Chris Matthews fondly looks back on his first trip to Israel while remembering the founding of the state of Israel nearly 60 years ago.
"The first time I visited that incredible country was in 1971, when it was still in the afterglow of its wondrous victory against all sides in the Six Day War. I remember sitting in a restaurant. It was really more of a bar as an older fellow, who'd had a few, loudly proclaimed his pride in a group of soldiers who'd just entered the room. How exciting to be in such a little country that had just taken on such tough odds and won!!
Being a movie buff, I spent a lot of time in movie theaters in Israel, where everybody's a movie buff, and looking down at the Uzi lying on the seat next to me that had been brought along by the young woman member of the IDF, sitting near me. Talk about a self-reliant country where some guy's date is carrying an automatic weapon along for the night.
Yes, I've been back a trio of times since and have loved the mix of the old and the new, the mix of the three great religious sites side by side in the Old City of Jerusalem where I loved visiting the old Church of the Holy Sepulcher. I feel at home there and have nothing but joy and good will and Shalom to wish to this great and gutsy country on its anniversary.
On Tuesday's post-Indiana and North Carolina primary coverage, Chris Matthews ranted about talk show host Rush Limbaugh's plea to conservatives and Republicans to vote for Sen. Hillary Clinton in an attempt to prolong the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination between her and Sen. Barack Obama. Here's what Chris had to say:
"I have to offer a Keith-style special comment on that. Anyone who voted to screw up the political system of this country with the purpose of mischief should carry that with them the rest their lives. What a ridiculous way to use the vote for which people fought and died, to use that vote to make mischief. I hope you're proud of yourself."
Hardball's Chris Matthews takes a look at some interesting Decision 2008 topics and shares his thoughts.
The Clintons’ recipe for success
The Clinton campaign has had a tough time managing former president Bill Clinton in this election. He was supposed to be the secret weapon but against whom? Sen. Barack Obama or his own wife? His gaffes, outbursts, and misstatements have dogged the Clinton campaign since the beginning.
But as we head into the final days of the Pennsylvania primary, Sen. Hillary Clinton is once again trying to use the Bill Clinton years to her advantage. On Thursday, at a Philadelphia dinner yesterday she said:
"Sometimes during this campaign my opponent criticizes the 90s and criticizes what my husband did. And that's fair. But when I hear him criticizing the 90s, I keep wondering what part he didn't like, the peace or the prosperity, because I liked both."
Unfortunately it wasn't "just" the peace and prosperity. It was also the Clinton sitcom. The Clintons assume memory loss on the part of the voters. That's a secret to their success.
President for a term?
The wondrous Peggy Noonan has an interesting suggestion for John McCain on Friday. She wrote in her Wall Street Journal column,
“It seems to me it would be a brilliant thing for him to announce he means to be a one-term president, that he means to have a clean, serious, one-term presidency in which he will do things those under pressure of re-election do not and cannot do."
Peggy Noonan says voters in the middle would love it because you get a good man, and Obama gets time to grow. The problem is that one-term presidents are almost lame ducks to begin with.
Clinton needs the popular vote
In order to have any shot at the Democratic nomination at this point, Clinton needs to beat Obama in the overall popular vote. Right now, she trails Obama by over 700,000 votes, not including Florida and Michigan.
If she were to win the overall popular vote, Clinton might be able to make a case for superdelegates to back her. But in order for that to happen, she first needs a major win in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. How much does she need to win by, in my estimation?
At least 200,000 votes! A 200,000 vote win in Pennsylvania to begin the uphill battle of winning the popular vote. Watch video.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., appeared on Tuesday's Hardball College Tour from Villanova University.
Below are highlights from the broadcast:
On the difference between him and Pres. Bush
Chris Matthews: How will you be different than President Bush?
Sen. John McCain: Well, I think that there's many philosophies and views and vision that we share for America. There are other areas, specific areas, in which we are in disagreement. Chris, I think the American people will make their choice for the presidency on who they believe, not only their record, but how they articulate a vision for the future. That‘s why forums like these, very honestly, are things that are important to me to be on so I can communicate directly not only with the people of this country but with the young people of this nation. So what‘s an area of disagreement? Climate change. Climate change. I believe that climate change is real. I think we have to act... And I've said that for many, many years. I would just like to put the question this way to my fellow Americans. Suppose that we are wrong and there's no such thing as climate change but we go ahead and adopt green technologies and we reduce greenhouse gas emissions? All we've done is give our kids a cleaner planet...
AP Photo/Mary Altaffer
On torture
McCain: My point is that for the future of this country, we have to make sure that we remain a nation that does not do things that our enemies do. And I promise you, my friends, I`ll close Guantanamo Bay and we will never torture another person in our custody again.
On whether or not he's a "typical white person"
Student: Senator McCain, the day following Barack Obama's speech on racism at the National Constitution Center, he remarked on comments he made during his speech about his racist grandmother, referring to her as a "typical white person." Would you characterize
yourself, as Barack Obama would phrase, as a typical white person?
McCain: May I say first that I thought that Senator Obama's speech was an excellent speech and I think it was well presented. I think it was an important statement that he had to make at the time, and I think it was good for all of America to have heard it. I can`t comment directly as to how I portray myself, except to say that I hope that all of us learn over the years the need and the importance of treating everyone in this nation only and solely on the attributes they have and their ability to follow their ambitions and their hopes and dreams as far as they`ll take them.
CONTINUED >>
Did you miss Chris Matthews' guest appearance on Comedy Central's "Colbert Report" last night?
Colbert grilled Matthews on whether or not he hopes to run for senator in 2010.
For his part, Matthews only said, "Some people growing up, some kids want to be a fireman. I want to be a senator."
Check out the clip below:
Sen. Barack Obama kicked off the Hardball College Tour Wednesday in West Chester University in Pennsylvania.
Below are some highlights from the broadcast:
Photo: Alex Brandon | AP
On bowling
Chris Matthews: One of the perks, senator, of being president of the United States is that you have your own bowling alley. Are you ready to bowl from day one?
Barack Obama: Obviously, I am not.
(Laughter)
Matthews: Ha!
Obama: But I figure there might be some bowlers here at West Chester. I just want to thank all of them for hosting us. This is a wonderful group. Thank you so much for having me.... And basketball I can play.
On whether or not he's tough enough
Matthews: That was the warm-up. How do we know that you're tough enough to take the heat from the right, right-wing radio and from the right-wing columnists, if you begin to pull our troops out of Iraq and they start screaming, "Who lost Iraq?" How do we know you're as tough as Dick Cheney to ignore public opinion and do what you believe in? Because he's certainly tough enough to do it.
Obama: Well, first of all, you don't ignore public opinion. You try to shape public opinion. And you try to shape it with the truth, not with false facts, not by shading intelligence reports.
And you know, in terms of my toughness, look, first of all, I come from Chicago. And you know, politics in Chicago, as it was once said, is not tiddlywinks. It's not beanbag. It's a tough town.
But what I've been able to do is to rise politically without compromising my ethics, without compromising my principles. I think during the course of this campaign, we're going up against a pretty tough political operation with the Clintons. Nobody's ever accused them of being soft. And so far, we're doing pretty well. And you know, I am very confident that when it comes to issues like Iraq, a war that I stood up against at a time when it would have been politically convenient to be for it, or at least to be silent, when it comes to tough issues like talking to leaders we don't like, something that defies some of the conventional wisdom in Washington but I feel very strongly about, then I'm going to stick to my guns and try to persuade the American people that we need to go in a new direction and fundamentally break with the failed policies of the past seven-and-a-half years.
CONTINUED >>
NEW YORK – March 27, 2008 – "Hardball with Chris Matthews" kicks off its 2008 college circuit as the "Hardball College Tour" hosts Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama live at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Wednesday, April 2, 5-6 p.m. ET, and will re-air at 7 p.m. ET and 11 p.m. ET. Matthews will interview Sen. Obama on key issues of the 2008 presidential election, including the economy and the Iraq war, with West Chester students also having the opportunity to question the candidate.
Sen. Obama will join Sen. McCain as candidates appearing on the 2008 College Tour. "Hardball" has additionally extended an invitation to Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton.
"As someone from Pennsylvania, I will be thrilled to welcome Barack Obama to the Philadelphia area and to the huge number of college and university students in the area. The higher education system in Pennsylvania is a huge catalyst to the state's economic future," said Chris Matthews.
"The Hardball College Tour" continues at Villanova University with special guest Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain on April 15.
"Hardball" has a proud tradition since 1999 of college tours at some of America's great universities, including Georgetown University, the University of Southern California, the University of Notre Dame, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Clemson University, Michigan State University, American University and Stanford University. Marquee guests on the Hardball College Tour have included former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sen. McCain, Sen. Clinton, Robin Williams and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs in more than 100 subject areas to nearly 13,000 students from 38 states and 55 countries. The second largest institution in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, West Chester's rich heritage dates back to 1871 when the University was founded as West Chester Normal School to train teachers for the Commonwealth's newly established public schools. Located In the county seat of historic Chester County, the University is 25 miles west of Philadelphia and 17 miles north of Wilmington, Del., convenient to major cultural and commercial institutions and recreational activities.
Chris Matthews was on the Ellen show recently and had this memorable dance moment.
If you missed it, Willie Geist on today's "Morning Joe" had a recap... and also reminds us of more dancing antics of other MSNBC anchors.
NEW YORK – March 17, 2008 – "Hardball with Chris Matthews" brings its take-no-prisoners style to the college circuit once again, as the "Hardball College Tour" hosts Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., live at Villanova University, Tuesday, April 15, 5-6 p.m. ET (repeats 7-8 p.m. ET). Matthews will interview Sen. McCain on the key issues of the 2008 presidential election, including the economy and the Iraq war, with Villanova students also having the opportunity to question the candidate.
Sen. McCain is the first candidate to appear on the 2008 College Tour. "Hardball" has additionally extended invitations to both Democratic candidates, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., for additional College Tours in Pennsylvania, and discussions with the campaigns are ongoing.
"John McCain is the first to step up the plate, but as a Pennsylvanian I would love to host a Hardball College Tour for all three major candidates," said Matthews. "Pennsylvanians deserve their place in the sun and each candidate deserves his or her time at bat."
In 2007, Matthews gave the commencement address at Villanova University and also received an honorary doctorate.
"Hardball" has a proud tradition since 1999 of college tours from some of America's great universities, including Georgetown University, the University of Southern California, the University of Notre Dame, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Clemson University, Michigan State University, American University and Stanford University. Marquee guests on the Hardball College Tour have included former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sen. McCain, Sen. Clinton, Robin Williams and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Villanova University is a co-educational Roman Catholic institution founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. The University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through four colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Nursing, as well as the Villanova Law School. With a total enrollment that surpasses 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students, Villanova is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information see www.villanova.edu.
Pennsylvania holds its presidential primary on April 22. That’s six weeks from now. That’s a long time to talk about something on Hardball. I want to get beyond the polls and the short-hand of James Carville’s line that “Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and Alabama in between.”
One thing I’ve started to do is get an e-mail relationship going with the local Democratic leaders around the state. I sent out this note to the all the county chairs. “How’s this presidential race look to you? I know it’s a long way ‘til April 22 but I’m checking around with the party people, especially with the “Hardball” watchers.”
Here’s what I received in return. I think it really adds to what we know about the contest right now.
**********************************************************************
“At this point Hillary Clinton would appear to be ahead. The race will be decided in the southeast suburbs. Philadelphia and Allegheny (includes Pittsburgh) along with the four southeast counties account for 65 % of the Democratic primary turnout statewide.”
“Conventional wisdom is that this is a state where Democratic primaries have been won by women but not by African-American candidates. But there has never been a well-financed high profile African-American candidate in a statewide Democratic primary.”
“Pennsylvania will be pivotal in November. If the Democratic primary becomes negative and divisive, it may become very difficult to carry in November. We can only hope that the candidates will keep it above board.”
“The Obama campaign is opening a county office this weekend and the Clinton campaign may send a major player soon. I’ve spent since January watching you guys on MSNBC. Now I get to watch as you cover Pennsylvania.”
“The overwhelming feeling among activists, our national convention delegates, and the rank and file in the neighborhoods as we circulated nominating petitions, is strong support for both candidates, even if they have a personal preference. Ideally, they’ll both be on the ticket, in either order. The biggest fear is that they’ll dirty each other up and make it easier for the Republican. But there is an extraordinary excitement and commitment right now to be unified after the convention.”
“Just incredible! On Wednesday, I received over forty phone calls and close to that again today from people wanting to get involved. On Thursday, the Monroe County Voter Registration Office had 200 people come in to change their registration.”
“The presidential race promises to be one of the most, if not the most, exciting ever. We are working hard to put a Democrat in the White House.
“Our issues are as follows:
1. Universal health care
2. The Iraq war – no more Colonialism!
3. We need to strengthen our Social Security
4. Improve Medicare and Medicaid
5. Many of our elderly are living on so little income.
“We have two excellent people running for President. Either would make a great President.”
“Remember to vote.”
“As you would imagine there is a lot of excitement among Democrats. I believe the Lehigh Valley will be a microcosm of the rest of the state. We have a great mix of urban, suburban, rural, union, small business, major industry, young and old.”
“The next few weeks will be like nothing I have ever seen. Should be fun.”
“Our registrations are way up. Lines are forming for Republicans and independents to change their registration to be able to vote in the April 22nd Democratic primary and the county party is hustling to get locations for rallies, policy speeches and dinners.”
“Although there is a 1.5 to 1 Republican edge in total registrations, the mood of the electorate has changed and new Democratic registrations far exceed Republican registrations, with over 1,000 newly-registered Democrats already this year.”
“Both campaigns are in the process of opening offices here at the moment. I think we’ll be the 6-week version of Iowa and New Hampshire!”
“We’re happy our “Late Primary” will actually mean something.”
“This election is becoming a double-edged sword. The local Democratic Party is attracting new people and many of them are Republican converts. My biggest complaint about politics stems from the fact that too many people are content to watch from the sidelines. To see so many new faces and so much excitement, I cannot help but be pleased. Conversely, the longer this primary process drags on, the tougher it will be to heal the wounds heading into the fall. It is my opinion that the DNC is missing the big picture with respect to the super delegates. Instead of being proactive and addressing it now, they are hoping the problem resolves itself.”
**********************************************************************
These are on-the-ground perspectives on the Democratic race for president in Pennsylvania. They tell me that Hillary Clinton is clearly ahead but that voters are hugely excited to hear from both candidates. This could be the most pivotal battle in Pennsylvania since Gettysburg!
