What's in a name? For Chris Matthews, a lot.
Discussing foreign policy on this afternoon's "Hardball," host Matthews advanced this astonishing theory.
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Do you have a sense, though, well certainly I have it, that just by his name, Barack, ah, Barack Hussein Obama, by his background, having grown up in Indonesia which is a largely Muslim country, that he would have a feel perhaps other presidential candidates don't have of how to connect with that part of the world, the billion people, that we seem to have such a problem connecting with and avoiding war with.
View video here.
David Mendell, author of Obama, a biography of the candidate, gently brought Chris back down to earth.
DAVID MENDELL, AUTHOR "OBAMA" BIOGRAPHY: Well, he certainly would like you to think that. That's part of his biography, that's part of what they put forward in the campaign, that he's a multicultural individual. He actually grew up in Hawaii, and spent about four or five years in Indonesia as a young child. But he would like you to think that he understands the world better than some of these candidates who've just lived in the United States all of their lives. He thinks he has a world view that is different than they do, and that's part of his appeal to some people, this interesting biography that he has.
Obama, someone uniquely qualified to avoid war with Muslim countries? Obama, the guy who undermined his own campaign and touched off an internal crisis in Pakistan by threatening to invade it?
Earth to Chris!
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Just when you think this
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:24 ET by drillanwrJust when you think this guy's elastic won't stretch any farther ...
I would have said "just when
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:59 ET by motherbeltI would have said "just when you think this guy's Toons can't get any Loonier..."
Democrats should just pick a foreigner like they really want to.
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:32 ET by SportPoliticsDemocrats should just pick a foreigner like they really want to.
John Kerry - AND his wife grew up overseas. Now this noob lib slime is famous because he grew up somewhere else.
Hey democrats, just go somewhere else, some other nation, and pick your party candidate, it's obvious you want to.
Actually, Mama T was BORN
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:46 ET by Del DolemonteActually, Mama T was BORN overseas. She got her college degrees in South Africa (no doubt while that country was still under apartheid) and Switzerland.
If the 3 sons she had with her first husband were Republicans, they would have been trashed by the media from day 1. None have ever done much except live off their trust funds. And of course, none of them ever joined the military!
Given the recent non-stories about whether or not politicians who voted for the Iraq War should have sent their own kids there, for some strange reason Mrs. Heinz-Kerry's sons get a pass. Why is that?
Genius...
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:26 ET by LionKingChrissy...you are such a genius. Whether or not your conjecture is true about his connection, to even begin to think that you can reason with fanatics of Islam is absurd. Terrorists by the very definition are unreasonable...their entire approach is that of extortion.
That's why they hate us...we
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:50 ET by motherbeltThat's why they hate us...we don't have anyone "who looks like them" in power. Only someone with a similar-sounding name can understand them, and be understood by them.
Don't Touch that Dial!
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 11:26 ET by heldmywTune in tonight when Chris explains that Obama's color should help him relate to tap-dancers, basketball players, watermelon farmers and Fried chickens!
What a maroon!
'Just By His Name'
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:35 ET by Trix Rabbit'Just By His Name' Matthews once again demonstrates that he is best at dealing out blatant stupidity. What a putz.
Liberal: a power worshipper without power. George Orwell
Hmmm? How to connect with
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:35 ET by RackieHmmm? How to connect with that part of the world, the part that wants us all dead, the part that wants the world to submit to shira law? How should we connect with cowardly suicide bombers of the innocent, with head choppers, rapists, pedophiles, misogynists, and murderous superstitious medievil thugs?
Well, for starters, I'd say we start to connect with them from 20K feet and work our way down to a minus 6 feet. JDAM their sorry asses to hell.
Hey Rackie.... Have you
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:42 ET by BlondeHey Rackie....
Have you been listening to B. Hussein again? You know, we're air-raiding them to death, didn't you hear?
A foreign policy genius, that Barry.
But we aren't having
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:38 ET by MidAmericaBut we aren't having problems dealing with the Muslim world. We are having trouble with people with European names like Mathews, Pelosi, Durbin, Reid, Schumer, Leahy, ....etc.,etc.
The war in Iraq is not us against the Muslim world. It's Muslim against Muslim. We are just trying to help those that want freedom for their people and not theocratic slavery.
The anti-war forces pretty much take the bigotted view that a Muslim does not want freedom and those that wish to enslave him are his rightful masters.
Yeah, Chris. You're an
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:39 ET by BlondeYeah, Chris. You're an idiot!
Do you have a sense, though, well certainly I have it, that just by his name, Barack, ah, Barack Hussein Obama, by his background, having grown up in Indonesia which is a largely Muslim country, that he would have a feel perhaps other presidential candidates don't have of how to connect with that part of the world, the billion people, that we seem to have such a problem connecting with and avoiding war with.
I'm a nice, polite WASP chick...I know a much better method with which to deal and "connect with" and talk to these " Muslim people".
Blonde says: "This (pointing) is the end of the gun (or the pointy end of a really fast jet would suffice). What do you not understand? May I help you understand anything else today?" (this from my new and recently aquired superior management training!).
Would they get it? Should I run for Prez?
Do you feel lucky, punk
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:54 ET by ThisnThat{paraphrasing Dirty Harry}
This jet is a supersonic, multifaceted, all-weather precision-guided stealth weapon system. It's the most powerful weapon in the world, capable of dropping 44 tons of lethal weapons anywhere in the world at a moments notice, and could blow your country to kindom come. The question you have to ask yourself, is, "Have I deployed all of them to Iraq and Afghanistan, or do I have a few left?"
Well, do you feel lucky, punk? Do you?
LMAO!!! Good one, TnT, I
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:52 ET by motherbeltLMAO!!! Good one, TnT, I love it!!
TnT
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:57 ET by BlondeMay I offer you a job?
As a translator?
I'm rather blonde, after all....but you just put a finely honed point on my thoughts.
Let me know....I love your take on my points, here....you make them sound so much more, um, to the point than I'm able to make them.
Send me your resume. You'd be a fine ghost writer. I could then just sit back and read...I'm liking this better and better, actually.
that he would have a feel
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 07:37 ET by motherbeltthat he would have a feel perhaps other presidential candidates don't have of how to connect with that part of the world,
Yeah, that's just what we need...a President who "understands" them, and will conduct foreign policy by political correctness...
Why stop there?
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:48 ET by ThisnThatHeck, Chris just made life easier for all of us. Choose your job by your name:
And once we have everyone covered, simply fire all the rest.
ThisnThat, LOL. Great work!
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:51 ET by Mark FinkelsteinThisnThat, LOL. Great work! Folks, there're bound to be other examples. Let's get busy!
Mark, My last name is
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:57 ET by BlondeMark,
My last name is "Johnson"...but I'm a female.
Help me out!
A stitch in time
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:03 ET by nkviking75My name is Taylor... I could sew up a victory and keep them in stitches as I needle them. I could hem and haw with the best of them.
I've punned enough now.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Yeah ask Pakistan if Oh Bomb Ya connects!
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:59 ET by Dee BunkThat name is so wonderful - give me a break.
Excellent, Dee! Great to
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:01 ET by BlondeExcellent, Dee!
Great to see you here again.
Your comment kind of reminds me of John McCain singing "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb.....Bomb, Bomb Iran" to the Beach Boys tune. LOL!
Hi Blonde - Will Jewel le on ye bring us Riches?
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:18 ET by Dee BunkHi Blonde - good to see you also. That was a good one with McCain. - Hey McCain's no good though because of the Cain and Able thingy and Romney,Clinton and Thompson are too neutral. We need Jewel le on ye so they know we'll bring riches.
Certainment, Dee! McCain
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:22 ET by BlondeCertainment, Dee!
McCain is so toasty I think I might have to begin eating breakfast again!
The election cycle is getting more interesting. I found CSPAN about eight years ago....and have turned it off lately. But it's becoming my morning choice (besides, the Fox idiots are idiots!).
It's early yet, and time to enjoy. It will be serious soon enough.
I don't look forward to the
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:51 ET by Dee BunkI don't look forward to the seriousness and the implications of the next election. At least it looks like some of the Dem clowns are starting to stand up against a hasty withdrawal. I watch almost no coverage anymore because it all makes me sick. At least on the internet I don't have to hear the screeching of Hillary and Nancy or see the dumbfounded looks of Read.
Nope, I'm gettin' nuttin'
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:01 ET by drillanwrNope, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Kucinich ...
Sneezy?
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:19 ET by ThisnThatDrill -- doesn't he get everyone who uses Kleenexes?
Kucinich........Bless you. Need a Keenex?
Kucincich sound like sandwich
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:24 ET by Dee BunkHe'll just sandwich us and will get smushed.
TnT
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:02 ET by pocomocoGreat post.
My understanding is that if
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 09:29 ET by MassConservativeMy understanding is that if Barack Hussein is elected he will be appointing this former NASCAR racer as Health and Human Services director, specifically focusing on issues of Erectile Dysfunction:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Trickle
Crossing Over
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 09:39 ET by Tom PaineMy Senator, Arlen Specter could really connect with the Psychic Hotline crowd.
Psychic hotline
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 17:53 ET by Cool ArrowI knew you were going to say that
- Miss Cleo
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
There are Muslims killing
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:58 ET by hydrodynDMThere are Muslims killing other Muslims they might have lived in the same town or city with all their lives.
But I'm sure Mr. Obama will find a way to "connect with that part of the world" because of his diverse and multicultural background.
Good call, Matthews.
Breaking news
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 20:59 ET by BarkerThis just in: John Edwards has formally changed his name to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Developing.....
Burka?
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:26 ET by ThisnThatIs his wife making him wear a burka, also?
Burka Obama - I love it
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 11:19 ET by Dee BunkHis radical liberal views are hidden by a veil.
Maybe barack IS best to deal with Muslim world . . .
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:32 ET by GalvanicCHRIS MATTHEWS: Do you have a sense, though, well certainly I have it, that just by his name, Barack, ah, Barack Hussein Obama, by his background, having grown up in Indonesia which is a largely Muslim country, that he would have a feel perhaps other presidential candidates don't have of how to connect with that part of the world, the billion people, that we seem to have such a problem connecting with and avoiding war with.
Well, let's see. So far, Obama is the only Presidential candidate I know of who's proposed unilaterally invading that Muslim country Pakistan -- risking the stability of its shaky but cooperative government, while sending Pakistanis into a rage -- in order to hunt down bin Laden.
So, what do you think Chrissy? Does Obama, because of his very name, improve our relations with the Islamic world?
Needless to say, Matthews, once again, sounds like an idiot.
Matthews forgot that Barack
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:37 ET by Senior ChiefMatthews forgot that Barack Hussein stated that he wants to invade Pakistan/Afghanistan, just few days ago. So then, he hates the Muslim people and those that practice Islam! If that's the best he can do, good for him and for the democracks...
Sr. Chief: Then young
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 21:46 ET by BlondeSr. Chief:
Then young master Barry stated we were "air-raiding" the Iraqis unfairly.
That's a foreign policy a lib can love.
But remember...as CIC, he'd remove the nuke option.
A kindler, gentler fool.
Blonde, A kinder, gentler
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:09 ET by Senior ChiefBlonde,
A kinder, gentler fool indeed! Just wondering if Matthews is in the same category with Barack Hussein? Imagine Barack as CIC, he can pick Matthews as his...SecDef or PressSec. Now were in deep----!
Let's rally for Cheney/Rice in '08.
The moron has spoken
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:15 ET by SlicksterMatthews is a retard, no more, no less.
A kindler, gentler fool.
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:14 ET byunless you're an ally like Pakistan
"Television is where you watch people in your living room that you would not want near your house." Groucho
Barack will talk to our
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:17 ET by Free StinkerBarack will talk to our enemies - Chavez, Castro, Armini-jihad, Kim Jung Mentally-il - and invade our "ally"(such as it is) - Pakistan. That's such a great idea, starting a land war with another Nuke armed nation. I'm sure they wouldn't detonate 2-3 of those things over our troops, or start nuking India, and thus creating an even larger conflict.
What a great foreign policy genius this Barack Hussein is.
/Sarcasm Off
Even if what Mathews said
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:19 ET by mostlymoderateEven if what Mathews said *were* true, it's more likely to be an insult to Barrack. i.e. he is one of them.
-
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:23 ET by dahliatraversIncredible. This guy keeps topping his own stupid comments.
[Reed and Reid would take care of the duck-lover vote.
Akaka gets the Popeye fans. (Ah guhguhguhguhguhguhguh!)
Coleman corners the camping vote ...]
Mathews
Wed, 08/15/2007 - 22:45 ET by pocomocoAs Marcus Aurelius stated: "The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
There can be no doubt that Mathews did not escape.
i've lost all respect for chris matthews, like i had any
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 00:08 ET by lunaticcringeradioi watched that clip and not once did he ask david mendell to move closer to the camera. he's a hack.
for fun, i'm going to use liberal logic and conclude that chris hates homosexuals for not coming on to a man like he does to a woman. it makes perfect sense.
PROFILING. But Chris gets
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 01:12 ET by wiwfPROFILING. But Chris gets off the hook because he's a libtard.
It's like saying people with German names are the best at dealing with Jews.
"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage
morale and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested,
exiled, or hanged." -Abraham Lincoln
wiwf: "PROFILING. But Chris
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 11:47 ET by Galvanicwiwf: "PROFILING. But Chris gets off the hook because he's a libtard."
Good call. That's exactly what it is, wiwf. And you're right: if someone like Gingrich, or Limbaugh, or Hannity had uttered it, Matthews himself would be all over the quote screaming "Profiling!"
The situation reminds me of one I witnessed in the Navy 20 years ago. The shore command I was at used to annually designate my friend as the officer in charge of events for Hispanic-American Month, because his name is SANTEZ. Actually, his family is Hungarian, and you'd probably had to go back 300-400 years to the Spanish and Austrian Hapsburgs to find even the remotest connnection. He is blond haired and blue-eyed and can't speak a word of Spanish. But when he pointed out to the Executive Officer that he isn't Hispanic, it fell on deaf ears. His named sounded Hispanic, so he got the call, every year, for 3 years.
Thanks Gal
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 13:58 ET by wiwfThanks Gal :)
"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage
morale and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested,
exiled, or hanged." -Abraham Lincoln
}}---> Chrissy the bigot
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 06:27 ET by Cool ArrowAnd just by your ancestral lineage, you would be more effective in dealing with alcoholics.
And just by his name, Alberto Gonzales would be better in dealing with teen pregnancy.
Just by his name, Guiliani would be better at dealing with organized crime.
Just by his name, Joe Lieberman would be better at dealing with oven safety.
Chris, you reckon you are bigoted enough to host an MSM talk show? Obviously your bosses think so.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Excellent Work!
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 08:39 ET by mytwocentsExcellent work, Chrissy! Once again you've pegged the stupidity meter! Your faithful followers must be SO proud of you for that revelation.
Obama's name
Thu, 08/16/2007 - 12:24 ET by tymanJust a short thought, isn't this racist? Just like calling all southernors Bubba or a result of inbreeding.