MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, in his latest heart-palpitation over the new era of Barack Obama, inadvertently let the cat out of the bag regarding his network’s transparent to court a left-wing audience.

“This is the network that has opened its heart to change -- to change and its possibilities. Let’s be honest about it. These -- these people watch this network out here,” Matthews gushed Tuesday morning.

Matthews’s co-anchor and fellow liberal Democrat Keith Olbermann, jokingly seconded his observation: “He’s Chris Matthews and he approved that message.” Matthews then made an indirect slam at Obama’s detractors: “We’re not crotchety about change -- stuffy” [audio available here].

Matthews’s latest gush came just before the bottom half of the 11 am Eastern hour of MSNBC’s coverage of the inauguration. He first remarked on the apparent giddiness of the mass of people in attendance for the swearing-in of the 44th president: “Well, there’s one thing you can’t see at home. I have never seen so many teeth in my life. Everybody is smiling. I mean, it’s all teeth out -- when you get close.” Olbermann responded with his first joke: “ A combination of smiling and the weather -- there’s chattering going on.” Matthews then continued about how the crowd seemed “radiant” and how they were “lucky enough to be in this business today, looking out the window here and getting the reaction when the crowd catches your eye. It is such a deal.”

Olbermann continued by commenting on the friendliness of the crowds. Matthew couldn’t help but to brag about his network:

OLBERMANN: Well, as we noticed, and again, we all walked through this crowd to some degree. I dont know how many good mornings were said today.

MATTHEWS: Well, it sure as hell helps to be on MSNBC --

OLBERMANN: Well, all right --

MATTHEWS: Let’s talk straight here --

OLBERMANN: All right.

MATTHEWS: This is the network that has opened its heart to change -- to change and its possibilities. Let’s be honest about it. These -- these people watch this network out here.

OLBERMANN: Well, I’m -- also was going to say, not just to us. You heard other people say hello to each other. People didn’t know each other, who are here for one single purpose. And were thus already introduced to each other --

MATTHEWS: This is the network of the 21st Century -- MSNBC, and I think we’re open to it and that’s why this crowd knows us and I think --

OLBERMANN: He’s Chris Matthews and he approved that message.

MATTHEWS: We’re not crotchety about change -- stuffy.

[H/t: TVNewser]

—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.