Apparently having a show on two different networks owned by NBC does not guarantee familiarity with voters. Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s “Hardball” and NBC’s “The Chris Matthews Show” has hinted at a run for Arlen Specter’s Senate seat in 2010 as reported by Mark Finkelstein here.
A Quinnipiac University poll of Pennsylvanians found that 55 percent of voters “say they don’t know enough to have an impression of him (Matthews)” as reported in the August 5 edition of Politico’s The Scorecard blog, which can be found here. The same poll found that 28 percent hold a favorable view of Matthews while 15 percent look unfavorably on the “thrilled” Hardball host.
In contrast, Specter has a 55 percent favorable rating along with a 26 percent unfavorable rating among those polled. To be fair, Pennsylvanians could be more familiar with Sen. Specter because he has represented the state of Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate since 1980. In comparison, Matthews has the 24th ranked news show on cable television with an average audience of 494,000 viewers in the entire U.S.
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just a different opinion,
August 7, 2008 - 09:13 ET by larry on LIthe only opinion we've heard so far is chrissy's
Matthews is a legend in his own mind
August 7, 2008 - 11:51 ET by kg"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Matthews thinks he is a news legend...
August 7, 2008 - 09:17 ET by Red Jeep...But I am surprised that many people know him. In this country of 300 million only ¼ million watch Hardball.
I can understand why
August 7, 2008 - 09:40 ET by ChuckM from PAI can understand why most PAians don't know Matthews. First of all, you have to have cable TV to even get Hardball (he doesn't show up on NBC that often) and then even if you have cable TV, you have to decide to watch MSNBC to get even a glimpse of Matthews.
I don't have cable (way too expensive in my area) and so I only know of Matthews through reading Newsbusters and I can't stand him.
He is small potatoes in the media industry and probably doesn't stand a chance against Spector in PA, unless Spector decides not to run.
Movie and night show appearances
August 7, 2008 - 10:50 ET by iconoclastHe's appeared on Leno, and in a couple of movies (Man of the Year, Swing Vote, etc.), so those may be the reasons he's known outside Hardball.
This man has no clue who he is. For him to think that he'd have any chance of being a viable candidate just shows how arrogant and out of touch with reality he is.
He should take his que from Al Franken. I live in Minneapolis ( a very liberal state), and this guy is a joke around here. People realize that he hasn't got an ounce of experience in politics, and has a past that is causing him all kinds of trouble. The last time I checked, he was 17 points behind Coleman. He hasn't got a prayer, and neither will Matthews should he decide to throw his hat in the ring. It's laughable...IMHO.
Hear, Hear
August 7, 2008 - 12:21 ET by CobraMan"I live in Minneapolis ( a very liberal state), and this guy is a joke around here."
Hear, Hear. I too live in Mpls and I've been laughing at him since he first announced his candidacy. Every time I see his ads, I can't help but remember his Saturday Night Live skit, "Send your money to me, Al Franken." Seems he's STILL using that skit even today.
Oh, and Mpls is a city, not a state. But don’t mention that to the City Council. I hear that Sales-Belton still keeps in touch.
In Addendum:
August 7, 2008 - 12:34 ET by CobraManIn Addendum:
A friend of mine here has said that Al should call himself “Spud, for those who can’t taste the difference.”
Man, I miss the original Not Ready For Prime Time Players.
494k
August 7, 2008 - 09:35 ET by Mrltavern"an average audience of 494,000 viewers in the entire U.S."
Are you trying to wind me up?
I think you're numbers are too kind;)
Mr.L
And the other half don't
August 7, 2008 - 09:39 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasAnd the other half don't watch him...heh heh.
The answer to terrorism IS war. Next Please!
Has Matthews had any
August 7, 2008 - 09:41 ET by Chris NormanHas Matthews had any connection with PA before this, or is he just shopping around for the easiest state in which to get elected?
McNotObama '08
Philly native
August 7, 2008 - 10:36 ET by ChuckM from PAWikipedia says he is a Philadelphia native. His brother is a Republican County Commissioner, in Montgomery County, and ran with Lynn Swann in the last governor election, as LT. Gov.
Thanks. At least, there's
August 7, 2008 - 11:31 ET by Chris NormanThanks. At least, there's that.
McNotObama '08
Chris or Chrissy
August 7, 2008 - 09:53 ET by poxomaThey may not know who Chris Matthews is, but if you mention Chrissy leg-tinkling Matthews, I am sure they would all say: oh sure, it's THAT guy.
Chrissy's thrill
August 7, 2008 - 17:19 ET by mjgLOL.
Well ----
August 7, 2008 - 09:55 ET by mytwocentsWell -- I guess the "thrill" is gone.
bwhaaahahahhhahha!!
Pennsylvanians certainly haven't missed much.
August 7, 2008 - 10:17 ET by ThalpyPennsylvanians certainly haven't missed much. Specter is a dud, so it might be a plan. Matthews is a poor newsperson and Specter is a lousy Republican. Is that redundant?
Probably, but
August 7, 2008 - 10:30 ET by ChuckM from PALousy Republican, probably, but popular Senator, yes, at least in the Philly area, most likely because he is a lousy Republican.
Step away . . .
August 7, 2008 - 12:58 ET by jakotaif you go to a Matthews speach, be sure and step away from the flying spittle . . . what a joke this guy is.
You'd need to carry an
August 7, 2008 - 13:34 ET by Chris NormanYou'd need to carry an umbrella and wear a poncho - like going to a comedy performance by Gallagher.
McNotObama '08
Not like his idol
August 7, 2008 - 14:06 ET by ChuckM from PAThe only thing Matthews has in common with his IDOL Obama, is lack of experience. He doesn't have charisma (he wouldn't send shivers up anyone's leg), he's WASP, and he doesn't even lie very well.
You may be fair here as far
August 7, 2008 - 14:17 ET by bigtimerYou may be fair here as far as comparing Matthews to Specter...but really Matthews has been on television for how many years now....he gets national exposure.
....this is too funny...rich indeed.
Run Chris run.
Btw...Can't you just see what a debate with him would be like....tht right there would turn people against him....hehehee
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
"Who Are You"
August 8, 2008 - 00:55 ET by Carl Kolchak"I woke up in a Soho doorway A policeman knew my name He said "You can go sleep at home tonight If you can get up and walk away" I staggered back to the underground And the breeze blew back my hair I remember throwin' punches around And preachin' from my chair Well, who are you?" 'Who Are You'
Very shoddy "reporting".
August 8, 2008 - 15:47 ET by JasonCVery shoddy "reporting". Your headline claims that 1/2 of the state has never even heard of Matthews. There is, however, a huge difference between that and not knowing enough about his political stance or ideologies to develop an informed opinion about him, which is clearly what the 55% refers to in the poll.
"Issue-driven politics in red-and-blue America is like a man whose
appetite for steak is greatly enhanced by his contempt for vegetarians."