Chris Matthews Makes Emotional Appeal For Voters To Be Racially Open

Last night, Chris Matthews appeared on the Tonight Show, where he made an emotional appeal to American voters to remain racially open-minded at the polls and "think the way that" kids think.

[WATCH]

I hope for one thing when people go to vote: that they look at [Obama's] background, that they look at the age of the two candidates, that they look at their abilities and really open up their hearts and say "what's really good for my kids," who don't have any color awareness.

Kids don't think about race. Think like your kids for once. Think the way they think. It would be great if the older people in the country, the 70 year olds, the 80 year olds who are suspicious of change to say, "you know, why don't I think the way my kids are thinking and think about the future."

Whatever they decide, just open up your heart to this prospect of something different. That's what I hope we do.

Naturally, it's hard to fault the noble sentiments behind Matthews' message. At the same time, it's hard to fault anyone who interprets Matthew's message as an ambiguous endorsement of Barack Obama.

There are obviously many gray areas. Matthews is clearly a member of "the media," but he's not exactly a newsman. Matthews exists in the area between moderator and pundit, trafficking in a sort of news that's more based on pure opinion and open-ended analysis than fact. Moreover, the media landscape is dotted with personages whose biases are easily divined. And besides, it's hard to make an appeal for colorblindness at the polls without appearing to back Obama.

Still, Matthews' remarks also come at a time when the GOP is running ads that accuse the media of being "in love" with Obama - and that explicitly references Matthews' own famous "thrill up the leg" comment.

Comments

[SgtLucifer]

Lofty sentiments, Chris... but Dream On.

[demfriend]

Once Chris was the bigger supporter of the bush trash about the war and had the conservative steel rod up his .... Now he has been made aware like too many others have appeared to wake up from the bush "reality" and see the world as it is he has changed into a much more fair minded person. I have seen him take to task some of his guests who run the road with bush/mccain now and let them know he is not as he once was. He has heard Obama speak and has listened to the reality of someone who has real ideas/plans/ voice with an intelligent, thoughtful idealogy no one has heard since JFK.Obama wants this country to heal and grow out of the muck bush has made and succeed. He also wants us to get back to values long ago lost. I can now watch Chris and no longer feel like he's on the wrong channel and should be on Faux along with Tucker, although he still has Tucker on his panels at times!

[Ramirez]

There is nothing wrong with Matthews throwing in an early endorsement. It fits the MSNBC meme and joins him up appropriately with KO.

[TGCNY]

I am glad he adressed this issue since it might be touchy for some

[Sixtwo]

It's really amazing! When anyone speaks out about decent, respectful human relations between the races they are accused of "endorsing a candidate"! That is ludicrous! People should STOP judging a person by the color of his/her skin and for once consider the content of character. When folks go to the polls, they should search their HEARTS and get hatred out of their MINDS!

[CrittersRTasty]

"It's really amazing! When anyone speaks out about decent, respectful human relations between the races they are accused of "endorsing a candidate"! That is ludicrous!"
Yeah, cause maybe he meant that we should vote for McCain...even though he's white...
(gimme a break)

[UpstateNY]

I watch Chris Matthews most nights - while he has certain flaws, he really does believe in this country. He loves America and he loves the politics of America and he loves most when it works. I don't think he could fake that.

There is no question that he was blown away by Obama. I don't think he saw it coming and probably thought, as did we all, that this would be just another run-of-the-mill election - Hillary Clinton against some Republican and that Hillary would probably win because Republican is almost a dirty word thanks to Bush. Then along comes this tall, skinny, young black man who few knew much about. He could speak and he seemed to speak direcly from from heart. He also has a wonderfully American background - half black, half white; father from Kenya, mother from Kansas - who could make this up.

I guess you could say that Matthews 'fell in love' - I might have more trouble understanding it if I didn't see it happen in my own home. My husband, a 63-year-old white guy who still thinks that Ronald Reagan was the best president we've seen, also fell for Obama and thinks the future of America really does rest in whether we can elect him or not.

I also want to believe that a leader really can make a difference. Maybe it's Obama and maybe the time is now! I hope so because we really do need it now!

[tinarm]

It's amazing to me what a short attention span American's have. On this site I have seen several post saying that the African American's have to split their vote between McCain and Obama or it seems wrong. Let me remind you, since you forget so quickly. In January of this year, Obama was recieving around 40% of the African American vote. It was not until after he won the Iowa primary that his lead with African American's started to take ahold. It took mainly caucasians in Iowa and New Hampshire to support Obama before the African Americans could believe it was possible for Obama to have a chance. I'm so sick of this prejudice in America and we should be ashamed of ourselves. It is the most ridiculous idea that you can judge someone simply based on their skin. I'm 42 years old and have never thought in this manner. Maybe it has to do with growing up in states where I was the minority or education, I'm not sure, but it was never something I even considered. Maybe it had to do with going to school with a large diverse student body? I just wish that the American people for once would study our history, not just concerning slavery, but also what we have done to the Japanese Americans, Irish Americans, Italian, Germans, Muslims, it's just a sad state of affairs. I wonder if people really even think about what is written on the statue of liberty anymore?

[Cat82]

Thanks Chris but if my memory serves me right aren't you the same person who "misspoke" and called Obama Osama before??

[punkingale]

Yeah. He did it yesterday.

[blackout1]

I think people who are of the Black race would deal a lot better with race relations in this country if the governemrnt would acknowlege that errors of injustice was made and that there is some sort of an apology. I am 48 years old and have recieved a college education but getting pass race, the possiblitiy of jail, finding sound work still seem beyond reach. It is so easy to take from a black man his life and earrings after he's worked all his life and have made a mistake. White people get special treatment from the courts everyday.

[heal57]

This government scares me and I'm white and in my 60's. If you have a lot of money, you're okay, no matter what your color. If you don't, you're screwed. Many men who went to prison for years and years who were finally let out by DNA eidence were white and black. My son, age 43, white, was stopped by a police oficer in another state 'just cause'. He was also stopped with his gilfriend driving cross country to a famiy wedding and they both had to tell their stories separate to the police officer. My son's never been in trouble, but I feel outraged, and if I were black, I would be even more outraged. We are not all evil and we don't all hate anyone. My husband's a retired attorney and helped many people, all credos who did not have money. White people with lots of money get special treatment from the courts; not poor ones. My husband beat many a rich client in court, believe me. We have to work to change the US, and we will.

Independent for Obama '08

[goldnchyl]

blackout1, it's important to try not to compare injustice among the races. When you look at it that way, it just keeps us fighting one another. I personally know more white people who have been screwed by the justice system than black. That's just my experience and through it I see that, while we all came here on different ships, we (the majority) are in the same boat now. It will do us all well to remember that.

[Seven7s]

AINT GOING TO HAPPEN.

Power is taken not given. Like it or not white people control this country and blacks (or anyone else for that matter) will forever be abused, treated unjustly etc.

Even in your truthful words there is a white person reading our statements saying, "they're the real racists (since according to white people mentioning racism is racism in it self) and maybe if they'd just stop complaining they could get some where."

You also mentioned jail. Well, white people are going to say, "dont want to be held accountable for a mistake your whole life? DONT COMMIT CRIMES!"

Whites will never change they will simply find better excuses for their behaviour and more covert ways of carrying out their bias towards those that are so-called different. Not even on purpose either. Just as a result of socialization and their learned reactions to certain people.

Im not saying dont speak up I'm just saying racism is a problem that black people have really dropped the ball on. White people are going to be their typical white selves. The only thing most of them will ever change is their methods.

Black talk without black action is a waste. Obama or no Obama unless we are a unit these things wont change.

[Nommo]

I think that you need to contact that college and get every dime back.

[bbbear]

LOL, Better still, sue for damages!

[biglover]

Nommo. I am a big fan. I have missed your posts. Be nice to blackout. He is not off the mark in his statements.

[KDelphi]

Yeah, I have every advantage here i the uS as a poor white--livin' the good life!! I dont know when people will realize that class is a much bigger facotr than race these days...

[BatedBreath]

I'm tired of being lumped into an imaginary group of people who reportedly can't think for themselves. I am 70, my friends are in their 60s and 70s and we have been supporting Obama since the primary races started. The only Obama sign in my very red neighborhood in the early days of primary voting was in the yard of an 80 something Republican. Old people are just like other people...some are Obama fans and some aren't. The people who have a problem with his race are are 20, 30, 40, etc. somethings who were raised to fear or dislike people who are different from themselves.

[cnick]

My husband is 71, I am 69, we have been with Obama since the convention in 2004, I live on Cape Cod with an older population and there are Obama signs everywhere, I haven't seen a McCain sign yet. Sadly, there are a lot of racists in the older population, I will agree, but I'm hoping they won't be controlling the election.

[gladys46]

I know healthy thinking people are out there ... you make me smile! I'm glad you support O but, even happier that America consists of good people everywhere!

[bhenry112]

I live in the VERY red state of NC. The state that elected Jesse Helms FIVE frickin' times. I have seen 100s of Obama bumper stickers and yard signs. I have only seen ONE McCain bumper sticker and NO yard signs all year!!!
My family and I recently drove from Raleigh to Daytona Beach on vacation. We counted 73 Obama bumper stickers on I-95 and ONE McCain bumper sticker. That was only on the way down.
Am I wrong to feel encouraged?

[Scarllatti]

Well spoken. America needs seniors like you. Do not get upset by some opinions on this blog. Sometimes it can be heated. Thank you for your support.

[hlechols]

I am in my late 50's , female and AA. I too thank you Batedbreath for your open mindness and for your support.of Senator Obama.

[gladys46]

I know you're out there ... I say "you're" meaning people of good thinking! That gives me hope for all of America! Not that you support Obama (that too) but because of your healthy thinking on race issues.

I believe racism is unhealthy!!

[CrittersRTasty]

You had me firmly in your corner right up to the point where you called me (a 40 yr old) a racist. Believe it or not, I dont like being lumped into imaginary groups either. I have no problem with Mr Obama's race. I take issue with the fact that he has no credentials or demonstrable convictions.

[spartacus275]

BO has no credentials or demonstrable convictions? Can YOU provide a credible list of McCain's convictions & credentials, I think not! And please - PLEASE don't bring up that he was a POW, because if that were a credible credential than there are thousand of former POW's who could be President.

[smoo]

So you don't consider his what he has accomplished so far as crediable. You don't consider that he has an extraordinary team of the most qualified people in the country working on every issue from foriegn affairs to healthcare as crediable. Word leaders, US Senators, Governers,and experts of every strip consider Mr. Obama to be crediable but "you" don't.

I take you at your word about not being racist. You do, however, have some going on in your head (maybe its the constant media hype and excessive Cinton/MCain propaganda) that makes it difficult for you to at least recognize the guy as crediable. It you can get to that point maybe you will see that pond for pond Mr. Obama has some very clear advantages.

[muadibe]

"No demonstrable convictions?"

You must simply choose not to pay attention to the man's life story.

I guess to you, McWon't changing his mind every 5 minutes is a sign of 'demonstrable conviction'.

When people make comments like these - which are obviously untrue - I immediately suspect they have a problem with his race and must use some lame excuse as a reason for not liking him. Sad, but totally transparent.

[LeftLeanWing]

No Credentials...................................................

Columbia University - BS International Studies
Harvard Law - JD Law
Constitutional Scholar - professor of Constitutional Law
State Senator - Illinois
U.S. Senator - United States of American
Democratic Candidate for President

all by the age of 46 yrs old.....

No Convictions....................................................

Against the War in Iraq since 2002
Co-Authored Legislation to Reduce Nuclear Proliferation or Loose Nukes
Co-Authored Legislation to make Government Spending Transparent resulting in
http://www.usaspending.gov
etc.

[tel8034]

Kudos for you BatedBreath, but Hillary and McCain have contined to repeat the lie that older people, women, working class white people, hispanics, asians and jews, will NOT vote for Obama.

This anti-Obama spin has had the same effect as the "Obama is a Muslim" lie.

Chris Matthews in my opinion was trying to address that Hillary/McCain myth and no insult was intended to you and your friends.

BatedBreath, you and your friends keep up the fight for Obama, I'm sure he appreciates all of your support.

[Midnightrain]

I'm so tired of hearing the Goofy Oppositional Party accuse the media of being in love with O.B. - I mean really, like there's anything to love about them. Anything. Dam!

[gladys46]

Who can blame them ... O is a whole lot to love!! And, his issue messages are so clear and precise and sane ... geez, who can't love this man!!?

[Underthematrix]

My heart goes out to Chris Matthews because it shows how much he loves America. What he did was very, very courageous. He's asking us to open our hearts and do what's best for America as we try to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. It's not about race, or class or gender. It's about saving our planet for future generations. He's telling us don't let our hate and biases ruin the future for our children and I am totally with him on that.

[KDelphi]

If it wasnt about race--he wouldnt have brought it up--and he shouldnt have

[biglover]

I'm sorry Underthematrix, but you are wrong on this one. Matthews is a very conflicted guy. You never know where he stands depending on the day. This is not a man with the courage of his convictions. I think he sees that the trend is definitely towards Obama and he is jumping on the band wagon, I remember when he fell all over himself over Bush too. Don't be fooled by this Johnny Come Lately.

[johnnynyc]

It's too bad Matthews didn't ask voters to ignore gender during the primaries instead of calling Clinton supporters "castratos in a eunuch chorus."

[hlechols]

Senator Clinton did not lose because of gender. Yes the media (I never heard Mathews) said things that were sexist. They also said things that were racist. But for fear of not sounding racist they said it other ways like Obama is exoctic etc. They did not have enough courage to say what they meant but we all knew what they were refering to. I stared in the primaries a firm Clinton supporter because I knew about her and had not heard anything about Obama other than the speech he made at the convention. Then I thought this guy would make a great President one day. But this election I stuck with what I knew and trusted and supported Clinton until she showed me what kind of tactics she would use if she was behind. The nastiness of what i saw form HER campaign turned me off. And the rest is history. I started paying attention to Senator Obama and was delighted tos end my meager $25.00 each month.

[ainnj]

Exactly my thoughts.

[JJeff88]

I admire Chris for doing it, but believe the problem is more cultural than racial.

There is a segment of our society who - as writer James Lee Burke recently observed - have their best days when they feel that there's someone else in society that Jesus loves less than he does them.

Conversely, they have a real big problem dealing with situations where the very same people they look down upon have better days than they do.

What works in Obama's favor is that, the longer he remains in the public eye, the more familar he becomes until he gets to the point where those folks no longer consider him part of "them" but part of "we."

He just have to keep chipping away at the problem and continue to "ask for the order." Some of those folks (though certainly not all) will eventually come around

[JMBrodie]

Actually, it is some of both. People are a lot more complex and our issues cross varied boundaries.

There are some who will not vote for him based on race, class, gender, religion, you get the idea. And, yes, there are people who will not vote for him because they don't like his platform. Doesn't make the bad people. That's their right.

What Chris is pointing to is something that opinion polls can't show you -- what is inside. If Obama loses because the people do not agree with his stand on the issues, so be it. This is America.

What is inside us is for us to face, come to grips with, live with.

[gladys46]

The very fact that there will be argument against what Chris was courageous enough to say, will reveal the cancer which plagues America!

[NickNas]

This is the ONLY post that needs to be here. NOW watch the uglyness.

[gladys46]

How can America ever be "great" or fulfil it's promises to all if all too many maintain that racist status quo!!

Actually, Ha ... most of my friends are white ... that's because the census says they are the larger population just can't get away from them! Haaaa! Just a lil levity!! ; )

[meanguy]

what...the fact that growing up in philly, he didn't have any interaction with black people? i moved out of the area (across the river in pennsauken) when i was still in elementary school, but our neigborhood had pretty much all races living there. was in philly a lot...you'd have had to hide under a rock in order NOT to have a lot of interaction with people of all races and backgrounds...

or was it the 'leg tingle" thing???? it DID take guts to admit that...

[gladys46]

Yeah ... it did! Pennsauken, NJ is a hoot too!! ; ) Meanguy you ain't so mean, you're just misguided!

[Walterba]

IS THIS JOKER STILL AROUND ? DOES ANYONE CARE ? TO PARAPHRASE NANCE GARNER ANYTHING HE SAYS AINT WORTH A BUCKET OF HOT SPIT.THE MATHEWS BRAND IS TRIVIA GONE BESERK.