Chris Matthews, on Monday's Hardball, claimed the GOP is purging moderates from the party like it was 1930s Russia, and Newsweek's Howard Fineman said the dumping of RINOs like Dede Scozzafava in New York was leading to "the crack cocaine of reduced Republicanism." Yes indeed it was, as Fineman noted, a night of "wild comparisons," on Hardball but after making the "purge" metaphor, Matthews actually had the nerve to call Rush Limbaugh's play-on-words joke that Scozzafava "screwed every RINO in the country," a "metaphor from Hell."
The following exchanges were aired on the November 2 edition of Hardball:
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Gentlemen let me ask you about this situation tomorrow. Siena, the polling operation up in New York, just Sunday after [Dede] Scozzafava's withdrawal, [Doug] Hoffman the conservative led that poll 41 to 36. Howard, you're shaking your head. Is the Republican Party in a purge? Something like in the ‘30s in Russia, where they're knocking off-
(laughter)
MATTHEWS: No!
HOWARD FINEMAN, NEWSWEEK: Yeah, yeah!
MATTHEWS: Where they're knocking off people that are not politically correct. Obviously they're not communists. But this kind of roughhouse decision to bop off people. They got rid of, Specter was pushed out of the party. Linc Chafee is gone. There's no Republicans left in the New England delegation in Congress at all. What's going on?
FINEMAN: Yeah, well as long as we're making wild comparisons this is sort of the crack cocaine of reduced Republicanism here. They only have 20 percent standing nationwide, maybe 20, 22 percent of the American people identify themselves as Republicans. But those who remain and those who are at the core, and those who frankly pushed out Dede Scozzafava and backed Doug Hoffman, who now looks like he might well win that race, believe that the hardcore skepticism of government message, the anti-tax, anti-big government message is the winning message for Republicans in the Obama era. And they're gonna pursue it whether it's in New York, Virginia or New Jersey and they may actually get some validation for that tomorrow.
MATTHEWS: Okay let me, let me let Eugene savor this. Here is what Rush Limbaugh said about the Republican candidate who was forced to drop out over the weekend. Let's listen.
(Begin clip)
RUSH LIMBAUGH: Scozzafava has screwed every RINO in the, we can say that she's guilty of widespread bestiality. She has screwed every RINO in the country. Everyone can see just how phony and dangerous they are. You know 2010 might be a nightmare for PETA. Two animals may become extinct. RINOS and Blue Dog Democrats. Pelosi is gonna kill off the Blue Dogs and conservatives are gonna finally get rid of RINOS. The American people have had enough.
(End clip)
MATTHEWS: Gene what do you make of that? RINO is a name conservatives use for Republicans In Name Only, meaning people that aren't as conservative as they are. Is this purge for real? By the way bestiality is an interesting reference point.
EUGENE ROBINSON, WASHINGTON POST: It's very bizarre.
MATTHEWS: She has quote, "screwed every RINO in the country." That is a metaphor from Hell. But go ahead.
ROBINSON: Very bizarre and we don't want to psychoanalyze that because that would take us an hour. But this idea of, that Republicans who don't believe everything that Rush Limbaugh believes are Republicans In Name Only is, is symptomatic of, of this - call it a purge, call it a civil war, whatever it is that has to take place in the Republican Party and I think it's gonna have to play itself out. I mean look you've got a situation where, where Newt Gingrich whose, whose whole career has been as a, a flamethrower and, and kind of bomb thrower who says inappropriate things and shake things up. He's, he's the voice of reason and stability in the Republican Party right now. That tells you that they're in for, for a long few years.
—Geoffrey Dickens is the senior news analyst at the Media Research Center.
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Comments Policy
→ Only 20%
November 2, 2009 - 18:46 ET by Cool ArrowWhat the doofus Fineman isn't mentioning is that there is a group of 40% (conservatives) looking for representation.
This little omission can't be lost on upstanding Americans willing to take up the flag and stomp on some Republicans.
Mr. Reagan, I don't think we can wait. The Republican Party left us too, but we're just liable to snatch it back by the ears.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
The smell of failure
November 2, 2009 - 19:16 ET by 10ksnooker.... Is all that is coming from the no ratings MSNBC. If it weren't for Newsbusters putting it on their blog, who would know.
I like it "by the ears"...
Yes, this is their template.
November 3, 2009 - 08:41 ET by notonmywatchYes, this is their template. It's not unexpected.
The question is "will it stick?" Most of their attempts at templates do NOT stick. They throw out as many of these as they can, and very few stick.
They don't thionk these things, what they think is irrelevant. This is about making the people think things.
I think the people more & more recognise the leftist lies for what they are.
Except for a few insane MSDNC viewers, of coure.
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Democrat big tenters?
November 2, 2009 - 20:07 ET by Mitch NJConveniently forget dem party pariah Joe Lieberman (dem vp 2000) and his outcast status for daring to express an opposing opinion.
When it comes to intolerance, liberals authored the book.
And contrary to Frogmouth Matthews...
November 2, 2009 - 20:17 ET by heldmywThis isn't a 'purge' or 'civil war', this is a 'stand'.
Conservatives have taken a stand, made a small beachhead against a great, pink ScozzoRino, and served notice in Virginia and hopefully, New Jersey.
If anyone thinks that the rank-and-file, old school Gingrich's, Romneys, Crists, and the like aren't pissing themselves as they try to dig up (or manufacture) Conservative Credentials and edge themselves back to the front of the parade, they don't know which way the political wind blows!
These 'professional' republicans don't have half the integrity of Joe Lieberman, and, while they shouldn't be put up against the wall and shot, they also shouldn't be put back in leadership positions.
It's time for someone new. Preferably with a military and business background.
heldmyw
November 2, 2009 - 20:25 ET by MrShy"Frogmouth Matthews"...... hahaha..... nice! ♥
And its about high damned
November 3, 2009 - 00:01 ET by RowaneAnd its about high damned time that more took a stand and flushed the rinos once and for all.
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"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
I see they all got the
November 2, 2009 - 18:54 ET by motherbeltI see they all got the talking points...these guys here and Wolf Blitzer and who knows who else.
<Chris Matthews imitation> HA!!
MB
November 2, 2009 - 20:27 ET by MrShyWhy, don't you know? They told us all to go with McCain... he was our best shot!!
But darn, he had to put that rabid, fringe woman, PALIN, on his ticket and muck the whole thing up! :(
X
November 2, 2009 - 18:53 ET by serfer62Gosh, you mean the Kommiecrats liked the rinos?
All I have to say to Chrissy is:
November 2, 2009 - 18:53 ET by lsudolemiteWhere is the great GOP purge taking place, and how can I be a part of it? I'd like to suggest a starting check list:
Dede Scozzafava check
John McCain
Lindsey Graham
Michael Steele
Newt Gingrich
Olympia Snowe
David Brooks
Only a few modest suggestions. Feel free to make your own additions.
Spector started the trend,
November 2, 2009 - 18:59 ET by Radical1979Spector started the trend, he got out just before the door slammed in his face. Hopefully those on the list above will follow suit.
And by the way, rather "moderate Rebulicans" let's just stick to RINO's Chrissy.
The wind
November 2, 2009 - 18:59 ET by Joe CamelThe winds are a changing...and they will not like the direction they are blowing. Throw them all out, career politics should not be allowed. Total reason we are in the mess we are today, all those rich, Blue Bloods in the Republican party and Demonrats. Realistically, no one who is a millionaire or such should be allowed to be in politics. Think of being represented by those who are like you, normal every day people. How refreshing.
I mildly disagree Joe
November 2, 2009 - 19:11 ET by wizardjrI think anyone who made a million by starting their own business should be in - definitely!
They know what it takes to create jobs by doing business in the market place and not by sucking the dollars out of taxpayers wallets.
Just MHO...
TRANSLATION: Oh crxp !!
November 2, 2009 - 19:04 ET by Free StinkerTRANSLATION:
Oh crxp !! The Conservatives are demanding the G.O.P. take them seriously!
The only good RINO. etc....
November 2, 2009 - 19:05 ET by wnaegeleSigh!
Not to worry, Chrissy.
November 2, 2009 - 19:05 ET by fitzfongNot to worry, Chrissy. The Republican ship just hit an iceberg, and is merely dumping the excess passengers and baggage overboard before the ship moves forward again, more efficient than ever. If you think you have any use for them, you're free to pick them out of the ocean and bring 'em aboard your vessel. But I give you fair warning: they're largely useless and a hell of a lot more trouble than they are worth.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
"But I give you fair
November 2, 2009 - 19:12 ET by KJ_sez"But I give you fair warning: they're largely useless and a hell of a lot more trouble than they are worth."
You could have saved a lot of space by just typing "liberal Democrat". ;)
Oh, no. That's not it at
November 2, 2009 - 19:22 ET by fitzfongOh, no. That's not it at all. They are ideologically incoherent. They don't stand for anything in particular. Their roles in life amount to being spoiled, self-important gadflies who demand to be noticed and pandered to. Once on the DNC ship, they will prove equally irritating to the leftist "leadership" because they will advocate for a more robust policy in Afghanistan, greater support for Israel and, strangely, deficit reduction...they will become like Joe Lieberman, and the Democrats will be just as eager to cut them adrift as we are now.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
MSNBC's idea of a Moderate
November 2, 2009 - 19:16 ET by Jack BauerMSNBC's idea of a Moderate Republican is a ...
God these people are truly thick.
Jack... Thick and
November 2, 2009 - 19:27 ET by bigtimerJack...
Thick and sick.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
bt -- I'm still not sure
November 2, 2009 - 19:36 ET by Jack Bauerbt -- I'm still not sure whether they actually believe this co-ordinated talking point.
I just hope they keep deluding themselves all the way until November 2010.
Jack... I don't think
November 2, 2009 - 19:41 ET by bigtimerJack...
I don't think they all do...nevertheless...I do think the nuthatch certifiables do though.
I agree, please keep the delusions going until next year about this time.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
"Newt Gingrich... he's the
November 2, 2009 - 19:17 ET by KJ_sez"Newt Gingrich... he's the voice of reason and stability in the Republican Party right now."
Newt's just another party hack these days (endorsing Scuzzy Wuzzy? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?). Too much time in the spotlight has fried his brain and fattened his wallet just a bit too much. We'll send him to McCain's retirement home in Jan. '11 to play some pinochle, which is the best political move for him in the forseeable future.
"Crack cocaine"
November 2, 2009 - 19:18 ET by TexndocWould love to hear the wimpy Howard Fineman use "crack cocaine" as a metaphor when referring to ANY black office holder or candidate. Seriously, I'd love to hear it. (ka-BOOM)
If things go as expected
November 2, 2009 - 19:19 ET by FastEdThen I think that the democrat party can help itself by having more of its members move to the center and get away from paloonie and un-reid. Since the start of the Tea Parties and Town Hals, the demolibs haven't been able to get their ideas through to the masses, and what they need to do is foster the ideals of the missing - those in the center. So, demolibs, if you want to stay current with trends, move to the middle, that's where the votes are!
Proud member of the MOB - Move Over Barack, we want our country back!
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Because the leadership of
November 2, 2009 - 19:24 ET by celatorBecause the leadership of the GOP has been asleep at the wheel for so long, they've opened the door for whack jobs like Matthews, Olberdoofus et al to define the Republican party night after night after night. The GOP needs to be cleaned out, fumigated, sanitized and go back to its roots before it will ever regain its sanity.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
celator -- yeah, but those
November 2, 2009 - 19:33 ET by Jack Bauercelator -- yeah, but those mental cases aren't defining anything to anyone.
They're a tiny echo chamber talking to themselves and their
tiny audiences. News of their power has been greatly exaggerated. As they are about to find out tomorrow night.
Jack... I'm hoping
November 2, 2009 - 19:38 ET by bigtimerJack...
I'm hoping so...know you are as well from across the pond.
Heck...half the time I think you live here already...for all I know, you may have moved here since I haven't been around much in the last two months like I usually am.
Tomorrow I am most certainly looking forward to though.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Jack, I have to remind
November 2, 2009 - 22:17 ET by celatorJack, I have to remind myself that the MSNBC audience is indeed miniscule, and its influence is nearly zero. But it still bugs me that the R's simply cannot convey a powerful, clear, consistent message to rouse the base. I was just venting. ;+}
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
Gotta be careful
November 2, 2009 - 19:28 ET by Joe CamelOne must be real careful when talking about crack cocaine. The current white house occupants seem to have had???? a penchant for that..one never knows what goes on in the hallowed halls today..May be a stampede by the typical Demonrat voter to get some.
Yea Joe
November 2, 2009 - 19:36 ET by general companyI was kinda thinking if they keep using crack, in the same sentence with Repubs, then the Dems might loose the druggie vote?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
The only way a Democrat can win
November 2, 2009 - 19:36 ET by Delsain this NY district is to pretend they are Republicans.
In other places such as Blue Dog country, they have to pretend they are Conservative Dems.
Therefore, if we are to save this country, we need to run and vote for CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS.
One thing is for sure:
November 2, 2009 - 19:47 ET by Jack BauerOne thing is for sure: Chris Matthews is addicted to Rush Limbaugh.
As is the White House. The pure Rush is causing the whining manchildren to hallucinate and suffer paranoid delusions.
And they're gonna pursue it
November 2, 2009 - 19:49 ET by ThisnThatFineman got it wrong. It should be: New York, NH, VA, AR, AK, AL, NJ, CT, RI, CA, MT, ID, WA, OR, NM, OK, TX, NE, ND, SD, IA, IL, FL, TN, NC, SC, GA, MS, LA, MI, WI, VT, ME, CO, WY, KS, KY, OH, PA, HI, AZ, DE, IN, MD, MN, MO, NC, UT, and AZ.
And no, I didn't forget Massachusetts. MA is not part of the United States of America.
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"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF MASSACHUSETTS...
November 3, 2009 - 16:52 ET by danybhoyI really don't think of MA as part of the USA anymore either, & I think it's sad. Considering how much of our nations early history & our founding are in MA & the northeast as a whole, it's sad. This is the part of the nation that seems to have disconected from what makes America, America. They have lost the plot.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
Ha-ha! Bravo! Thanks
November 2, 2009 - 19:53 ET by Chris NormanHa-ha! Bravo! Thanks Matthews and Company! You never disappoint. We could have written your dialogue in advance. Seeing what these people have to say is priceless. They're trying to analyze and spin, for their own partisan purposes, a movement, personalites, and events that they don't understand and don't like. They remind me of fifteen year old gangsta rappers trying to critique a Broadway performance of "My Fair Lady".
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
integrity
November 2, 2009 - 19:59 ET by konoAs if Democrats tolerate and support true Conservatives in their party. What a steaming pile of pelosi. It's incomprehensible to Tingles and his ilk that Conservatives actually insist on supporting candidates who (a) share their political philosophy, and (b) govern in a manner consistent with their campaign promises. (Dems are happy to vote for Conservative candidates, as long as they can be relied-on to govern as Liberals once they're elected.)
Painful Much?
November 2, 2009 - 21:24 ET by BarkerWhat you hear are the death cries of those being crushed by the Ascendancy of Conservatism.
It's music to my ears.
Coincidence on the Purge
November 2, 2009 - 22:01 ET by BKeyserCoincidence on the Purge theme I hope, but I did this earlier today:
the Purge.
Wasn't Chrissy supposed to be an expert on politics?
November 2, 2009 - 22:33 ET by bpjamConsidering his history as a Jimmah Carter flunky, a Tip O'Neil aide and a flunky for another uber-liberal Utah Democrat back in the early 1970s, isn't the Chrissy claim-to-fame supposed to be his insider knowledge of how politics and 'The Hill' works?????
And yet he won't even acknowledge that the change in the control of the House of Representatives is determined by the 60 or so swing districts which either go 'conservative Democrat' OR 'moderate Republican' (ie. same f'ing person but in a different party)????
Chrissy!!!! Just be H O N E S T !!!! (for a change....)
Tell us how to surrender?
November 2, 2009 - 22:31 ET by HuapakechiDoes anyone see the problem with conservative Republicans being advised in matters of party unity and discipline by radical liberal democrats?
Helllloooooo!
When was the first time that the Broncos took on field coaching from the Raiders?
Does the Phillies pitching coach help out with the Yankees bullpen?
Isn't it kind of obvious that the liberal press doesn't want a sane and coherent conservative Republican party leadership?
Negotiating with a liberal is incremental surrender.
Presstitutes
November 2, 2009 - 22:43 ET by Thinking.ManSo let me get this straight, winning elections without compromising core principles is a formula for failure?
LMAO - These morons are flailing about like mad men, they must be terrified that this just might catch on...
Yeah, well Chrissy will really be in a tizzy
November 2, 2009 - 23:03 ET by RESTLESS 1When Perry appoints this guy to be Huthchison's replacement in the Senate.
"If the man, with the power, can't keep it under control...some heads are gonna roll." -Judas Priest
And the tools in the
November 3, 2009 - 05:05 ET by Andrew H.And the tools in the liberal, anti-constitutional media laugh and scorn, make believe and of course, lie. Talk to each other clowns and fools while your and our country is taken down from within. Always a mouthpiece for statism and collectivist Marxism, go ahead and work to fix your seat at the table of power, fools. Make light of us, ignore us, put us down and then watch the storm consume you bastards.
Liberalism is a convenient lie.
I'm expecting to hear the comparison with the.....
November 3, 2009 - 07:07 ET by old croNight of the Long Knives.
http://www.historypl...
The RINO Purge... And election realities. ACA
November 3, 2009 - 07:54 ET by acaiguanaWhat'ch got here is some solid fact.
Dole lost, he was a RINO.
McCain Lost, he was a RINO.
Would they learn? Would they admit they ran some losers who couldn't stand for the conservative values (fiscal or social) and stand proudly?
NAW.
We have to whip them in NY, NJ and Virginia first.
Even then, we'll have to keep fighting.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana notes from the Underground' (Soon to be at theaters near you)
The tingler regurgitates again....and again....and again
November 3, 2009 - 08:51 ET by Patriot IIWell "tingler" its about damn time the republican party started getting rid of the "rino"s.........in fact, its a bit late....its time in my opinion to start a third party...."The Conservative" party....that should give the "tingler" something to scratch!!!
Chrisse is the one on crack, or is it crank?
November 3, 2009 - 10:15 ET by bfrankThese hyperventilated liberals do not get it. NY-23 is a local race where McHugh was pro-life, pro-traditional marriage and anti-bailout. Scozzafava was simply nominated by the local Republican committee and not via the primary process. She is pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage which does not mirror the Republicans in this district. Scozzafava exit was simply the results of a 'primary' race by campaign contributors. She could not raise the funds and reacted with a 'sour grapes' attitude by backing the Democratic candidate Owens proving she was not the best Republican nominee. The only national nature for this election is the emphasis placed by the Obama Administration. It has nothing to do with the national Republican party and indicates how out of touch the DC political class is with the rest of the country.
No Chrissy
November 3, 2009 - 10:39 ET by Thinking.ManA purge is what happens after one of your all nighters at a rest stop mens room.
What a pathetic presstitute