Republicans facing what is sure to be a liberally-skewed forum moderated by former Democratic partisan Chris Matthews need to take a cue from the host of Comedy Central's "Daily Show," a conservative opinion journalist argues:
Matthews is an over-the-top liberal, a brazen cheerleader for Clinton. He can also be a bully. Remember the incident about two years ago when he reduced Michelle Malkin nearly to tears? And how Zell Miller gained instant hero status for asking Matthews if he wanted to take that discussion outside?
To beat Chris Matthews the candidates don’t need to punch him in the nose. But they need to do two things. First, they need to follow Jon Stewart’s example.
In what left Matthews squealing that it was his worst interview ever, The Daily Show’s hyperactive (but not hyperliberal) Jon Stewart’s interview of Matthews on his new book not-so-gently poked fun at Matthews’ outlook on life. If -- with humor -- any of the candidates can take a few shots at Matthews and the premise of his questions, they can come out as the winner.
Writing the day before the October 9 MSNBC Republican presidential debate, Human Events editor Jed Babbin added that taking on Matthews specifically and media bias geerally is a sure-fire way to electrify the GOP voting base and awaken the general public to what they instinctively know. The media are biased to the left and actively engaged in furthering a left-wing agenda:
...one of the ground truths of politics is that the Republican base is practically begging to be fired up about the mainstream media's political activism. They know something is badly wrong with the media, its obvious bias, and the fact that many such as CBS, NBC, ABC, the New York Times, and the Washington Post are in the campaign business, not the news business. Because Republicans have not taken the media on, Americans can't quite put their finger on it or what to do about it.
For Babbin's full article, check here. See also NewsBusters' comprehensive coverage of Chris Matthews here. And as always, check with NewsBusters and MRC.org for post-game analysis of media bias pertaining to the MSNBC debate.
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
I favor full ridicule; the
October 8, 2007 - 21:57 ET by robert108I favor full ridicule; the candidates should do it, one after the other, until Chrissie starts crying like a little girl. Then the debate can start.
I hope they call him on every bit of his crap
October 8, 2007 - 22:15 ET by Dee BunkWe had this discussion yesterday and a few of us were saying that any candidate who stands up to him will go up a few notches for us.
Chrissy Mouthews
October 8, 2007 - 22:18 ET by Dave RHe can also be a bully.
And just about all bullies are cowards. Furthermore, the fact that Chris is a Clintonista means he is also a full-blown wuss.
I hope they all get right in his face. Especially Fred, as he needs to put up a banner performance, being that this is the first debate he has participated in.
As for Zell Miller (my former governor) I wish Chris had taken him up on his offer to take that discussion outside
Zell would have stomped Chrissy's pampered ass right into the ground.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
Following Jon Stewart is like following the south end of a horse
October 8, 2007 - 22:36 ET by Lame CherryAs I pointed out here days ago, the way to handle Chris Matthews is to simply have the GOP candidates actually all answer any question Matthews generates by addressing the co host in saying:
Due to Mr. Matthews outlandish statements this past week, we refuse to deal with his bias........now co host do you have a question to proceed with this debate.
The minute you start interacting anything with Matthews is the moment he gains stature as this is not Jon Stewart running a closed forum and there is always a Ron Paul to stab Republicans in the back by stating, "I agree with Matthews" as his positions do.
Closing ranks and fighting the problem of liberals is how one electrifies the base which is already in the process of sorting the candidates as I predicted Rudy is falling behind in key polling and Thompson is surging. Mitt does not have enough family in straw poll Iowa to win New Hampshire and Mitt does not have a following to run a sweep from South Carolina on.
TMI, but this will flow from the opening to an Alamo Rudy of abortionists, patricians and gun control slowly coming to ruin with Mitt failing fast in real America, Keyes staying in the race doing a pilot job of issues, the rest of the pack flowing away and Thompson gaining momentum while a cheering mob starts screaming, "Fixed elections as Ron Paul actually won".
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Why all the fear of noninterventionism?
October 9, 2007 - 03:42 ET by sarcasmoRon Paul's support is deep, and it ain't just from Ron Paul Democrats, although there are plenty, and IMO Chris Matthews AIN'T among 'em because he obviously wants Hillary (or a RINO, as if there's any-difference!) and bigger-government instead of Dr. Paul....
The plain as day fact that Ron Paul supporters happen to do a better and more interesting job than the media at election analysis isn't our fault, it's the media's. And I wish the RINOs weren't so damn scared to debate him, but facts are facts, and they obviously-are....
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
If any of the candidates
October 9, 2007 - 09:26 ET by Hero SquadIf any of the candidates says "I agree with Chris Matthews," that opens up a chance for another to respond, "Of course you do." Getting labeld as agreeing with Matthews in any regard could be political suicide for said candidate.
*****
"I heart famous people."
Oh, c'mon. Who are we
October 8, 2007 - 23:17 ET by jdhawkOh, c'mon. Who are we trying to kid here.
Yahoo! Yahoo! A Republican with a spine????
Since when have these "presidential" candidates or for that matter any Republican, taken apart a drive by media big wig?
As you point out, Ken, it was Zell Miller, a Democrat, that took Slimeball, Krissy, down a notch. No Republicans need apply.
Fantasy land will be the day that this lot of "presidential" candidates suprises any of us that are patiently awaiting a real leader to lead and guide our party. . .
Tick tock . . . tick tock . . . tick tock . . .
Expect the debate tomorrow night to be dodge and weave time regarding the issues and playing patty cake with Krissypoo <barf>.
jd, If Fred plays nice, get ready for President Rhodam.
October 8, 2007 - 23:36 ET by Dave RI'm going to give Fred the benefit of the doubt here, as I have yet to see him in a debate. If he wimps, it's over for the GOP.
As for the rest, I agree with you. They will most likely stand up there and play cannon-fodder for the lib moderators.
Then I will be 100% positive that St. Hillary the Hideous will be the next occupant of the Oval Office.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
Wow, DaveR
October 9, 2007 - 07:37 ET by RJYou mean that the seemingly hundreds of "we're doomed" posts you've made don't necessarily mean you're "100% positive" yet?
"Harry Reid is a complete buffoon." -Lou Dobbs
Mention, don't insist
October 8, 2007 - 23:32 ET by KC MulvilleThe chief GOP message is that the these are dangerous times. What do the Democrats offer? Three law school debutants. Only one has completed more than a single senate term, and none has produced any legislation that shows they can wrestle with any difficult issues. These are not serious people. On the other hand, the GOP can offer serious and experienced candidates.
Don't blow that message by focusing on a talk show host. Mention his bias, but don't spend much time on it.
We need a class act, but lack the actors
October 9, 2007 - 00:07 ET by Captain RepusI agree that none of the candidates should dwell on the raging bias of the moderator. Only one of the candidates, preferably the first up (unless it is one of the third-tier idiots) should speak for all and condemn Matthews qualifications. After that, each of them should clearly answer every question (accusation) directly and focus on a positive message, and refrain from smearing anyone except Hillary Clinton.
The leanings of Chris
October 9, 2007 - 00:03 ET by mgerardnHe's a true and true liberal...here are some of the things he's said in the past:
On Mitt: He looks like a million bucks. Everything is perfect. Everything about him is perfect -- his look, his manner, everything
Here's when he's talking to Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council: Do you think that the conservative people like yourself, who are not politicians, but are men of the church, who believe in values rather than election results, will break with the pols on this one?
On McCain's campaign problems: let's get into the really worst part of my job, which is to talk about what happens if he does continue to sink.
I'm sick of this guy, let's get someone fair and balanced in there.
Chris Mathews, is that you posting on NB? C'mon, fess up.
October 9, 2007 - 00:12 ET by Dave RAfter all, we're all friends here. Like family, even.
Trust me.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
It's true, it is me...
October 9, 2007 - 00:14 ET by mgerardnYep, it's me Chris Matthews (or C-matt) as my homies call me. Sometimes in the evening, after finishing a show where I've gushed all over Rudy Giulani, I surf over to Newsbusters, where I can instantly order Ann Coulter books while learning that broken light bulbs prove there's no global warming
Chris has been busted so many times here at NB
October 9, 2007 - 00:41 ET by Dave RI really hope you aren't trying to convince us that CM (that's you) is somehow objective. He (you) has/have been busted so many times here at NB that we had a special set of custom-made, gold-plated handcuffs made, complete with his (your) initials engraved in them.
Rots a ruck, pal. You're going to need as much as you can beg, borrow and/or steal.
Dave R.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
Oh, and Chris, allow me be the first. Welcome to NewsBusters!
October 9, 2007 - 00:34 ET by Dave R:-)
night night.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
Point well taken
October 9, 2007 - 00:23 ET by Captain RepusCongratulation on finding all three of Matthews non-biased statements made in the last year within just a few minutes. Would have taken me hours. Nice job, Chris.
From Chris...
October 9, 2007 - 01:00 ET by mgerardnHow many more do you need - what's the number that'll put you over the top - I'll post 'em. By the way, love all your Bill and Monica comments, that stuff is certified fresh.
Remember when I said about Karl Rove leaving the white hourse.. 'So, it looks to me like he walked out like a gentleman'
Don't recall your comments
October 9, 2007 - 01:14 ET by Captain RepusDon't recall your comments about Rove, other than your illegitimate son (David Shyster) assuring us that Rove was to be indicted in short order.
His prediction surprised me because I was so certain that you were correct in your near-assurance that Cheney would go down that I didn't give much thought to Rove.
If I were a candidate I
October 9, 2007 - 08:08 ET by Free ThinkerIf I were a candidate I would love to take on Chris in this debate and show how I set myself apart from the left. I would take every advantage to bring up past remarks Chris has made and then crush his arguments while answering his questions. This is not a setting where Chris can respond or cut to commercial so I would enjoy the opprotunity to pick him apart. If he did lose his cool and respond it will make him look foolish and show his true partisan colors.
Quick
October 9, 2007 - 08:39 ET by rbchaffeSomeone forward this to each Republican candidate.
Matthews' Debate
October 9, 2007 - 09:29 ET by billbIf the candidates are time limited, then the questioner should also be limited, say 15 seconds to ask a question. Then Matthews would be unable to make a speech or ambush the candidate as he does so well! Any question taking longer than 15 seconds is a speech.!
RINOS
October 9, 2007 - 10:36 ET by iveseenitallWhy in Hell would the RNC allow this obvious liberal partisan Matthews moderate their debate? It is astounding and cowardly. I guess the RINOS have won. How sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"