Hardball’s 10th Anniversary Party…
Yeas & Nays Patrick Gavin blogs about the Hardball 10th Anniversary Party…
In front of an audience that included such notables as Alan Greenspan, Rep. Patrick Kennedy and Sens. Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, and NBC/MSNBC brass including NBC Senior Vice President Phil Griffin, “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert, “Today” show executive producer Jim Bell, NBC News Specials Executive Producer Phil Alongi, “Meet the Press” Executive Producer Betsy Fischer, MSNBC Vice President Tammy Haddad, “Hardball” correspondent David Shuster and Vice President for MSNBC Prime-Time Programming Bill Wolff. Matthews began his remarks by declaring that he hoped to make some news and he certainly didn’t disappoint. After praising the drafters of the First Amendment for allowing him to make a living, he outlined what he said was the fundamental difference between the Bush and Clinton administrations.
The Clinton camp, he said, never put pressure on his bosses to silence him.
“Not so this crowd,” he added, explaining that Bush White House officials — especially those from Vice President Cheney’s office — called MSNBC brass to complain about the content of his show and attempted to influence its editorial content.
A blow below the belt. Finger pointing on a program’s 10th anniversary? Matthews could have thought of something better to present, regardless of how thick his liberal crowd was on this occasion, or, non-occasion. The problem is he has no highlights to present.
Comment by RGL — October 4, 2007 @ 11:20 pm
Interesting that he didn’t mention Media Matters… which frequently complains that he’s not liberal enough. Guess they’re not trying to “silence” him… I was unaware that “silencing” and “trying to get you to tell the truth” was the same thing. But maybe I’m just young and naive.
Comment by ImNotBlue — October 5, 2007 @ 12:22 am
Matthews would need to elaborate on that comment regarding the Vice President’s Office and other Bush officials…as ImNotBlue pointed out, this could have been a matter of accuracy, not how it came off as controlling the spin.
As for him thinking he came out victorious from his interview with Jon Stewart….he may have maintained his composure and a veneer of good humor, but otherwise the premise of his book was ripped apart. If the purpose was to sell his book, he was clearly the loser.
As for the upcoming CNBC debate….why do they need Matthews as a co-moderator? I’ve seen Maria Bartiromo a few times and in my judgement she can handle it on her own, especially since it is going to be focused on economic issues. I’d rather see wacky Jim Cramer.
Comment by FishOil — October 5, 2007 @ 2:54 am
Is the same Clinton family that threatened GQ about a bad story about good old Hill.?
Comment by Tom P — October 5, 2007 @ 7:22 am
You’ve all brought up excellent points in calling out Matthews on his very inaccurate statements. And I recall the ambush he did on Michelle Malkin - that was horrific! I was glad to see Jon Stewart eviscerte him and his book the other night - couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy!
Comment by Missy — October 5, 2007 @ 11:03 am
Well, I’m back on track. I tried to give Chrissy a break after the terrific beating he got from Jon Stewart.
But I am breathing normally again, back on track, and will continue to shine a light on the antics of this jerk. No more Miss Nice Guy for me.
And great point, TomP!
Comment by Cella — October 5, 2007 @ 11:10 am