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

[lady49]

Chris Matthews is a formidable historian. He has worked with African Americans in Pennsylvania.
He knows that more people with his stature need to speak out against this innocuous hatred that courses through the veins of our "society". It's completely unfounded and I look forward to the day when "race" is not an issue.

Chris Matthews is very courageous for having said so and sharing his heart with America.

[1099]

I'm glad that Mr. Matthews had the courage to pass on his sentiment that anyone (especially elder citizens) who wouldn't vote for Obama is probably doing it for reasons related to the mans's race.

[amst]

I don't believe Matthews at all. First he "seemed" in the tank for Hillary, now he's a lapdog for McCain. If he's playing this card, it's for show. I use to think he was fair, but I don't any longer. He more or less "loves the one he's with" just to kiss up.

[genseric13]

As long as blacks vote 99% for the black candidate, many whites will feel justified to do the same thing to vote for the white guy. Until the blacks start splitting their vote, this will never change.

[ebanks84]

Don't be an imbecile. Blacks have been voting for whites since they were able to vote. And the one time they have a decent choice in the matter, you feel you have the right to threaten them. I beg your pardon. Nobody died and made you God of all white people. They will vote their hearts and minds and could care less what genseric13 says. Get a life!

[robXdion]

You've got serious issues. Were you asleep in history class?

[Midnightrain]

No, he was awake. The history he learned was supremacist, that's all.

[arcanepsyche]

That's the most ridiculous, racially divided, un-American statement I've read in long time. Only whites with brains the size of pees will base their vote on who black people are voting for.

[MoxieGurl]

Ummmm... the "Blacks" have voted 60 - 75% democatic since we've been able to vote. How is voting 90% democratic this election cycle any different?

This has nothing to do with race. We've always voted in large numbers for the democrat. Why would be vote this time for Bush/McCain. So that we can have a Katrina / Iowa repeat and get ignored by the gov't, I don't think so.

You're letting YOUR race issue blind your judgement. Blacks vote democatic, DUH!!!

[gladys46]

How many black candidates for POTUS have there been!!? Your answer should say to you that black people have voted for no other but white presidents ... since the voter rights act!!

[jayburd]

If this were any previous election cycle I would agree that Matthews had overstepped his bounds with comments that were tantamount to an endorsment of a particular presidential candidate. But the stakes are too goddamned high. John McCain must not be elected and the Republican party must not be allowed to have control of the Executive branch of government for another four years. Therefore, I approve of what Chris Matthews said, where he said it, and I hope he continues to appeal to the over 50 crowd by saying it on as many talk shows that age demographic is likely to be tuned in to.

[meanguy]

"If this were any previous election cycle I would agree that Matthews had overstepped his bounds with comments that were tantamount to an endorsment of a particular presidential candidate. But the stakes are too goddamned high"
----------­----------­----------­----------­----------­----------­----------­----------­----------­----------­----------­--------

so, journalistic standards, like principles, are only important when convenient­...to be discarded for political purposes..­.how very Obamanite of you!

[w&cheneysuck]

I thought that the press was McCain's base?

[rasthedestroyer]

Take it anyway you want, it's just good to see people willing to speak in their own voice.

[MilesTone]

Matthews tries to appeal to people's sensibilities and that is somehow distorted. He was simply telling those who will disregard any of the candidate's (e.g. Obama) stance and policies on the economy, healthcare, the environment and Iraq and simply vote on race, to look beyond skin color and get over their prejudices and vote for what is best for the country and especially what's best for their kids. If that's being in love with Obama then let's show some more love to him.

Chris Matthews is not biased he just knows who the obvious better presidential candidate is!

[Soothsayer08]

I like Chris Mathews and think he is a genuine person. One day on his show he said essentially the same thing. He said his college kids didn't see race and looked beyond it. He asked then why it seems a certain age group in the United States wouldn't let go of the past. One other thing about him he knows how to put people in their place if they aren't as knowledgeable as they should be.

[ebanks84]

Yes, it's those times that I really like him too. But then he gets those "corporate" times when he has to do his job I guess and fall back into the MSM mode. I wish he would stay real like Keith who never acts like a "sell out".

[gladys46]

Chris admitted during the primaries that he did not know not one single AA from his entire education experience ... from 1st threw grad school ... not one African American was in any classroom he attended!!

That was IMO one of the systemic problems in America ... whether it's self-clannish or not!!

[PatriciaB]

I believe he attended Catholic grade schoolin the Somerton area of Philly. When he was growing up that area was lily white so no children of color were enrolled in those schools. His secondary education was at LaSalle which is a private Catholic prep day school.

[robXdion]

That could have something to do with the catholic schools he attended, the historical racism and support of slavery in the Catholic church, and the fact that the area Chris grew up in was devoid of the less than 15% US black population. But he'll leave out obvious racial historical facts on his MSNBC show. It must be in the contract to avoid direct racial inferences in MSM.

[Midnightrain]

Just goes to show you, racism is equally as painful to the victimizer as it is to the victim.

[desertdweller]

There is a distinct difference between Matthews and the collective crowd of Hannity, Limbaugh, etc. Matthews may be goofy, and even sexist, but he often finds something to like about every candidate, regardless of party affiliation. It is painfully obvious that the Hannities and Limbaughs absolutely detest Obama, Kerry, Gore, Clinton and the rest of the "librul" cadre. But try as I may, I can't remember any of them offering any praise for George W. Bush during either of his campaigns or any time in between. Neither seems to be praising McCain, only tearing down his opponent, just as they did Kerry, Gore, and Clinton before him.

[Bagger]

It's obvious Chris Matthews is a good person. He can be little loud but he's got a good heart.

[ebanks84]

And that's what matters, to have a good heart, because with it, you have empathy and caring for others.

[MissT]

Absolutely. And to his credit, he recognizes that bigotry was an accepted part of his life as a working class white guy coming up in PA. He is honestly trying to grow beyond that bigotry, probably exposed by his children. Have you seen his anti- racism commercial? Chris can get on my nerves sometimes, but he is sincere.

I also think he probably switched his party affiliations under some family pressure (Reagan Democrat who previously worked for Carter). I think he also voted for Bush and has buyers remorse ever since the Iraq war which he has been against from the beginning.

[bascombe]

maybe you don't watch his show.

[beaupritchard]

Rumor is Chris Matthews wants to run for office in Pennsylvania ... I think that's a good thing.

[CtJean]

He's always wanted to be a U S senator.

[MilesTone]

Good, politics needs more people like him.

[ebanks84]

Yes, I hope he does. Maybe he'll bring some honesty back to the Pennsylvania political arena.

[gladys46]

Chris can't hang with Filthydelphia pols ... but, maybe Michael Nutter (new mayor) could bring all those cigar smoking backroomers out to daylight!!

Philly pols still demand "street money" ... or "walking around money" ... O was appauled at that ... volunteerism is the new Philly thingie ... it's a hoot!! ; )

[marymansour]

Good for Chris Matthews. Another one who was excited at the prospect of an Obama presidency was the late Tim Russert. I hope the bigots will take heed and do what's good for this country.

[w&cheneysuck]

Did anyone see The Daily Show last evening and the segment from Florida? Facisnating. I realize that a lot of the interview is probably skewed for humor purposes but it is indicative of the older population's view on race; specifically the women.

[punkingale]

It wasn't just the older population's view on race. It was the older JEWISH population's view on race. It was hilarious, though.

[Heru1]

What we need is color respect not color blindness

[OverIt]

I concur.

[gladys46]

Absolutely!

[PATina]

Thank you !! Thank you !!!! Thank you !!!!!

[thinklib]

Agree.

But remember, white is a color too.

[VSamuels]

Most, if not all, art teachers would disagree with this statement.

[MilesTone]

Why is color an issue at all?

[goldnchyl]

Because those who have true control in this country keep the faux differences at the fore, through the various media, so that we stay distracted, fighting each other and don't pay attention to those who really threaten the sanctity of the U.S.A. and future of her citizens.

[JMBrodie]

History.

[robXdion]

ummm, Newsflash Chris, kids DO think in terms of race and color. Afterall they get the subliminal input from TV shows, commercials, news images, entertainment, plus from comments and attitudes from parents, teachers and adults. How else to explain in 2008 some people still hold onto racial attitudes from 1868?

And WHY does Chris Matthews and the rest avoid the obvious racial component in their "Hardball" analysis while playing make believe at not understanding the Dem primary votes or seeing why McCain is so close with so many gaffes? Why does he have to go on Leno to speak the truth? Is there a race discussion gag order at MSNBC and the rest of MSM? Even CNN's lame effort misses the point.