Bowing to pressure from liberal blogs, feminist groups and upper management, MSNBC’s Chris Matthews spent the first five minutes of Thursday night’s "Hardball" personally apologizing to Hillary Clinton for insinuating that she owed her political success to sympathy derived from having endured Bill Clinton’s unfaithfulness. At the top of the show Matthews begged for forgiveness:
Some people I respect, politically concerned people like you who watch this show so faithfully every night, people who care about this country think I've been disrespectful for Hillary Clinton, not as a candidate, but as a woman....Was it fair to imply that Hillary's whole career depending on being a victim of an unfaithful husband? No. And that's what it sounded like I was saying. And it hurt people I'd like to think normally like what I say, in fact, normally like me.
The following is Matthews’s full mea culpa to the liberal former First Lady as it occurred on the January 17, "Hardball" (video at right):
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Good evening, I'm Chris Matthews, welcome to "Hardball." Well, we're in a time of a lot of frustration in this country, Iraq, of course, the lack of health care for people that work every day. Gas prices going up, the weakening economy that scares us every day. And I come on here every night and try to wrestle with these frustrations and also the changes in our country. We might soon have the first woman president. The first African-American president or a man older than we've ever elected before. And, of course, we always treat things here with hope, Our uniquely American hope that we can actually make things better. That we can make the greatest of country, not only survive, but as William Faulkner once said, "prevail."
In the midst of talking about this, almost always without a script and almost always on tricky subjects of gender and race and right and left and what's in our country's interest and who I think is telling the truth and who I think isn't, I know I'm dealing with sensitive feelings. I've accepted all of this as part of the business I have chosen. This program, I am proud to say is tough, fearless, and, yes, blunt. I want people to react when I say something. I don't like saying things so carefully and so politically correctly that no one thinks they've even said anything.
What I've always counted in all the wild, speeded-up conversations on "Hardball" and elsewhere on television, is my good heart. I've always felt that no matter how tough I got, how direct, how provocative, how purposely provocative, people out there watching would know I was not out against them, that it was them I was rooting for. That while, that while I was tough on individuals who sought to lead the country, I was not against the hopes we all have for a fair shake.
In fact, a better deal for people who have been held back before we came along. Some people I respect, politically concerned people like you who watch this show so faithfully every night, people who care about this country think I've been disrespectful for Hillary Clinton, not as a candidate, but as a woman. They point to something I said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" the morning after the New Hampshire primary, that her election to the U.S. Senate and all that's come since was a result of her toughness, but also the sympathy for her because, her husband embarrassed her by the conduct that led to his impeachment because he, in the words I used "messed around."
The truth, of course, is smarter, finer, larger than that. Yes, Hillary Clinton won tremendous respect from the country for the way she handled the difficult months in 1998. Her public approval numbers spiked from the mid-40s up to the 70s in one poll I looked at. Why? Because she stuck to her duty. She performed strongly as First Lady. She did such a whale of a job campaigning for Senate candidates, especially Chuck Schumer of New York, that she was urged to run for a Senate seat there herself. She might have well have gotten that far by another route and through different circumstances, but this is how it happened.
The rest is history. How Hillary went up to New York, listened to people's concerns and beat the odds as well as the Republicans to become a well respected member of the U.S. Senate.
So did I say it right? Was it fair to say that Hillary Clinton, like any great politician took advantage of a crisis to prove herself? Was her conduct in 1998 a key to starting her independent electoral career the following year? Yes. Was it fair to imply that Hillary's whole career depending on being a victim of an unfaithful husband? No. And that's what it sounded like I was saying. And it hurt people I'd like to think normally like what I say, in fact, normally like me. As I said, I rely on my heart to guide me in the heated, fast-paced talk we have here on "Hardball." A heart that bears only goodwill toward people trying to make it out there, especially those who haven't before. If my heart has not always controlled my words, on those occasions when I have not taken the time to say things right or have simply said the inappropriate thing, I'll try to be clearer, smarter, more obviously in support of the right of women, of all people, the full equality and respect for their ambitions. So I get it.
On the particular point, if I'd said it the only reason John McCain has come so far is that he got shot down over North Vietnamese, North Vietnam and captured by the enemy, I'd be brutally ignoring the courage and guts he showed in bearing up under his captivity. Saying that Senator Clinton got where she got, simply because her husband did what he did to her is just as callous, and I can see now it comes across just as nasty, worse yet, just as dismissive.
Finally, as if anyone doesn't know this, I love politics. I love politicians. I like and respect people with the guts to put their name, their very being out there for public approval so that they can lead our country. And that goes for Hillary and Barack and John and all the rest who are willing to fight to take on the toughest job in the world. So, let's get on with the show. Whoa.
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—Geoffrey Dickens is the senior news analyst at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Uh, Chris, that's what it
January 17, 2008 - 19:41 ET by motherbeltthe reason she's a U.S. senator, the reason she's a candidate for president, the reason she may be a front-runner is her husband messed around." -Chris Matthews, Jan. 8, 2008
Was it fair to imply that Hillary's whole career depending on being a victim of an unfaithful husband? No. And that's what it sounded like I was saying. -Chris Matthews Jan. 17, 2008
Uh, Chris, that's what it sounded like you were saying, because that's what you said!
Good grief. Is he claiming he took himself "out of context?"
That sounds like one of Olbermann's "Special Comments"! And in that entire soliloquy, I don't think he actually apologizes to Mrs. Clinton. He talked about "some people I respect" that were upset, and it hurt people I'd like to think normally like what I say. It sounds to me like he apologized to everyone who was offended on her behalf, but not to her.
"took himself out of
January 17, 2008 - 20:09 ET by Jack BauerHa. Funny!
Time to change the name of the show
January 17, 2008 - 19:17 ET by c5thenTo "Noballs".
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Priceless
January 17, 2008 - 21:38 ET by stratmanPriceless
Chris Matthews - Political Weatherman
January 17, 2008 - 19:28 ET by Intellectual HonestyThis is the equivalant of the NYT writing an article and then posting corrections a few days later. The agenda was achieved but pressure was applied and, wala, a correction.
One Question
January 17, 2008 - 19:31 ET by BourbeauWhen has Chris Matthews ever come close to apologizing to the President of the United States for disparaging comments he has made of him? It seems to me it's not his viewers who got to Chrissy boy, it's Hillary and Bill's surrogates getting on his case.
Contrast
January 17, 2008 - 20:50 ET by KC MulvilleSince Matthews has surely received a ton of blowback over the years about his disdain for this president and conservatives in general, and yet has never felt the need to apologize, one wonders what was different in this case?
Matthews knows his audience. Matthews doesn't care about the right. Why should he? He doesn't get penalized for insulting them. NBC pays this guy. He says what they want him to say. What does it say about NBC when they get Matthews to apologize only when he makes a comment about the left? What audience does NBC want to reach, and not offend?
Exactly right.
January 17, 2008 - 21:13 ET by kgExactly right. Camp Clinton went to Chris and asked him how much he valued his job and if he didn't toe the line he wouldn't be working again.
Protest
January 17, 2008 - 19:34 ET by capavThe National Women's Political Caucus was planning a protest outside of his studio today at 4 in Washington. What other groups would like to organize?
Oh good grief. This is a
January 17, 2008 - 19:56 ET by motherbeltOh good grief. This is a woman who wants to be the leader of the free world, and a bunch of whiny women think she can't take a little insult from Chris Matthews without them rushing to her aid?
What the hell would they do if she were elected and Ahmedihejad said he won't deal with a woman...fly to Tehran to protest?
They need to get a grip, for crying out loud.
Oh, yeah, ladies. Way to make women look weak and pathetic.
Who does this guy think he
January 17, 2008 - 19:49 ET by Jack BauerWho does this guy think he is, grovelling like that?
Don Imus?
Geoff
January 17, 2008 - 19:52 ET by Noel SheppardG,
This is actually one of the scariest "retractions" I've ever seen, and should scare the heck out of all right-thinking Americans.
Let's break this down, shall we?
Yikes. This is supposed to be a journalist. Should he be concerned about folks knowing that he was against them? Should he actually be rooting for anyone? Hasn't Chris come right out and admitted -- for all to see -- that he's not a journalist, but is, indeed, the advocate we on the right have been accusing him of being for years?
Thanks for finally admitting this, Chris! But, there's more:
So, Chris, is your raison d'etre to be liked, or to report the news? Please tell the class, for if this is indeed a popularity contest for you, maybe you should resign, for you surely shouldn't be anyone America trusts. But there's more:
Excuse me? Is it your job as a journalist to always look at things exclusively from the perspective of the "right of women?" They only represent 50 percent of the population. Are their rights more important than the other 50 percent? Are you kidding, Chris?
The only question American's should be asking themselves about this performance is: What did these folks threaten Matthews with to force him to prostrate himself in front of his audience this way?
That asked, I sincerely hope that Chris can figure out a way to look at himself in the mirror while he's shaving tomorrow morning, for he's got to be wondering how much of his dignity and soul are left, and whether he got enough blood-money for them in this transaction!!! ns
Way to go Noel! Terrific
January 17, 2008 - 19:57 ET by motherbeltWay to go Noel! Terrific "fisking" of Matthews' "apology."
I thought a lot of it was weird, but I was more focused on the "non-apology" aspect of it.
You nailed him. And it was "delicious."
It reads like a
January 17, 2008 - 20:05 ET by Jack BauerIt reads like a parody.
JB
January 17, 2008 - 20:12 ET by Noel SheppardJack,
Except it's not funny. This is some pretty serious stuff. Honestly, I really am concerned by this. Somebody got to Chris -- and it's NOT Media Matters.
I want to see the videotape of this. If it views as it reads, this is serious, and very concerning. You disagree? ns
ns -- absolutely agree.
January 17, 2008 - 20:27 ET by Jack Bauerns -- absolutely agree.
It's a disgusting exercise in obsequious abasement worthy of Dickens's Uriah Heep, or the shop-owner in Pretty Woman.
You do have to wonder what has someone got on him? And who. Sounds like he has lost his mind.
Noel, you are right it is
January 17, 2008 - 20:30 ET by DaBirdNoel, you are right it is scary. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLIasbt_0xE
Chris Matthews is scared.
January 17, 2008 - 21:00 ET by R D HelmDaBird,
I just watched that video twice. The first time I did so visually, the second time aurally. I have not really watched his show in some time, and I am a long way from a voice stress expert, but I thought I detected a little fear in his voice-particularly at the end, with that decidedly pronounced audible gesture of relief. I have never seen him cave in like this.
I agree with what has been posted previously. Somebody got to this guy, and the threat, whatever it was, was far beyond just posting nasty comments about him at Media Matters. He sounded a little scared to me.
It looks as though Broom Hilda'a goblins really went after him, as his rant sounded, in part, like a campaign commercial for Hillary herself.
Perhaps his comments that prompted this "apology" may have hit a little too close to home for some of her more rabid supporters.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
memories
January 17, 2008 - 21:09 ET by FAQsI remember back in the 1990's when a journalist apologized to Bill Clinton for breaking the news of one of his scandals. At the time I thought something about it just wasn't right. A quick search reveals I'm probably thinking of the journalist who sparked the Paula Jones scandal. Here is an article: http://www.highbeam....
If you know anything about
January 17, 2008 - 21:13 ET by obxrayIf you know anything about body laguage, this guy is very nervous.No doubt someone got to him.
The only question
January 17, 2008 - 20:16 ET by HypocriteHaterThe only question American's should be asking themselves about this performance is: What did these folks threaten Matthews with to force him to prostrate himself in front of his audience this way?
No kidding, my thoughts exactly! Was it a horse's head in the bed a la godfather, or did thoughts of Vince Foster's last days flash before him?
Don't stray from the liberal plantation, Chris. You can't come back, if you do!
Hardball with a mushy core.
January 17, 2008 - 19:56 ET by zhombreHardball with a mushy core. Olberman would never apologize.
“I've always felt that no
January 17, 2008 - 19:58 ET by hydrodynDM“I've always felt that no matter how tough I got…, people out there watching would know I was not out against them, that it was them I was rooting for.”
Well, Mr. Matthews, since I’m not feeling “frustration” over Iraq or the lack of “health care for people that work every day”, the economy doesn’t scare me on a daily basis and I don’t really care if our next president is a women or black or whatever since I’m more concerned about our next president being the right person for the job, I guess I’m not one of the people you're rooting for.
Darn.
Sounds like somebody in
January 17, 2008 - 20:08 ET by drillanwrSounds like somebody in Sister Mary Hillary's Clinton Crime Machine wacked Mr. Matthews on the pud with a ruler, eh?
matthew's blather
January 17, 2008 - 20:18 ET by jaywlAt the end of the spiel he seems to include only the Dems, by first name, among his heroes, with an afterthought of sort to any "others". "I like and respect people with the guts to put their name, their very being out there for public approval so that they can lead our country.
And that goes for Hillary and Barack and John and all the rest who are
willing to fight to take on the toughest job in the world." I don't these guys even try to be unbiased anymore.
Matthews approached
January 17, 2008 - 20:54 ET by WesenMatthews opened the door and carefully approached the Dais where her Eminence was seated. She held out her hand and Chris pulled it carefully to his lips kissing it in a way that would have pleased Chirac. As he tried to speak he found that he had wet himself but it was an appropriate expression of self loathing. The Agents who carried her bags pulled him away but he found the strength to say "Viva la Clinton."
Drudge picks up NB/Matthews grovel
January 17, 2008 - 20:57 ET by Jack BauerCongratulations. You made DRUDGE!
Awww, that's so sweet.
January 17, 2008 - 20:56 ET by BlazerAwww, that's so sweet. Chrissy apologizes to Hillary so as to not lose his only two viewer's, Markos and his boss Keith .
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Does that picture say it all
January 17, 2008 - 20:58 ET by obxrayDoes that picture say it all or what.OMG I swear that picture looks like mommy is making him apologize,lol ha ha ha....thats sooo funny.
Looks as if they injected
January 17, 2008 - 21:30 ET by drillanwrLooks as if they injected Botox into his eyeballs.
"Nowwww, stay still, Chris ... I'll just be a quick pinch ... Can't have you doing your usual scowl during your grovel to Das Komisar ..."
Hillary is toast and Matthews is serving cheesy desserts
January 17, 2008 - 21:40 ET by Lame CherryOK what is Chris Matthews really up to? After all the garbage he has spewed at numerous victims and willing shrews like Hamrod Clinton........we are to believe that Chris Matthews has Grinch heart grown 10 sizes plus 2.
Sorry don't buy it Chris Matthews as you don't do anything without a hatchet in the back of the head reason like Jack the Ripper.
So, you have Hillary now tied with BH Obama and Obie Wanna Kanalmost Win the Star Wars of the democratic American Idol Dance........but you can't have that now Chris can you as though you tell people you drool over Obama, we all know you hate those minorities and would never work for them........which brings us to the real reason for your spitting at Obama by appearing nice to Hillary.
Those panty hose nags are really in nylon twister knots over you beasting Hamrom.....which you really don't give a rip about Chris, but you do give a rip about being the el beloved not of that pithy Sucker Ball you host but we have to keep the skirts happy in the Senate when you audition for White House Press Secretary.
My my my just think poor Chris up there for nomination and old Hillary Hamrod and the girls of Boxer, the McTruck and Feinstein all ripping your testicles off and nailing them to the wall.
How humiliating that would be after Olberman seems to be getting Brain Williams jobs and you would not be in the White House serving Al Gore with John Edwards his other flunky plant in this.
Chris Matthews you remind me of Castro and Saddam.........you torture the hell out of people and then feign concern over what you have done as your tingler gets stiff like a porn addict over this month's centerfold.
You only perform Chris when on the prowl.
I will bet Chris Matthews just like Reggie Jackson talking to the New York press grinned afterwards in your performance and said to yourself like he did, "I know the sh*t to spread and man these suckers all eat it up."
Nobody believe you Chris........and you may have helped ruin Hillary, but it is certain those dried up old shrews will not forget.......and even old Mo Dowd who hates Hillary for taking her married man from her in effigy like all liberal nags do........she will be after you too.
Ain't no winning with a liberal herd Matthews. A woman's scorn only grows and they will get you no matter how much you suck up.
You deserve it though bud.........and I kind of hope Michele Malkin has a perfect God given heel to remind you of how that Conservative got ambushed by you..............Ann Coulter will probably just laugh and drink a beer.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
I do love the whole
January 17, 2008 - 22:09 ET by drillanwrI do love the whole Matthews apology thangs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ0GONn7s54
I took this backtracking by
January 17, 2008 - 22:14 ET by stratmanI took this backtracking by Chrissy as a mea culpa to retain his viewers and sponsorship, ie to retain his job.
Matthews has fewer viewers compared to his colleagues. This usually translates to lower advertising revenue, which ultimately drives corporate decisions concerning retainership of the "talent". I believe Matthews had the fear of being fired due to noise from viewers, sponsors and/or executives sympathetic to the Clinton's.
And it is interesting that Chrissy, while probably wetting his knickers over this, did not apologize to Hillary herself. In fact, he never apologized to anyone at all. Never once did he utter the usual gramatical vehicles customary to an apology: Sorry, Wrong, Error, Apology (or any form of the word), Mistake.
Deciding what sort of Fatwa Hillbillary proclaimed may never be known. What one can be sure is that MSNBC will fire Matthews if advertising revenues dip too much. That is something the "nutroots" can precipitate.
Based on what Matthews did say, I don't believe he thinks he was wrong, just that he was trapped and had to make amends or else end up as Dan Rather, Junior.
What happened with Matthews is the logical conclusion to the unfettered and emboldened behaviour of Liberals. Eventually they will smack their heads against the invisible wall, learn the new frontier's boundaries and then continue to march towards their Socialist spider hole utopia.
All in all, I've seen more cogent responses from a Roomba.
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
I agree with that
January 18, 2008 - 12:28 ET by lotrI agree with that assessment. I would also venture that he was suffering excommunication from his chic liberal social circles.
I agree. Peer pressure
January 18, 2008 - 14:26 ET by stratmanI agree. Peer pressure was a major factor in Matthews' long winded response.
For someone that spoke a great number of words, Matthews hardly said anything of merit.
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
It was indeed a long-winded
January 18, 2008 - 17:05 ET by lotrIt was indeed a long-winded response, if it was anything. It was pathetic, actually.
Yeah, he looked like a
January 18, 2008 - 17:36 ET by fitzfongYeah, he looked like a hostage with a prepared statement. Did anyone notice if he was blinking in morse code?
Yes. It said "I'm and
January 18, 2008 - 22:19 ET by stratmanYes. It said "I'm an asshat".
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
That's what I thought he
January 19, 2008 - 14:40 ET by fitzfongThat's what I thought he said. Thanks.
Matthews Movie mogul
January 17, 2008 - 22:16 ET by hal50Matthews loves his movie analogies...well I got one...the Clintons just stuck Chrissy in the fishing boat with Fredo..
I wonder if he will apologize to McCain for the MSNBC laugh riot at his expense after his victory speech in NH. Somehow, I don't think Olby will allow that!
Did he apologize to Zell Miller
January 17, 2008 - 22:26 ET by upcountrywaterduel
Scard he'd end up like Ron Brown, or 90 other dead clinton "friends"
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
Did he apologize to Zell Miller
January 17, 2008 - 22:43 ET by upcountrywaterduel
Scard he'd end up like Ron Brown, or 90 other dead clinton "friends"
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
Did he apologize to Zell Miller
January 17, 2008 - 22:45 ET by upcountrywaterduel
Scard he'd end up like Ron Brown, or 90 other dead clinton "friends"
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
What a horrible
January 17, 2008 - 22:49 ET by mostlymoderateWhat a horrible pussy-wimp!!! My god, is this what we have to look forward to with a woman as President? Will we have to walk around on egg-shells as to not "hurt any feelings"? Is this true for Obama too? Because he is black?
My god people. This year: VOTE!!
Count on it.
January 18, 2008 - 12:21 ET by lotrCount on it.
What a horrible
January 19, 2008 - 00:29 ET by mostlymoderatedouble post
What a weenie Matthews has
January 18, 2008 - 08:19 ET by msh1973What a weenie Matthews has become. He sounds completely pathetic in his attempt to suck up to the Clinton's. BTW, when was the last time anyone in the msm apologized to a Republican for saying something hateful? Never!
I heard this yesterday and
January 18, 2008 - 12:24 ET by bigtimerI heard this yesterday and my first words were... oh just great the Media Matters/Soros/Clinton front got to the bosses at msnbc/nbc...
I still think that and believe Matthews has to be furious inside...too bad, so sad, couldn't happen to a better guy, well with the exception of Ubermann/Abrams and their ilk.
I just love watching the left devour each other, it just keeps getting better and better with each passing day...and to think we have ten more months of this until the election...heheheee
Isn't what Matthews said
January 18, 2008 - 12:45 ET by Red JeepIsn't what Matthews said basically a non-apology, apology?
Hey Chrissy
January 18, 2008 - 12:47 ET by Tom PaineA "gaffe" occurs when someone inadvertently blurts out the truth…
typical liberal man!!
January 18, 2008 - 12:49 ET by charlietexasRush is right, its the feminization of our culture and our
men. Chris was right about the ONLY reason Hillary got her job
was she was cheated on by Billy. And he took it back, typical
liberal man. He got yelled at by a bunch of screaming
meme's. They put his b*ll's in a vice and squeezed till he yelled
UNCLE.
Chrissy is a p**sy.
right wing MOM in Texas and I love men!!
Clinton's Sock Puppet
January 18, 2008 - 14:40 ET by fitzfongHey, Chrissy. Do you enjoy having Slick Willie's hand up your a** and having him use that hand to control what you think and what you say? Apparently so.
Ker-plunk --
January 18, 2008 - 22:27 ET by dervishanother deposit into Hillary's lockbox.
(Making the large assumption that he had anything to deposit, of course.)