of the McCain folks would let the likes of Sarah Palin and his staff off the ranch. Sadly, that won’t happen because she would easily eviscerate them.

Second night was better than first where she was a bit stiff and nervous.  Prediction, she will grow nicely into this new role and I still favour her as permanent replacement for Tim Russert on Meet the Press after the election. She’s got the smarts and the tenacity to do what Tim made look effortless.

Third night she seems to have hit her groove. She even went toe-to-toe with the right’s flack then had an entertaining exchange with Pat Buchanan on 3rd party candidates and made them look silly. She can punch her weight and the intellectual edge will be welcome to a campaign loaded with hypocrisy, hysteria and hyperbole… topics like Ms. Information and Just Enough, daring to go where no one else does.

Kudos also to Keith Olbermann for sharing your excellent Obama NBC interview scoop to help her settle in. Yes we know you discovered and promoted her since she was your regular substitute host and… well done in the ego department for helping a colleague in that way in what is a tough, cut-throat business.

A true rising star gets well deserved show and attention. Bravo.