As a group, cable-television talk-show hosts are not exactly known for independent political analysis that

is free of partisan favoritism, but that is exactly what makes Joe Scarborough, 48, so refreshing — and so

important. Joe's approach to politics is the same as mine: call 'em like you see 'em, and even if people

don't agree with you on every issue — and they won't — they will respect you for being honest. They will

know you are not shilling for a party or an ideology. And they will do exactly what you would hope any

voter — and any viewer — would do: listen with an open mind and come to their own conclusions.

On every issue, Joe speaks his mind without fear or favor, because he puts his country before his party.

He served for seven years as a Republican Congressman from Florida, but he is a patriot before he is a

politician or a pundit. That independence is what makes Joe Scarborough such a valuable voice in

American politics. And it's what makes Morning Joe such a successful show. (That, and of course the

real star of the show, Mika Brzezinski.)