Barak Obama: Chris Matthews/Andrea Mitchell/Mike Barnicle

Hardball: Barak Obama: Check out this Chris Matthews/Andrea Mitchell exchange. Pretty hilarious. Matthews is known for fawning over politicians, for his various "crushes"...

(Excerpt from Wuzzadem.typepad.com via MSNBC)

Matthews: I'm Chris Matthews, let's play Hardball. First up - today's Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of State nominee Condoleeza Rice was, at times, tense, even confrontational, but I don't think there's any doubt that this was one of the standout moments of the day. Just look at this clip.

Barack Obama: Dr. Rice, I'd like to start by thanking you for taking the time to appear before us today, and to commend...

Matthews: Wow - I've got to say that I've seen a lot of politicians in action, but that was just amazing! I mean this guy has only been in the Senate, what, like a month, and already he's like an old pro! Andrea Mitchell, I don't think it would be over the top to say that the man we were just watching there is going to be the next black president.

Mitchell: I think you mean the first black president, Chris.MatthewsWell, what if he were to become the next president?

Mitchell: He'd still be the first black president.

Matthews: Yeah, but then he'd be the next president, and he'd be a black president, so, technically speaking, wouldn't he be the next black president?MitchellWait a minute, let me think about that.

Matthews: Anyway, Andrea Mitchell, what did you think of Barack Obama's performance today?

Mitchell: Chris, I thought it was nothing short of stellar. He was confident, he spoke directly into the microphone, used just the right hand gestures, he was making eye contact, and whenever it seemed like he might be getting a little hoarse, he drank just the right amount of water. It was right on the mark.

Matthews: Yeah, you know, some people are calling this guy a 'rock star', and I'll tell you, after today's performance, I can see why. Take a look at this clip.Obama...and Senator Biden asked a very interesting question earlier. I'm not sure that he ever got an answer, but it was an excellent question...

Matthews: Andrea, isn't that what they call giving a 'shout-out', like he's giving 'props' to his 'peeps' in the Senate?Mitchell.............

Matthews: Looks like Andrea's got to think about that one, I think I might have stumped her. Let's go to Mike Barnicle over in Boston. Mike, have you ever seen a more flawless performance than the one we saw from Barack Obama today?

Barnicle: Oh, without a doubt , Chris...

Matthews: The Red Sox winning the World Series doesn't count.

Barnicle: Well, I would still say yes...

Matthews: Neither does the Red Sox winning the pennant.

Barnicle: Oh. In that case, I would have to say no, I haven't.
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MatthewsThat's what I thought. Andrea, tell us about some of the highlights of today's hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
MitchellWell, Chris, as I'm sure you've heard, there's been quite a bit of talk about Barbara Boxer today.
MatthewsThere sure has.
MitchellWell, take a look at this.
(Clip of Barbara Boxer looking at Barack Obama as he's speaking)MitchellNow, Chris, we've both been in Washington long enough to be able to read that look. It's obvious that she's thinking "Wow, this man, Barack Obama, is really amazing. I've been in the Senate a long time, and I've seen people come and go, but this is certainly one of the most impressive people I have seen, not only in my time in the Senate, but in my life."
MatthewsIsn't it amazing how some people can be so expressive without saying a word?
MitchellIt certainly is. And take a look at this.
(Shot of Chuck Hagel straightening up some loose papers)
MitchellNow, here we have Senator Chuck Hagel, who is obviously thinking, "Barack Obama is such an amazing orator and outstanding statesman, that I'd better do everything I can to look my best when I'm up here with him, including making sure that everything around me is as tidy as it can be."
MatthewsWow, that's heavy stuff. Mike Barnicle, what went through your mind as you were looking at that last clip?BarnicleWell, Chris, my take was a little different. I think that what you have here is Senator Chuck Hagel, and you know, he's thinking "Hey, I'm up here with this Barack Obama, and, you know, the guy is a heck of an orator and a pretty darned good statesman, so, you know, I should probably do my best to look good up here, and, of course, that includes making sure that I, you know, keep my stuff as tidy as I can."
MitchellThat's exactly what I just said!
BarnicleWhat are you talking about? I just came up with that off the top of my head.MitchellThen why were you reading from notes when you answered? Show us those notes!
BarnicleAll right, but look, it's not exactly what you said - I punched it up a little, is that a crime?
MatthewsOK, let's get back to the hearing. Now, here's a clip that I found especially interesting.
(Shot of Richard Lugar, looking straight forward and smiling)
MatthewsNow, he was smiling like that the whole time that Barack Obama was speaking. Mike Barnicle, what do you make of that?
BarnicleWell, the guy is obviously very pleased. I mean, as a Democrat, I'm sure Senator Lugar has some concerns about the dearth of real 'stars' in his party...
MitchellLugar's a Republican, Mike.BarnicleHe is?
MitchellYes.
BarnicleAre you sure?
MitchellOf course I'm sure.BarnicleWow, he sure doesn't act like one. Well, in that case, I guess the guy just likes to smile.
MatthewsHe sure does. Anyway, Andrea, give me your prediction for these hearings.
MitchellChris, the spotlight will continue to shine on Barack Obama, as it rightly should, and I think we're going to be even more impressed with him, if that's possible.
MatthewsWhat about the confirmation?
MitchellThe what?MatthewsThe confirmation. Will Condoleeza Rice be confirmed as Secretary of State?
MitchellOh, yeah. Sure, why not?MatthewsMike Barnicle, your prediction?
BarnicleNext year it's the Sox all the way, only this time they sweep the series, even without Martinez.
MatthewsI don't know who that is. Anyway, thanks to both of you for being here. Next up on Hardball, Democratic activist Whoopi Goldberg is here to critique Senator Ted Kennedy's speech before the National Press Club last week, maybe she'll work in a couple of 'booty' jokes - HA! I love those! Stay tuned, you won't want to miss this.

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Hmm...."booty jokes"? What is this Chris Matthews character talking about anyway? And is it just me, or was his tone throughout this little exchange with Barnicle and Mitchell tongue in cheek, to say the least? I haven't seen the actual clip, so I can't say for sure, but knowing Matthews, he probably had that effete little Bush-esque smirk on his face.
There has been talk about Chris Matthews "crushes" on political figures, how he fawns over his favorites. Whoever is popular at the moment and has caught his eye. With his boyish visage and stupid grin, it makes for a rather idiotic, almost satirical effect. Plus his lispy, rapid manner of speech - it hints at gayness, a hint of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy".
Anyway, I don't watch cable news anymore - I make it a point not to. But I used to flip between Fox, CNN and MSNBC all the time, don't ask me why, and I know Matthews well.
He definitely is a schmuck.
Maybe we could somehow come to a national consensus, or maybe just the punditocracy come to a consensus, and trade Don Imus for Chris Matthews...it'd be worth the swap.
-d.g.w. 4/25/07