Matthews Calls Clinton Press Shop "Lousy," "Kneecappers"

Chris Matthews fired a salvo at the Clinton campaign this morning after both he and his MSNBC colleague were privately and publicly rebuked for recent comments deemed misogynistic or inappropriate.

Appearing on MSNBC's Morning Joe, the Hardball host went off on the Clinton press shop, calling them "knee cappers" who were "lousy" and delve in the business of "intimidation."

"What she has to do is get rid of the kneecapers that work for her, these press people whose main job seems to be punishing Obama or going after the press, to building a positive case for her," said Matthews. "Her campaign slogan right now is don't get your hopes up. That won't work in America. You can't diminish Obama and hope that you will rise from the ashes."

Asked why he believed Clinton had gone negative, Matthews again struck an antagonistic chord about the campaign's media operation.

"The kneecapping hasn't worked. Her press relations are lousy," he said. "If all you do is intimidate and punish and claim you'll get even relentlessly, people of all kinds of politicians -- and in all fairness, the press -- human reaction to intimidation is screw you. That's the human reaction. Don't tell me what to say, and that has been their whole policy. We're going to win this thing. Get out of the way."

Animosity between the Clinton campaign and MSNBC has been intense and well documented. Last week, for the first time, it bubbled to the surface, when the Clintons pressed for correspondent David Shuster to be suspended (and, perhaps, fired) for claiming that they had "pimped out" Chelsea Clinton to help secure the support of super delegates. Schuster offered an on-air apology and has since been suspended by the network.

Matthews, himself, was long thought to be at the center of the Clintons' ire, for critical coverage and remarks that attributed the senator's success to her husband's infidelities. And indeed, yesterday, Talking Points Memo's Greg Sargent reported that "Hillary's advisers" have "repeatedly taken their grievance with Matthews directly to the network."

Comments

[Harrier]

Between Clinton and Obama, I personally believe that Hillary has poorly run her campaign. I say this because she let Obama go after her strongest gift givers for fund raising and did nothing about it. It was an arrogant move that let Obama slowly add to his war chest and not only build a campaign, but put together a strong team and gain further inroads and more funding sources. So much so that now Obama is pulling in significantly nore funding than her.

The politics of soft and hard money has completely changed since her husband was in office. She has also miscalculated that. A pretty serious mistake and shows as a leader she is being outsmarted, not by a person that necessarily has a better policy, frankly see no difference between the two. But she is seeing a younger, less experienced person by far, hiring better strategist to tap her own funding streams before she can get to them and get the message out. He is building and working his team the old fashion way and pulling the levels-at least that is what the public is seeing.

On the other side of the coin, Hillary is showing her husband is openly playing the race card-that alone has lost her virtually all the black vote; they are seeing Clinton fine with Casino owners and workers until they flip and side with Obama-suddenly she want the voting rules changed-wasn't a problem when they were supporting her; and there also her effort to try to add Florida and Michigan. It's an image that to me at least appears to reflect an effort not simply to maximize delegate potential, but more openly show you would rather pimp ethics and kneecap others at any cost.

There is no reason why she should not have been able to beat Obama on issues, her experience and ability to work with people and get things done. She worked hard and accomplished a lot as a senator, but nothing of it has been mentioned of her campaign.

[monique]

I agree that Hillary should win this on the issues and policies, that she outshines Obama on experience, hard work, and accomplishments.

But I disagree with you as to why she finds herself in this uphill battle. From the beginning, the press has treated Obama with kid gloves. Yet they have gone after the Clinton camp, pouncing on their every word or move. The press has misused their power and influence, and are affecting the outcome of this race. It is unethical.

Chris Matthews is the NO. 1 example. He has gone off of the deep end over Obama. So many at MSNBC have treatly Hillary horribly, but it is not only them. It is just like Bill Clinton called it--a fairy tale. Because Obama speaks of hope, and has entranced a lot of people with his speeches, suddenly everyone has started acting like he has to be treated differently than other politicians running for office. Why? Because he is the first black Presidential candidate to ever be taken seriously?

On CNN, David Gergin said as much tonight. That if Obama gets the nomination, the Republicans wouldn't be able to go after him, or will have a hard time. What in the hell is wrong with everybody?!

Why should he be treated any differently than any other candidate? He should be vetted. He should have to answer the hard questions. And Hillary should be able to put on tough negative ads if she has a valid negative point to make.

What people are classifying as "negative" or "attacks" in this primary race would not normally define those terms. The Bush campaign got away with something as obviously dirty and disgusting as the swiftboat ads, but yet Hillary can't draw a distinction between her health care plan and Obama's, without people saying she's attacking him?!

This whole race boggles the mind. People are acting like Obama is someone "special" that he can't be treated tough and that he doesn't have to play hardball. And he's running for President of the United States?! WHat is wrong with everybody?

[Blackshifter]

It is true that Obama probably gets better treatment of the media than Clinton but that doesn't mean that Clinton has made some terrible blunders in this campaign.

Everyone knew the media didn't like the Clinton's and yet she ran an arrogant campaign, missmanaged funds, had some terrible strategic decisions. Think about where Hillary would be right now if she had told Bill to shut up in South Carolina. She would have split the southern vote, VA, and Maryland and ran up the score in CA basically wrapping up the nomination.

She basically blew off all of the caucases which really represents the hardcore democratic constituency and saying the process wasn't fair.

What really gets me is, where the hell did all of the 100 million dollars Clinton raised go to? Reports were saying they were nearly broke after New Hampshire. Obama spent most of his funds opening offices organizing in caucas states which takes alot of funds. If I was a part of the media and was seeing all of this, I would hammer her too.

I was a huge Bill Clinton fan in the 90's but after all of that, I really had to take a second look at where her campaign was headed to and what the purpose was.

[scandals&skeletons]

yeah blame the press for a poorly run campaign.
blame the press for showing bill out there stumping and lying. yup it's the press. it certainly couldn't be anything to do with her campaign.
have you ever heard of something called accountability?
jus wonderin.

[kennedy]

And lets check the facts about Obama. He sued to keep a fellow DEM out of the race. And then to win the Senate Obama sued to have the divorce papers of a rival made public. Obama had heard the guys divorce was very messy and this "man of people" sued to have the divorce papers opened. So the guy dropped out instead of his personal laundry aired in public. Then in his place the Republicans put a sac. lamb up in Alan Keyes. Yes Keyes the crazy guy who showed at the Republican presidential debate a few months ago to the surprise of the other candidates. And if you listened to Keyes during the debate you know why Obama won big. So, this is the history how Obama became a part time legislator then a senator. I can see where you Obama supporters think he is a God. Get down on bended knee and thank him for allowing you to worship him.

[Bulbul]

we have not seen anything coming yet...
I am very scared, If he wins the nomination, I would certainly want him to win.
We have seen attack Hillary, for the last 20 some years, but so far Obama is getting the free pass.
There is still time TX,OH and the flip flop super delegates.
Vote right.

[cmartinwv]

is matthews important in any of this? hello? i may be simple and provincial, but he is not important to me. totally meaniningless. big deal. so how about that deficit? and FISA bill? and health care? not to mentiion our armed forces dying in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN? and millions dying for now good reason what so ever? gee chris i hardly know ya.

[newgal]

I'm no fan of Chris Matthews but nevertheless, he does have a point that Hillary's rapid response team is more like RABID response.

The "pimping" comment re: Chelsea was in poor taste but it was the Clinton campaign exploiting this to try to get the sympathy vote because the media is so sexist, blah, blah, blah...

She just needed a media distraction because Obama was running over her in Louisiana, Nebraska, Virgin Islands and Maine.

[democraticjack]

Yeah, so she arranged for Shuster to call her daughter a whore. How dare she be offended? The nerve of her to complain!
Do you honestly believe that if Shuster has said the same thing about Michelle Obama that he would just be suspended? Do you believe Barack would have laughed it off? He has already sent attack dogs to try and negate any mild criticisms about himself. How will he handle real or nasty remarks like Shuster and Matthews routinely make. Take off your Obama blinders and try to be objective.

[USMC1980]

Poor Chris, this pussy just can't learn to keep his fat-ass quiet.

The fact is that both he and shuster were publicly humiliated by Hillary, and for good reason. He needs to accept that he got a whupping, and stop crying like a spoiled little fat boy about it. What a laugh. No wonder MSNBC gets it's ass handed to to it b y FOX and CNN every day...between Matthews, Olbermann and Scarborough, you have the three biggest jokes on television...all on the same network.

[SteveCox]

I so agree! I've taken him off my tivo. I used to get my political fix there, but the "fix" is in with this 7 figure-bleached-blonde-media-whore!

This guy is a cheap shill! A hack! He stumps for people on his show. He has always HATED the Clintons, and it is very clear. Talking about how he has chills listening to Obama. That's because he's like a 2 or 3 on the Kinsey scale!

Did anyone else see him over Arnold? He was feeling up one bicep while outed Congressmen David Drier (R), was feeling up the other. They had a Very Special Hardball live from venice beach where Arnold started working out. It was the gayest thing on TV since Will and Grace!

The guy is a big smurf that never shuts up. If he has 10 guest on his show in one day, you can count on that he said twice as many words as the rest combined. The man is in love with the sound of his own voice.

So Chrissie,why don't you do us all a favor, and go some place and have sex with yourself.

This is a guy that helped bring us Bush. He helped bring us Arnold, now he is going to help either Obama or Mccain. I think his track record sucks. If Chrissie is with them, you know there is going to be problems!

And next July, when you come out here to Cal to go to Bohemian Grove, if the forrest burns down and you get burned up, it would be the best thing you ever did for your country! Peace Corp Chrissie! PFFFFFFFFFFFt

[monique]

I think MSNBC is really screwing up.

The fact that someone has not reined in Chris Matthews is crazy. I truly believe his show and his poularity are going to suffer because of the way he has acted in this election. I can not help but wonder about him sometimes. He seems out of control.

I was in love with his show--in love! But I really don't think I can forgive him, and so many others at that network, for the damage they have done to Hillary's candidacy. They have gone overboard, not even trying to hide their personal preferences.

He talks about her staff? I'm sure the Clintons and their staff are furious. I would be too. From the outset, MSNBC, and the press in general, have just embraced Obama and fell head over heels for him, annointing him. And they created an atmosphere where Hillary couldn't properly run her campaign or challenge Obama to the degree that she needed to. The press became part of the race, instead of just covering it as journalists.

I think Hillary has exhibited a lot of grace. I would have told them all to go to hell.

[realpolitic]

Like you I was a big fan of Chris. He has a sharp, incisive intelligence and can ask probing questions. His sometimes misogyny does get into the way of his work. His elevating Republican leaders and diminishing Democratic ones, while at the same time he seems to agree with Democrats on most issues, is strange.

[Beolarry]

Take a clear look at Matthews and you'll see the mark of McCain etched clearly on his forehead. Neither, Hillary nor Obama, Matthews still takes his marching orders from ex GE Chairman, Jack Welch.

[TXfemmom]

I think it would be much better, were someone to bash this man up side the head, very, very hard, just for the fun of it, and to see if he has any gray matter at all.

He has rubbed my last nerve really raw.

[Effymens]

you Obama supporters, dont start crying racism when he starts going after Obama because it will happen.He might be in love with Obama but as soon as Hillary is gone, that idiot will also turn against Obama

[sarnold49]

Chris Matthews "hearts" Barack Obama!

[RockerfellerFile]

Matthews' "impact?"

realpolitic, fvscvte and dr4Will have captured my sentiments exactly regarding the fleeting moments of Chris Matthews' legacy as a popular pundit (read: know-it-all-buttinsky) and informed political analyst. Like others, I looked forward to his daily show and its coverage of the real political landscape inside and outside the Beltway. Those days have melted as his commentary has skewed...now, when his show begins, he cannot wait to tell us how much he cares for Obama's candidacy. Ahhh!

Matthews appeared in northern California for a book signing (a packed bookstore) and couldn't wait to reveal his admiration for Obama and his "message." I was very uncomfortable, didn't get his book signed and left before the ending...you know that awkwardness from a bit-too-much-intimacy over something that doesn't feel right?

And, Keith? When he and Matthews anchor a primary overview, it's an Obama love fest.

Enough already!

[SteveCox]

I think Keith tries to be fair.

[Chrisanne]

On Friday night, Keith accused the Clintons of being "angry." I guess he thinks they should be thanking him for being so fair and unbiased in his coverage of Hillary's campaign. Wake up--Keith has happily tossed back the Obama Kool-Aid just like everyone else in the media. And is going back for another cup as we speak.

[scottarino]

Just to let you guys know, both democrat candidates ARE conservatives. I'm not sure if you realize this, but they are. I guess 8 years of far-right leaning Bush has clouded your political judgement, so you may think that a moderate conservative candidate would SEEM like a true liberal democrat. Especially if they had lots and lots of money to push this belief down the throats of, say, the youth, the not-so-politicaly-savvy, the voter who doesn't pay attention to policy, you know, 90% of voters. Just a reminder to let you guys know that Hillary and Obama are really conservatives. That means you're about to vote a CONSERVATIVE into the white house after CONSERVATIVES have been President for 20 of the past 28 years. A recap.....Reagan-CONSERVATIVE, Bush41-CONSERVATIVE, Bush42-CONSERVATIVE, and now Obama-CONSERVATIVE, and Clinton-CONSERVATIVE......at least the first three had the decency to run in the Republican party. Wake up democrats, your fucking up again!

[CountryOver]

Hillary cupporters:

... and he is wrong.. becaaauuuuse?

[CountryOver]

typo- supporters

[pleeezzze]

Should'nt have bothered !!
Made no sense anyway !!

[Teddy12]

Hardball is so yesterday. You all need to get over it, he will be cancelled.

[jrterrier]

because Matthews has jumped the shark. He needs to take it elsewhere. If MSNBC is going to keep him on the air during the campaign, they need to hire James Carville as an antidote.


Matthews' recently said that when Obama spoke,
"I felt this thrill going up my leg . . ."


"I have to tell you, you know, it's part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama's speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often. No, seriously. It's a dramatic event.
Chris Matthews, MSNBC February 12, 2008.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2008/02/13/matthews-obama-speech-caused-thrill-going-my-leg?q=blogs/brad-wilmouth/2008/02/13/matthews-obama-speech-caused-thrill-going-my-leg

[SteveCox]

Yeah, that prolly wasn't just a "feeling." I mean I'm saying he had male crush emmission. He get's those arousals quite often.

[horacekent]

E! True Hollywood Story: Hillary Clinton

"Young Ambition"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rleUPHX8yfM

Great Luck!
~HK

[ACunningham]

This is ***HILLARYOUS*** (excuse the pun)!

[2frank]

Matthews is often vulgar and tasteless. It would be just like him, next, to refer to Obama supporters as "Camulattos".

[sarnold49]

He will never say anything negative about Obama. He is trying to get him and Michelle to at least agree to a threesome.

[bluesjones63]

Chris is RIGHT. Howard Wolfson & Mark Penn are kneecappers. First, there was the Clinton campaign's press release about Obama's desire for the US presidency as a Kindergartener. Viewing THOSE comments as BEYOND THE PALE, I emailed the Clinton campaign, voiced my objections AND unsubscribed from their email list. The next day brought Mark Penn's comments about BO and drugs.

Hillary LOST my potential support LAST FALL because of her press team. Statements and actions pre/post the SC primary ONLY served to confirm my decision NOT to support Hillary's quest. She is the "same old same old"; America needs a different direction.

[jules135]

I'm female, a former Bill Clinton supporter for over 10 years. Hillary isn't Bill. And sadly, Bill is no longer the Bill I remember and admire.
They are playing the negative game of Republicans, of Karl Rove. They learned well.

I watch Chris Matthews daily and Joe Scarborough.
While I agree that Chris is an Obama fan, he still presents what's happening on both sides fairly
You all don't like it because he's not jumping up and down about Hillary. Maybe he would, as would I, if she was inspiring and offering a new direction in Washington -- a new way to work in the congress. But she can't, sadly, because she is part of the old way. And going negative on Obama only reinforces my growing dislike of her and our former President. Time to put away the signed photos from the White House. The 8 signed White House xmas cards. They make me very sad because they have become the people who always attacked them. They don't know how to work any other way.

[SteveCox]

Take a look on this site at the attacks on her, and him. Look at Obama calling her canidacy a machine, as if she's a cold calculating machine. Take a look at him comparing Clinton to Nixon. Take a look at the race card playing.

Give me a break, negative on poor lil' Obama. Obama has said nothing. He disses the accomplishments of our party in the 90's as if they were nothing. He has shown no respect or just played lip service. He is negative and claims to be positive.

The same old washington people bla bla bla. That's negative. And your going to try to say THEY are the one's going negative.

Pointing out where your oppenent is scared to debate and where his policies don't do what he claims is not negative, it's stating a reason why you would be a better canidate. She will be a better President. And I wouldn't start measuring the drapes just yet if I were you.