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Edward, San Jose, Calif. — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:33:28 GMT

Good for you Mr. Matthews! I a constant viewer of Hardball. I saw the the "appeasement" program. It was hilarious that a mouthpiece for the Bush administrations policies could not even take the time out to research a simple word(appeasement). I salute you in nailing this guy.

Keep up the good work. I enjoy Hardball very much.

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Larry, Reno, NV — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:38:50 GMT

Chris:

You're absolutly right Chris. All Kevin James knew was to continually recite his talking points and it was obvious to me that he clearly didn't know what he was talking about and he didn't know his history. I don't think he really knew how to respond so he just kept yelling.

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Tom Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:42:11 GMT

It is about time Americans started getting the facts. We have been living in the "sound bite" age. It is all about getting a reaction or press coverage. It is time the media and Americans get all the facts and don't fall prey to this style of politics. The media should becoem more responsible and avoid reporting or call their bluff as you did. This is an issue that should truly cross party lines.

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Karen Ladanye, Kalispell, MT — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:44:10 GMT

Well said, Mr. Matthews. I couldn't agree more.
Many times in U.S. history, presidents have
tried to squelch freedom of speech and freedom
of the press in the name of patriotism. It's
about time that politicians, the press, and the
general public start standing up to George Bush.

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rt, Chicago, IL — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:45:15 GMT

Chris,

You hit the nail right on the head. One could argue that if the president was a true patriot, he would have served out his term with the troops he sent into harms way, by conducting his affairs from in theatre. For President Bush to give up golf as a show of solidarity with the troops and their families is a joke. Perhaps that's too extreme, but you get my point.

I would also like to suggest that just because you have a $4 ribbon magnet (made in China) that says support our troops on your car, it doesn't make you a patriot. Nor does wearing a made in china U.S.Flag lapel pin prove you are a patriot. And perhaps the worst offense of all is flying a dish rag remnant of the U.S.Flag and somehow equating that to patriotism.

I think it's patently stupid to continue to place the needs of another sovereign state ahead of our own foreign policy objectives to out own detrement. What we need from the Middle East is oil, not a super high maintenance friend that impedes our true objectives. Who cares if the Middle East is democratic. We need their oil. Allowing ourselves to loose influence and prestige in the Middle East to support Israel unconditionally has only proven to open the door for China and India to gobble up lucrative oil and gas contracts. We need to take care of ourselves before we worry about everyone else.

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Chuck Murphy — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:52:05 GMT

Your last sentence says it all. This President doesn't understand history and isn't capable of making prudent policy decisions as a result. What is worse he doesn't have the sense to keep his mouth shut. 1/20/09 can't come soon enough.

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MDS, Indiana — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:54:25 GMT

For the past 7 years this administration has portrayed anyone who speaks out against its policies as unamerican. I for one am more than happy to see people finally speaking out and questioning the people that got us into this mess. Your interview the other day highlighted the utter ignorance and lack of historical perspective of the people who continue to support this president and his failed policies.

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Robert, Seattle WA — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:55:42 GMT

I watched your segment on this Chris. Masterfully done in exposing the ignorance of your guest. You did not insult or scream at him but nor did you let him get away with a non-answer. That has been a (imho) massive mistake by the 5th estate in the last 7 years is letting people get away with not answering direct, reasonable, and important questions that bear on the talking points they are parroting.

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Scott — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:56:15 GMT

Awesome!

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Michael T., Alexandria, Virginia — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:01:27 GMT

Thank you Chris Matthews, for your insight about the current affairs and linkage of both recent and previous history that relates to foreign policy and politics. I have been watching your show "religiously" this election cycle (great by the way, I thank you), and watched your show when that radio talk show host talked with you about "appeasement" and what not. Apparently he did not know the historical significance about the appeasement of Hitler, nor did he come to even realize that what President Bush said in the Knesset within Israel just wasn't the best idea at all. I appreciate your thoughts and your judgment on this matter and others, and about your stance on truthfulness and bluntness of expression when it comes to politics, etc. I'm surprised to be the first comment on this blog of yours, but I am grateful for the opportunity and I hope you read this with openness and appreciation because that is deserving of you. Thanks again Mr. Matthews, take care.

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jetcity usa — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:04:40 GMT

The president has expressed this opinion before. It has nothing to do with Mr. Obama. Talk about double standards....who can express their opinions and debate without being intimidated? The left is not inoccent here.

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Jim Wilder, Colorado Springs, CO — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:04:48 GMT

Good points. The foreign policy of the US is not generally understood. I think most people feel they've assigned their elected reps to handle foreign policy, and they pay little attention to it. The Gov't is apt to act most irresponsibly in matters of war and foreign policy, because they can get away with it so easily.

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DC, Chicago, Illinois — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:34:44 GMT

Chris, Thank you for calling this idiot on the facts and the meaning of the word appeasement. He obviously thought that screaming would shut you up and he would not be required to answer the question if he kept yelling. I am absolutely appalled that George Bush would go in front of an international audience and attack one of our own. He does not have enough sense to understand that the people that he was meeting with do not respect that kind of behaviour and they see him as being unpatriotic. No matter what is happening you don't ever take it to the world stage. So many of these countries hate us and I sincerely hope that they will not judge the rest of America based on George Bush. Shame on him! Why didn't someone on his staff tell him that this is simply not done? We continue to strive to be one people and as much as possible to be of one accord regarding our country. Keep up the good work! Your honesty in interviewing guest is appreciated.

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Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, IN — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:44:33 GMT

It is so good to finally hear the things I've been thinking and saying for years. The people of this country have been the ones subject to terrorism: The fear of being attacked as "unpatriotic" and "un-Christian" if you dare to suggest the emperor has no clothes. Interestingly, the shrub doesn't seem to realize that people don't believe him anymore, and that some people never did.

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Osage City Ks — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:50:26 GMT

Right on!! I am so sick of the lying politicians, stupid ones too.

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Nic Cea, NY, NY — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:52:15 GMT

Now we are moving on to the real dialog this country needs to engage in...the true patriot claims not only an understanding of history, but a curiosity about the future and enthusiasm for the possibility before us - thank you Chris for being the lone voice encompassing all three!

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VJ de Lisle — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:38:58 GMT

I agree that Mr. Mathews in on point. It IS our PATRIOTIC DUTY to question those who do things in our name. We THE PEOPLE are exactly that... It is NOT in our best intrests as a Nation to be the big brother of the world.

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Tania, Winter Haven, FL — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:55:45 GMT

I feel as if for the first time since 9/11 Americans are not been held hostage under an oppressive regime. I strongly know that Americans united are capable of so much good - for ourselves and others.

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ray — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:59:53 GMT

Chris Matthews---Newsman of the Year! I saw the segment and couldn't believe how direct and honest you were in handling this "appeasement" argument with the Bush advocate. You were not just playing "Hardball" you were completely "On The Ball." Great! I loved it! You finally did what I have been wanting the press to do for years. Thanks.

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J. D., Virginia — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:38 GMT

Exactly. Well put.

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kelly — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:03:09 GMT

Way to go, Chris! Truth lives at MSNBC.

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J- Oregon — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:06:51 GMT

I agree completely. This administration has waged a propaganda war using brief sound bites to sell their false rhetoric and suppress dissenters. This is the first time I have actually seen it backfire and I hope it isn't the last. The American people need to regain their senses and remember that what other people think of us throughout the world matters. If we are to preach democracy to everyone else we need to practice it to its full extent and show everyone what they are missing rather than deliver it by force. Only then will we once again be the envy of the world. The Bush administration has only succeeded in uniting most of the world against us.

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kathy dunn norcross,ga — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:07:11 GMT

Thank you Chris, for a voice of reason. Since 9/11 this has not been the United States of America. The Bush administraton has trampled on the Constitution. I had a letter to the editor published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution against the invasion shortly before it took place and I was treated with contempt. No matter who wins in November (although it really does matter), we will finally get our country back

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cpindc — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:07:46 GMT

The problem is that most Americans do not know or understand history either. Bush is very representative in that way. We've gotten used to buzzwords because most people don't know the facts.

Your points are well taken and it is a good sign that we are beginning to accept some real discussion about our policies again.

Pray for a clear minded President.

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Peter Davis, Boston, MA — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:15:12 GMT

Bush - and those with him - have spent the past 7 years practicing the politics of fear and scarcity. They talk about what we don't have and what we should be afraid of. While there are many Americans who are dissatisfied and flat-out angry about this, we only have ourselves to blame.

I've read comments on this board that we have become a sound-bite society. While that may be true, it is up to us, the voters, to demand better leadership than we are getting. We often complain about our elected officials, yet many of them return to Congress, year after year, to do the same things that pissed us off in the first place.

It is up to us to not buy into the politics of fear and to take a stand. We, as a country, chose to put Bush back in office. We chose to re-elect many of the Congressman and Senators who have utterly failed to stand up for the simple act of open debate and who have failed to challenge the administration for have the temerity to suggest that anyone who offers an opinion contrary to theirs is somehow patriotic.

America was not founded on the ideals of suppression of debate and unchecked power. But we have let it become that. Want to do something about it? Then use your voice and make a change.

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Steve Johnson, TX — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:16:17 GMT

After 8 years in office, we now know where Bush stands on certain issues. For a long time, Republicans have used issues like Israel and "the troops" to beat the Democrats up. Now, as Barack Obama is arguing, Israel is weaker due to the war in Iraq and Iran's gained strength. In regard to the troops, we have a president who has sent them to war but has not done anything to help the troops after they return home. (See Jim Webb's appearance on Meet the Press.) Obama needs to expose this. The Republicans cannot use these issues as strengths anymore. They have lost the right to do so.

Good post Mr. Matthews.

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Brian, Bremerton, WA — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:22:17 GMT

Nice job Chris! I too am absolutely tired of the toxic dialogue in this country. Anytime someone says something against the war or against this dispicable administration, they are suddenly considered "unpatriotic" by the Republicans. It's pathetic in my opinion. They continue to repeat non-sensical rhetoric without thought, facts or any degree of common sense. It makes me sick at this point. Bring on OBAMA !!!!

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Jim Minder — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:33:50 GMT

Well said Chris

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Rosanne Losee, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:59:02 GMT

Thank you, Chris Matthews for succinctly saying what thousands of us already know. A bombastic foreign policy is exactly what we don't need. Whenever I listen to John McCain who is almost salivating at being 'commander-in-chief' (notice he never says president, just commander-in-chief), and George "Mission Accomplished" Bush, I am reminded of schoolyard bullies. Underneath they have no real ability to calm the waters, to broker for peace . Tough guy, neanderthal approaches are shameful for a country like ours. We need to speak softly and carry a big stick. But the rush to war since Bush took office is a blot on the minds and hearts of millions of its citizens. Enough! Obama hit it right on the head, and glad for it. And bravo to you for articulating the *true* concerns of the majority of American citizens.

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Cheryl Moyer, Blue Springs, Missouri — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:05:05 GMT

Finally! Chris Matthews. A newsman who understands and exposes the difference between truths and slogans. Keep holding their feet to the fire, sir.

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Ed Bognacki, Kearny, NJ — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:10:50 GMT

Chris, I agree with you. George Bush's comments on "appeasement" demonstrate his inability to understand history. As you said, talking to the enemy is not appeasement, it is good diplomacy. Good diplomacy is anathema to the Bush Administration. That is why the US has such a poor image abroad. Chris, you revealed that Kevin James is, like so many right-wing radio and TV hosts, just a political hack. A political hack with no understanding of foreign policy. Good work, Chris.

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Tim Harris — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:16:15 GMT

Chris,

Great points. I think since Rove has left Bush's side he has made some serious political blunders. (more than normal for him) The “appeasement” comment is just the latest example of this. Who is feeding him this stuff?

You know, I really think the candidates could save millions of dollars in politcal consultant fees if they would just watch HardBall every day. Your show always hits the nail.

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Patrick M., Denver, CO — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:25:25 GMT

Chris,

You are so correct on your views. President Bush blundered BIG time. I enjoy your shows and your views.

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Doug - New York, NY — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:30:02 GMT

This episode reminded me of why I tune in to watch you each evening. No one does a better job at holding people accountable for their words and actions. Thanks for being there, helping to flesh out the truth and keeping it real.

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Tanya Reddick, Atlanta, Ga — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:31:25 GMT

Finally, Freedom to discuss our political views without being called anti-patriot. I literally cried when George W. Bush was re-elected again. Once again, George Bush has proven why he is the worst President in history!

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Kyle Hussein McAllister, Phx AZ — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:35:02 GMT

One of the many areas in which this country has been dragged down and to the right is this issue of patriotic dissent as THE MOST critical component of freedom of speech. Our national dialogue has been intentionally dumbed down since Reagan as one method of separating the average citizen from the civic process, but after 9/11 this process was accelerated. We were told that because of 9/11, the President can do whatever he wants, which is a staggeringly anti-American, monarchical concept. We were given acceptable and unacceptable examples of patriotism, the first being agreement with Bush and the second being disagreement.

Bush's characterization of those who "appease" is a continuation of this frame: Bush conducts a policy that does not appease; therefore, those who propose alternative policies do appease.

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Ashly M, West Chester, Pennsylvania — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:37:19 GMT

Bravo, Chris! Keep up the professional, educated, and extremely factual and ethical political analysis of America. Your journalism reflects the internal dissent that many citizens wish they could scream to the world. You make us Philadelphia-area citizens proud!

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T, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:37:28 GMT

Chris: I love your show. Please tell MSNBC to broadcast it during prime time in the Pacific Time zone -- working people should not have to stay up until midnight to watch Hardball. As for your blog: absolutely right. It's very unfortunate so many people buy into the notion that "schoolyard diplomacy" -- refusing to talk to people you don't like -- makes us any safer than talking to enemies to diffuse threats. I prefer practical solutions to buzzwords and slogans. Many Democrats have been afraid to criticize Bush's foreign policies for fear of appearing weak on national security -- I'm impressed that Obama has the courage and poise to do so in such a persuasive manner.

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Ian Mac, Portland Oregon — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:42:16 GMT

Thank you Chris. Keep up the good work exposing those who try and suppress freedom of speech and intelligent thought! Dissent is what DEFINES and American.
You think Obama would ever act like Bush and his cronies have for the past seven years? I don't think so. He's the only one right now who tells us cold-hard truth about the problems we face, instead of masking them and talking to us, his employers, like little children.

Once again, keep up the good work. Thank you.

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sarah, northridge and ca — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:42:40 GMT

I LOVE YOU CHRIS, YOUR BRILLIANT...WHY CAN'T EVERYONE IN THE MEDIA BE LIKE YOU??? You don't take BS and that's how it should be.

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Jay McCrea — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:51:00 GMT

Chris,

I love you for your honesty and holding liars accountable for what comes out of their mouth on your show. The K. James interview was just plain comical. He should be ashamed to speak with that much passion without the proper research on the topic. He should have been the same place I were at the time, which was, at home watching the show.
I am sick of people repeating every word those politicians say without defining the word.

Keep up the great work!!!!!

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Dr. B.A. Larson-Mann — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:48:55 GMT

Chris, You are so good at what you do, thank you for you expertise and insight, not to mention experience.
Have to say though.. Keith brings an air of elitism and arrogance to your broadcasts that brings your discourse down the level of what he really is ..just a braggert and a low life sports broadcaster. You are better than that, what a shame NBC teams you up with someone of that caliber, a bottom feeder.