Chris Matthews: "I'm Getting One Of Those Thrills" About Sotomayor (VIDEO)

Chris Matthews feels similarly about Sonia Sotomayor during her confirmation hearings as he did about Barack Obama during his Presidential campaign. Specifically, the thrill is back.

"Well, I'm getting one of those thrills I get about America," Matthews said Monday on MSNBC during coverage of Sotomayor's confirmation hearings. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't say this, and I'm getting it again. When she talked about sitting at that table and not being a genius like Barack Obama, not being one of those people that can walk into a college scholarship, who had to sweat for it..."

Matthews was responsible for one of the more quotable lines from 2008 election coverage when, following Obama's speech following the Potomac Primary in February, the MSNBC anchor announced, "I felt this thrill going up my leg."

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Comments

[cjk002]

Sorry haters, but I have to agree with Matthews on this.

If you don't feel at least some emotion about the amazing things that happen in politics in this country, whether it's on the left or right, then you don't fully appreciate how unique this country is.

[Taiyo]

This might be a bit off topic, but I've just got to make the observation that it was a pleasure to have Lawrence O'Donnell in the Hardball seat all last week. The guests could even speak without being interrupted. Such a delightful change.

[JRsNana]

Totally agree! He was great. Clear, concise, and had that poor Ron Christie looking positively forlorn. He needs his own show! I hope that was his "audition tape".

[smchp]

Chris, completely out of touch with reality beyond the beltway, Mattews.

[swanie]

A COMPLETE IGNORAMUS ! ! !
.

[jimrs6]

How does a guy with ratings so low keep his show?

[dillydawg]

And in the NorthEast is aired 2x's a day M-F. Go figure?

[Applecheeks]

I remember watching the Clarence Thomas hearings. I wish I could watch these. Justice has been a long time coming.

[dandypuddin]

and Clarence's hearing were about tingles too.

[dillydawg]

And cans of soda.

[smchp]

Mathews seems to be in love with the sound of his own voice. Guests hardly seem to be able to get in a word edgewise. He also seems painfully out of touch with what is going on in America. I think he spends too much time in the beltway echo chamber like the rest of washington.

[dandypuddin]

Do you see his Sunday morning show? He never interrupts. Just asks the questions then listens.

[swanie]

Not true.

He interrupts, but does it less frequently.

He still makes long statements intertwined with a question, and expects a short answer.

He is REALLY wierd..

[swanie]

Right on !

I stopped watching him because I got sick of his half-hour long questions, and then he would interrupt the guest before the guest can reply.
.

[Crispian]

I have no objection to people getting excited about political matters. My biggest objection to his Matthew's thrill is that it is based on his fantastical hero worship of Obama, and at odds with the truth.

He liked that she talked about "not being a genius like Barack Obama." That is what gave him the thrill, it had nothing to do with Sotomayor being an exciting nominee.

Sotomayor did in fact excel throughout her schooling, at least since high school. That takes natural talent to constantly be at the top of one's class. One might call her a genius.

Matthews deftly continued his deification of Obama while pushing the Democrats' (inaccurate) theme that Sotomayor's story is somehow unique or that she had fewer opportunities because she is latina.

[springsm]

In truth, I think Chris Matthews just gets really excited about history and politics and new horizons appearing all the time. He is about the only one who pushes for Obama...so it is okay that he does.

[Crispian]

Interesting logic. I don't deny that Matthews suffers from a certain emotional immaturity when it comes to politics...but several others on his station push for Obama. Their primetime slots are full of Obama supporters.

[SeymourButz]

Hey Chris, don't listen to all the haters. I agree with ya buddy.

[Compgeek]

It is ironic that the right wing is upset at someone who is excited about something. These are same people that are getting dupped by Palin's winking...

I think it is great to hear from a white guy who grew up in America, but never met a black person in his class until graduate a and discovered his humanity.
I don't care what your politics are, but it is great to hear about someone who is excited about successful story.

[demdan07]

This guy is STILL on the air???? He should retire so he can enjoy his tingling legs in private

[CrzyRussell]

Who cares about objectivity?

[Chloe33]

He thrives on tingling and drooling over left wing radicals.

[ECB]

Seems to have you wingnuts all hot and bothered.

[Lion24]

"left wing radicals."

Source? Link? News story? Evidence? Be very, very specific, C h l o e.

[bowthai]

Like Obama or Sotomayor? Since when are they left wing radicals?

[Nitehawk]

Those, then, include McCain and Fred Thompson. Both of whom Matthews has lusted after.

[springsm]

Well that is an inteligent statement. Explain your wisdom please.

[BocaMom]

Matthews is scary.
I wouldn't leave him alone with my children!

[ECB]

Leave them with Palin or Ensign or Vitter or Craig or Sanford - that will work.

[dillydawg]

touche!

[illindependent]

Cris Matthew is not scary, he is impotenet

[dillydawg]

He is politically compromised.

[PKatherine]

haha I love Chris Matthews!!!! I was watching his show when he said that and I knew it would be here!

[demdan07]

That's why he said it.