Is Chris Matthews Running For Office?

On HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher Friday night, MSNBC's Chris Matthews was asked about "scuttlebutt" that brash cable news host would run for office from Pennsylvania in 2010. Matthews told Maher that he had "made a commitment to covering politics" starting in 1987 and that he would be "honoring that commitment." When Maher pressed Matthews on his answer, he replied "that's the answer I'm giving you anyway."

Before entering journalism, Matthews served as an aide to several Democratic lawmakers, including former House Speaker Tip O'Neill. Matthews also ran unsuccessfully for Congress from the Keystone State in 1974.

Watch the exchange with Maher:

Comments

[LeftLeaner]

What a Loser.

Let him run, doesn't mean a darn thing.

Anyone can run, and he ain't got a chance in hell.

[gramofsam1]

If Matthews does run for office, I hope he provides us with the information he considers so essential to voters:
1) Does he order orange juice in a diner (which would make him elitist), or does he order coffee (which would prove that he's regular folk)?
2) Does he bowl? Does he bowl regularly? Will he bowl publicly, and allow us to assess his skill and therefore his fitness to lead the nation?
3) Most importantly, why does he continue to attend and support that awful church of his, despite the presence of child molesters and bishops who protected them? How much money has he contributed to this church? And does he believe that Cardinal Law loves America as much as he does?

[truthyguy]

You forgot the American flag lapel pin. Absolutely crucial to an successful campaign.

[Gary47]

Why not? The bar's awfully low in the republican party. I was thinking of letting my dog run, and he's been buried for a couple decades.

[SuiginTou7]

I hope not, he's already annoying and says the most bizzare things at times (ex. When he was listening to one of Obama's speech and said "he had a tingle up his leg.") Kinda creepy.

[txshldm0007]

Also I want to know who his pastor is? What he is not religious????? woooooooow!!!!!

Plus I don't see him wearing any flags on his lapels!!!! What kind a patriot is he?
Did he serve in the military? woooooow nooooooooo­oooooooooo­oooo???

What kind of sissy is he ??? no military, no evangelical background ... there is no way people will vote for him?

Wait wait ... has Jesus talk to him? No??? then forget it !!!!!

[fishsandwichesr2good]

Note to Al Franken and Chris Matthews: Running off at the mouth is NOT the same as running for office.

[Genna]

My general gut reaction is that politicians should be politicians AND news/broadcasters should remain journalists.

The corollary is this: if news/journalism is going to be a revolving door for some (ie. Scarsborough, Rove---tampering in a federal prosecution?, Carville, Begala, and others) politicians and their vocal advocates, why shouldn't respected media personalities have to put their money where their mouth is and RUN FOR OFFICE!? One solution for this problem would be having the media person have to tell a voter who disagrees with the candidate why that voter is wrong and the media personality knows better.

I can see William Kristol have to explain to a New York City electorate putting words in Obama's mouth as a NEWS STORY and then have to explain the situation. Would a poll on his integrity would go up or down the more goofs he made? How about an entire population segment who hears nothing from the media about their issues until election times around (you can add anyone you want. Gays in the military. Birth control education in schools. Manufactur­e/distribu­tion/use of Handguns). The voter gets to ask the reporter why that issue is more meaningful close to ballot box day when the crime statistics suggest month after month that the issue is getting worse.

If the voters in PA are anything like Chris, Republicans and Democrats alike, should enjoy the race especially when you explain your past 20 years in journalism.

[verlaine]

Chris Matthews is a human trainwreck and a sickenening parody of journalist.
Matthews is a boorish, nauseating idiot
Matthews is of the worst hires ever made by MSNBC along with fellow neanderthal Joe Scarborough.

He's an insult to intelligent thoughtful political analysis and commentary.

If he's elected to the Senate in Pennsylvania, the other 49 states should kick Pennsylvania out of the Union.

[patrice37]

Oh, I hope he runs! Then I could vote against Tweety once, maybe twice. As for his claims to KNOW Pennsylvania, he's living in another century, the one that expired. That raffish cast of Philly characters he's always invoking is mostly dead or serving time. But if he wants to play out his time-warp fantasies, it's OK by me. And it would finally get him off the teevee.

[engineer68]

Does he own property in PA? His home is in Maryland. I guess if Hillary can claim New York than it is fair to say PA is Matthews home. I live in New York and fully claim Hillary as a New Yorker. Anyone who pays school taxes in New York is a resident as far as I am concerned.

[pithymaxim]

He is extremely bright. He is the only pundit who relishes his job without projecting malevolence. He makes my day!

[speakingtruth2power]

I hope folk in Pa. are smarter than that.

[ang4ever]

A smarter ! He is not welcome in PA !

[ron071]

NelsonR ought not compare Matthews with members of the House or Senate who are, in the main, NOT RUDE, and EGOTISTICAL. He is in a class of his own regarding loud mouths who view their guests as props to be talked over, interrupted and badgered by a know-it-all. He is more like Rush L. than any member of Congress.

[amst]

I am sick of Mathews, kiss-up attitude. Today he claims that Clinton will win PA by 12 points, because he says he KNOWS PA (I guess he's from there). I HOPE agains HOPE that Obama, if he loses PA, it's only by a couple points. I want to see Mr. Smart Ass Tweety and laugh my ass off.

He just always sems to kiss up to whomever is on his show, but as of lately it's obvious he's turned Neocon and wants Hillary to win so badly. He even referred to her as "his girlfriend" a week or so ago. He's a real jackass

[craneman]

A word of advice Chris---don't give up your day job