That didn't take long. Tanned and rested on his first day back from vacation, Chris Matthews suggested on this evening's Hardball that under the guise of the "inexperience" charge, John McCain is handing out "permission slips" to racists to vote against Obama.
Matthews put his poisonous point to Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page.
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Let me ask you this. Isn't he [McCain] handing out permission slips to vote against Barack? "Inexperience" is my favorite. Because you could have all kinds of problems with Barack Obama: ethnically, politically, culturally, class—I don't know what the adjective is for class, but "classily." And you can have every problem in the world with Mrs. Obama. But you could hide it all under, not hide it all, you could present it all under one word: "you know, I've got nothing against him. He's a bright young man with a quality education, interesting new ideas. But he's not quite ready yet." And that's a fair critique which covers all your reasons for opposing him.
View video here.
Let's cut through Matthews' miasma. No one needs a "permission slip" to oppose a candidate on political, cultural or class grounds. Matthews' allegation was unmistakable: McCain is intentionally broadcasting a subliminal appeal to racists. If ever a candidate has tried to avoid the race issue, it's John McCain. Matthews should put up, shut up, or better yet, apologize.




















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
CHRIS MATHEWS is a
August 19, 2008 - 20:24 ET by Clear thinkerCHRIS MATHEWS is a certified idiot!
I know that was a childish comment, buuuut....
I won't be voting for either McCain or Obama, so does that mean I won't be called a racist?
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goal
Of course Chrissy..........
August 19, 2008 - 20:25 ET by zoro7957....................the annointed one's socialist ideals and his empty rhetoric have nothing to do with anything.
so where does the BDS crowd
August 19, 2008 - 20:33 ET by TruthMongerso where does the BDS crowd get there permission slips to issue felony death threats to Bush without repercussion?
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
I've got one additional idea for Chris...
August 19, 2008 - 20:28 ET by unkeeafGo pound sand... The below tagline is proven once again...
MSM = PR firm for the Democrat Party
wow
August 19, 2008 - 20:28 ET by candanceJust wow.
I wonder if it took him a week of brainstorming to come up with that.
So....according to him, McCain is giving us "covers" to use as our excuse to vote against him when racism is our true intention.
That's about the stupidest thing I've seen on NB since I joined. And that's saying something.
And one more thing: Tingles is looking for an adverb there, not an adjective. College degree my butt.
" about the stupidest thing
August 19, 2008 - 20:28 ET by Mark Finkelstein" about the stupidest thing I've seen on NB since I joined."
Thank you. Thank you very much ;-)
Of course it's just a cover,
August 20, 2008 - 06:37 ET by motherbeltOf course it's just a cover, candance; voting against him because he's black is our true intention. In fact if we all vote for Obama, and he wins in a landslide, in Matthews' mind that would probably only be because we voted for him to hide the fact that we are racist!
Phew, I thought I was going
August 20, 2008 - 09:05 ET by ksennishPhew, I thought I was going to have to vote against Obama because I was racist.
Thank you Chris, now I know its really just because "He's a bright young man with a quality education, interesting new ideas. But he's not quite ready yet".
It couldn't be his socialist ideals, destructive tax policy or links to a number of very shady individuals.
Interesting how Matthews
August 19, 2008 - 20:47 ET by celatorInteresting how Matthews attempts to pin, in effect, the racism medal on McCain. Not too subtle are ya, Chrissy?
As it happens, the July 15, 2008 "editorial" on the web page of the Communist Party USA, slithers toward this issue, as they describe their endorsement of Obama (an endorsement we will never, never, never, never, never hear or read from the MSM.) Check for yourselves at
http://cpusa.org/art...
Some gems from their editorial:
"A broad multiclass, multiracial movement is converging around Obama’s
“Hope, change and unity” campaign because they see in it the thrilling
opportunity to end 30 years of ultra-right rule and move our nation
forward with a broadly progressive agenda."
"This diverse movement combines a variety of political currents and aims
in a working coalition that is crucial to social progress at this point."
"If Obama’s candidacy represented nothing more than the spark for this
profound initiative to unite the working class and defeat the
pernicious influence of racism, it would be a transformative candidacy
that would advance progressive politics for the long term."
" It is leading an unprecedented campaign to educate and unify its ranks
to elect the nation’s first African American president. Last week,
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka told the Steelworkers
convention that there is “no evil that’s inflicted more pain and more
suffering than racism — and it’s something we in the labor movement
have a special responsibility to challenge.”
"The struggle to defeat the ultra-right and turn our country on a
positive path will not end with Obama’s election. But that step will
shift the ground for successful struggles going forward.
"
The major media report only half the news. Why are they surprised they have only half the potential audience?
"they see in it the
August 20, 2008 - 09:08 ET by ksennish"they see in it the thrilling opportunity to end 30 years of ultra-right rule and move our nation forward with a broadly progressive agenda"
Is this the same thrill up the leg that Matthews gets?
Yes, it's the same thrill.
August 20, 2008 - 13:05 ET by celatorYes, it's the same thrill. ;+}
As we all know, in addition to the endorsement of the Communist Party, there ought to be a list somewhere of all the politically insane groups and individuals who have thus far cheered and endorsed Obama, i.e. Hamas, Hugo Chavez etc. It would tell the Obama story pretty well, wouldn't it?
The major media report only half the news. Why are they surprised they have only half the potential audience?
IF for no other reason
August 19, 2008 - 20:49 ET by Calypso Jonesthan these racist, intolerant remarks, the media must be stopped in their crusade to make Obama president. CAN YOU IMAGINE what this country will be like if the media has their way??
Matthews talks about experience all throughout his book
August 19, 2008 - 20:56 ET by MrltavernIn Matthews' book, he devotes pages and pages to politicians who have been "in the trenches" and have volumes of experience. He sites JFK, RFK, Goldwater,Tip O'Neil, Reagan, Roosevelt and EVEN John McCain, whom he devotes 2 pages to his valor and bravery in the POW camp. Obama is barely mentioned.
So what is he talking about nightly for all of these months? Why is he supporting an inexperienced nothing like Obama?
Mr.L
Matthews is pathetic as
August 19, 2008 - 20:58 ET by bigtimerMatthews is pathetic as always.
I just shook my head today, I just found out I could get him at a certain time during the Olympics (thanks Mark) and unfortunately for me...he did his usual maddening blather...
He and all of his ilk are going to aid in doing Obama and his own mouth in with all of this racism BS..it is going to backfire....
Big time.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Honest Abe
August 19, 2008 - 21:04 ET by TexndocI loved the segment where Matthews interviewed the (politicians you've never heard of) "Republicans for Obama" and said Lincoln would have voted Obama. I was so shaken I took out a penny and had a good talk with it. "Oh, you would have?!" I said. Next stop for me: a certain DC monument.
The MSM is getting a little Desperate putting out this Baloney
August 19, 2008 - 21:30 ET by JayTeeThese guys on MSM are just getting desperate.....all hints of "Reporting" or "Research" are disappearing, they are just desperately shouting verbal abuse at McCain....followed by 3 times the air time coverage for BHO worshiping. You can only watch a Church Worship service for so long a time, before getting bored.
It's Obvious to the most casual Observer...., and the MSM channels are fast running out of the afore mentioned "Observers".
If it's a Pile of BS in the road, or showing up on your living room TV, you go around it or avoid it at all costs.....Click....there, that's sounds better.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Do you mean?
August 19, 2008 - 21:33 ET by Texndoc"they are just desperately shouting verbal abuse at McCain"
Olbermann asked tonight: "Do I have to ask this? Is McCain deranged?"
Who will be the 1st MSM'er to go Psycho ? ? as BHO loses..
August 19, 2008 - 22:01 ET by JayTeeThe BHO Polls were being pushed early on by the MSM....the BHO Yourapeeing trip was a dead bounch attended by a Mass of MSM'ers, then...McCain slaps the crap out of BHO at Saddleback, and the MSM screams "Cheating" !! .....they're starting to lose it.
Which MSM'er is going to go off the Edge of the Cliff First ? ?
Let us start an NB office Pool.........Will Chrissy's leg go Limp ? Will Olbermaniac do a Melt down Rant before or after the Election ? Will Hillary come to the DNC and Leave will all the Votes ?
Will the Next presidential Debate reduce BHO to an Uh..duhh..ah..hmm...uhduh Man?
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Olbermann wants to know if McCain is "deranged"?
August 19, 2008 - 22:02 ET by Scout FinchHey, Olbermann....physician heal thyself.
they get worse and worse
August 19, 2008 - 21:37 ET by TruthMongerthey get worse and worse every year
it's fantastic:)
it's all thanks to dear old NB
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
Minor leaguer
August 19, 2008 - 21:34 ET by zachlindOne thing that was clear some year’s back when Mr. Matthews got his current job was that the caravan had passed him by. When he reported for work at MSNBC he acknowledged right away that a minor-league team had just cut him loose and his future was limited, especially for a sixty + year old guy that dyes his hair.
You know what...
August 19, 2008 - 21:50 ET by HeavyChevyChris Mathews has the mental grip of wet soap!
"9 out of 10 doctors agree that flag burning is the number one killer of liberals."
Can they pull it off?
August 19, 2008 - 21:51 ET by pbthinkerEveryone knows Obama is inexperienced so, can the Democrats make everyone that points this out, look like a racist? Obama went out to attack McCain today, probably to draw attention away from his obvious flaws. Up until now, all the fawning media has been about Obama and you have to think it's hurt him. Let's face it, what's been new since this all started?
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Let me
August 19, 2008 - 22:22 ET by seanrobinsHow about: Barack Obama is a far far left, socialist tending toward communist, big nanny-state government, tax tax tax and spend spend spend, America-hating, race-baiting, poltical monstrosity who, if elected, will thoroughly destroy this country.
Now, is that enough reason not to vote for the Obamanation, Mr. Matthews, or do I need your special permission slip?
And, by the way, is every reason not to vote for BHO simply code for "He's Black"?
Chris Matthews is such a shockingly disgusting piece of filth. Don'tcha think?
sean robins
Listen up Matthews you
August 19, 2008 - 23:03 ET by ConservativeRexListen up Matthews you little creep. I am pretty sure your lackeys read these posts, so I hope this gets back to you. When I vote against Obami it isn't because I'm a racist, it's because I know he's bad for my country.
Y'all need to quit with the racist crap anyway. It doesn't work anymore. You've used it so much over non-racist crap that it has lost any sting it may have had. In fact, the only racism I see going on is from democrats. Which has always been typical of the party of the KKK.
I'll bet the real democrats pine for the halcyon days when they would consult with the Klan on which policies to promote. Democrats, do you remember those days? A lot of folks do, you're not hiding anything.
I get the impression that
August 19, 2008 - 23:39 ET by mostlymoderateI get the impression that people like Chris WANT American's to be racist. Why else would he say such a stupid remark? Not only does it make a black person more suspicious of "whitey" but it also could create bigots out of whites that were never racist to begin with? Chris is a dangerous jerk.
Mostly, it's a liberal mindset
August 19, 2008 - 23:44 ET by jefflebowskithat all southern whites are racists and all white people everywhere who don't vote for Obama are doing so because he is a black man.
I define "racist" as a white person who doesn't do or say what the Old Media and blacks want them to do or say.
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
I agree with your
August 19, 2008 - 23:51 ET by mostlymoderateI agree with your definition!! So true.
jeff
August 20, 2008 - 00:06 ET by Cool ArrowEven those who do follow the party line are racist because they don't know the "experience"
I ♣ my seal
Cool, good point
August 20, 2008 - 00:08 ET by jefflebowskiWe are all just hopelessly racist! I'm going to try real hard to get over it!
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Go no further jeff
August 20, 2008 - 00:22 ET by Cool ArrowYou'll just end up like Robert Downey Jr.
Might be seen as an insult.
I ♣ my seal
1st off "Thrill Up My Leg"
August 20, 2008 - 06:26 ET by athoughtor21st off "Thrill Up My Leg" is an idiot.
2nd racists don't need any cover to vote against Obama. they don't care.
3rd so anyone that has core beliefs and can actually state the reasons why they will not vote for Obama have been given those as cover. Because anyone who will not vote for Obama is a racist. So we don't need his show anymore. He's summed it all up for us.
So which party is open to debate and free thinking. Doesn't seem to be the Dems now does it.
Inexperience?
August 20, 2008 - 06:48 ET by Cool ArrowCheck this out.
From Saddleback, Part four, at 2:20 into the segment Obama, in explaining why he would not have named Clarence Thomas, says;
He seems to catch himself short on "an experienced" and after some stuttering switches to "strong enough".
I ♣ my seal
"Assho... uhh, anus"
August 20, 2008 - 07:45 ET by SickofLibs"I don't think he was an ex, a strong enough jurist or legal thinker."
C'mon Cool, thats not fair - this is yet another demonstration of his massive intellect, the fact that he is able to stop himself in MID-WORD. That's how fast his brain works.
Except for all the uhhh, duuhh, errr and ahh parts.
Panic - it will get worse
August 20, 2008 - 07:49 ET by robertjacobIdiots like Matthews, Olby, and the rest will GET MUCH WORSE as the reality sets in. As they panic they will become more and loud and more and more vitriolic in their comments toward McCain - a man they once loved.
Obama does not wear well.
The more times you see and hear him - the less impressed you become.
Great music - no lyrics.
Not voting for McCain or Obama is a vote for Obama
August 20, 2008 - 09:23 ET by MystapittMight appear a principled position to take, but you are saying that you are ok with judges like RBGinsberg being appointed. You know NoBama will nominate her type. At least with McCain you stand a chance of at best a Scalia or at worst a Kennedy type. Not perfect, but not Ginsberg.
Classily (Minor Point)
August 20, 2008 - 09:25 ET by hoipolloi"I don't know what the adjective is for class, but 'classily,'" Matthews states. He doesn't know what an adjective is period. The words he cites--ethnically, politically, culturally--are adverbs.
Race Card???
August 20, 2008 - 15:33 ET by LionKingFirst Howie Dean and now Chrissy!!!
The only ones playing the race card are the liberals.
Handing Out 'Permission Slips' to Racists
August 20, 2008 - 18:42 ET by needle...is what the MSM does every time it hands the microphone over to Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton.
Chris Matthews's failure to comprehend his hypocritical bias is similar to a fish’s inability to understand water.
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
Conversely, wouldn't the
August 21, 2008 - 12:36 ET by BDConversely, wouldn't the experience charge allow black racists to vote FOR Obama? Just saying....