I see a lot of criticism for Chris Matthews around here...
I must say, I have to disagree. I have watched Chris for 6 years now - he has been my main window into the machinations of politics on matters great and small. In my opinion, his talent is not only in getting people to say what they don't want to say, or ask the tough questions - his talent is in his "love of the game" and there's no one else of his caliber on that score. I frequently don't agree with him; but I have always respected him.
I love Keith. I LOVE Rachel. Chuck Todd does yeoman's duty. Michelle Bernard is getting slicker by the day. I'm totally on board with David Schuster, and there are times when Dan Abrams and Contessa Brewer are entertaining... but for me, Matthews is the elder statesman.
I said something tonight in a diary, and Robertacker13 gave me the suggestion to write Hardball, and then MSNBC, about Chris. Here it is, for what it's worth.
To Chris at Hardball:
I am so inspired by your passion, and your point of view, of the political "game" - as well as the ability to tell the talking point from the REAL. And you're right - tonight was real.
As this sinks in, I will be contemplating just how completely Obama rose to the challenge of history; but it was you, tonight, before the speech - who reminded me just how Obama earned every inch of his way to here. As a woman, I related as I watched Obama have to work twice as hard to earn what others thought was their inherent right. Our country is lucky to have the opportunity to be represented by Obama, and we are proud. As I believe you said some time ago, at the beginning of the primary (Iowa, perhaps?) the symbol of Obama is a notion of America progressing into the future.
I think I share the intensity of your passion of the machinations of politics in general; and also appreciate the depth of what politics really is. It's what we believe, at our core, about ourselves and each other, and how we desire to live as a society.
Thanks so much, Chris. And although I enjoy your guests from both sides of the aisle, if you decide to interview some asshole like Tom DeLay tomorrow night, I'm afraid I'll have to take it all back. As you would say - Ha!
Thank you so much, again.
Regards,
"jj24"