March 2008 - Posts
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.
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“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.”
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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!
