An interesting thing happened during MSNBC's coverage of Tuesday's primaries: Keith Olbermann humiliated Chris Matthews as studio employees laughed in the background (video after the jump).
As the campaign coverage waned late into the evening, Matthews was interviewing Barack Obama supporter Kirk Watson (D), and was trying to get the Texas state senator to list some of the Illinois senator's legislative accomplishments.
Unfortunately, no matter how many times Matthews asked Watson to name something of importance Obama has done since getting elected to the Senate in November 2004, Watson refused, leading to a very indignant "Hardball" host :
MATTHEWS: Can you name anything he's accomplished as a congressman?
WATSON: No, I'm not going to be able to do that tonight.
MATTHEWS: Well that's a problem isn't it?
WATSON: Well, no, I don't think it is. Because I think one of the things that Senator Obama does is he inspires. He's able to lay out a vision, he's able to lay out solutions.
Moments later, Chris gave Watson one more chance:
MATTHEWS: OK, I'm going to have to cut this off because I've been told to, but Senator I'm going to give you one more shot, list Barack Obama's accomplishments as a U.S. senator, now.
WATSON: Well, what I will is I will say this to you. He will offer the ability for the United States to be a leader in the world again. He will put healthcare back on the front burner where Americans will have real access to healthcare and not have questions raised about whether they're going to have their wages garnished or have difficulty in that regard. So, I'm proud to be supporting him and I think in Texas we're going to be able to win.
As you can see, Watson wasn't able to provide one legislative accomplishment of Obama's. Yet, moments later, rather than agreeing with his fellow MSNBC host about how preposterous this was, Olbermann actually defended Obama, while humiliating Matthews (video available here):
OLBERMANN: In defense of Senator Obama, and also in context, can you name one accomplishment of the United States Senate in the last seven years?
MATTHEWS: That's a broader question requiring a larger preparation.
OLBERMANN: Yeah, you don't have an answer to that, either.
(LAUGHTER)
MATTHEWS: But, let me say-but, you know what, Keith? They should be able to make some points, here.
OLBERMANN: I'm not disagreeing with you on that.
In two weeks...
MATTHEWS: But I'm not here to defend the U.S. Senate. He's here to defend Barack Obama and he had nothing in his-well, he had nothing to say.
That's a problem.
OLBERMANN: In two weeks, Chris and I will have complete coverage of the primaries in Ohio and Texas, at which I'm expecting a written reply to my question.
MATTHEWS: Why do you think they call it HARDBALL?
OLBERMANN: But this isn't HARDBALL, we're doing the election results.
(LAUGHTER)
MATTHEWS: Well, you know, it's late at night and we have to some work. We have to vet the guests occasionally, see if they got something to say. Anyway, thank you.
Nice job of humiliating your partner on national television, Keith. Your bosses must be so proud.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
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Comments Policy
Olbie...
February 20, 2008 - 21:48 ET by LionKingWhen Olbie does his next Worst Person...he should include himself.
Matthews actually tried to do his job.
Looks like in Olby's opinion
February 20, 2008 - 22:03 ET by kgLooks like in Olby's opinion Matthews was not Democtat-ic enough. He figured Matthews crossed the line a bit in asking a hard question. They are not supposed to do this with a candidate, much less a supporter.
Way to go Olbermann! That
February 21, 2008 - 01:06 ET by theace2008Way to go Olbermann! That was quite funny.
Hmm...I can't list the
February 20, 2008 - 21:51 ET by RickTaLifeHmm...I can't list the accomplishments of Obama OR Olberman.
Rick, I agree, OB, Olberman,
February 20, 2008 - 23:10 ET by USA4freedomRick,
I agree, OB, Olberman, or congress.. what is the connecting factor???
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party,the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Slow day at Newsbusters? :-)
February 20, 2008 - 21:54 ET by GregESlim material pickings today at Newsbusters? :-)
GregE
February 20, 2008 - 21:56 ET by Noel SheppardGregE,
I don't know. Things seem to be rocking here. Was it a slow day where you work? Or, would you care to elaborate your snark just to speed things up for those of us that obviously have nothing better to do?
Please? Pretty please? With some snark on top? ns
No offense meant at all. I
February 21, 2008 - 09:36 ET by GregESimply a one-line light-hearted opinion on the topic. No offense meant.
Chris, you know that feeling the other night....
February 20, 2008 - 21:55 ET by c5thenOlberman apparently got it going down both legs.
You made the mistake of pointing out that Obama has absolutley no qualifications for the office he is seeking other than he meets the age requirement.
The last time we elected someone with no qualifications, the USSR tried to take advantage of that and we almost got into WWIII.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
c5, that would never happen
February 20, 2008 - 22:04 ET by motherbeltc5, that would never happen with a Presiden Obama, because he would "talk" to our enemies....without reservation or preconditions...he'd tell them he is all about hope, etc...and they would be mesmerized, just like the crowds here!
Allies, like Pakistan, he would invade, even though they have nukes, if they didn't do what he wanted. (Well, he's got to show he's got testicular fortitude somehow!)
Qualifications
February 21, 2008 - 10:22 ET by theace2008Oh yes....just like Bush's extensive list of qualifications....mainly his last name.
TWICE elected governor of
February 21, 2008 - 11:26 ET by JerryTWICE elected governor of the LARGEST state in the continental United States.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Not only...
February 21, 2008 - 15:13 ET by ontheright...is Texas the largest state in the Continental US, but if it where a country, it would be the 10th largest economy on the planet (as of 2005) http://www.bidc.stat...
....liberal ignorance nevers ceases to amaze me.
Uh . . . Alaska is in Asia?
February 21, 2008 - 15:18 ET by Free StinkerLast time I checked, Alaska (home of Conservative Sarah Palin, not that I'm obsessed or anything) was still part of the North American continent.
Update: I think you meant "contiguous".
Pledge to not support RINOs ever again!
Picky, picky, picky... ok,
February 21, 2008 - 15:19 ET by JerryPicky, picky, picky... ok, Contiguous states. You know that is what I "really" meant to say, just ask Michelle, she'll tell you.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
LOL ! ;-) Pledge to
February 21, 2008 - 15:20 ET by Free StinkerLOL ! ;-)
Pledge to not support RINOs ever again!
Therace?? I see your new
February 21, 2008 - 11:43 ET by bassndudeTherace?? I see your new here. That said, you had best do your homework on your posts here, and wear your big girl panties. We take no prisoners. Most liberals dont last long here. They cant stand the truth.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Unfortunately for Chris he
February 20, 2008 - 21:56 ET by dscottUnfortunately for Chris he couldn't say the Patriot Act, voting to invade Afghanistan, or voting to invade Iraq or....Being a liberal sometimes is very limiting in your choices. LOL
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
Dumb vs. Dumber
February 20, 2008 - 21:58 ET by R D HelmAnd people say it is the republicans who are headed for a split.
I don't like either of these two, and I could not stomach seeing them together on the same TV screen for more than about 1.5 seconds, but I would love to see Chris retaliate in some way.
Too bad he is such a wimp.
Proud member of the "Rough Republican Attack Machine."
dumbest
February 20, 2008 - 22:04 ET by LionKingAs much as I despise these 2...they are rocket scientists compared to The View ... including dim-Lizzy.
Sometimes when Chris talks to Laura Ingraham...
February 21, 2008 - 02:40 ET by on-the-rockshe seems halfway decent. I think some of what he does is just "what he has to do" in his position.
I don't think we could say that about Olbie. I think he is just a jerk.
otr-my apologies
February 21, 2008 - 02:57 ET by R D HelmI should have indicated that Olbermann was the "Dumber" one. After all, Chris has written a few books, two of which I have read.
Next time I'll try to make that a little more clear. LOL.
Proud member of the "Rough Republican Attack Machine."
I don't know about
February 20, 2008 - 22:02 ET by balboaI don't know about "humiliating." I think he was ribbing Matthews, busting his chops a little.
And, as usual, balboa comes
February 20, 2008 - 22:07 ET by motherbeltAnd, as usual, balboa comes in on the opposite side....LOL.
And don't bother arguing, bal, I'm just "busting your chops a little", not looking for a confrontation over it. ;-)
Mums the word.
February 20, 2008 - 22:10 ET by balboaMums the word.
Balboa
February 20, 2008 - 22:15 ET by Noel SheppardB,
To quote Andy Dufresne, "How can you be so obtuse? Is it deliberate?" ns
What, just because I don't
February 21, 2008 - 00:05 ET by balboaWhat, just because I don't agree with you?
B
February 21, 2008 - 00:08 ET by Noel SheppardB,
To quote Andy Dufresne, "How can you be so obtuse? Is it deliberate?" ns
Noel
February 21, 2008 - 00:14 ET by balboaWhatever. YOU are right. Olbermann flat-out humiliated Matthews. If I were Matthews, I would feel...humiliated. Golly, how will he ever show his face at the MSNBC salad bar again?
B
February 21, 2008 - 00:22 ET by Noel SheppardB,
Lather. Rinse. Repeat. ns
Blather. Mince. Repeat.
February 21, 2008 - 00:30 ET by balboaBlather. Mince. Repeat. (I can do it too!)
B
February 21, 2008 - 00:46 ET by Noel SheppardB,
Well, what would you like me to say? I've responded to your comment three times without eliciting a reasonable, rational, cogent reply. Do you care to rebut my declaration that you're being obtuse, or are you just going to snark?
Let me remind you how you entered this discussion:
Do you think this "busting chops" might have been humiliating for Matthews, especially as the stage hands were laughing at his expense?
Please respond like the intelligent person you've presented yourself as to this group in the past if you would like a further reply from me. ns
Noel
February 21, 2008 - 00:53 ET by balboaIt might have been humiliating, but I doubt it. I could be wrong, but to me, it seemed fairly harmless. I don't think that's being obtuse; I think I'm stating my opinion.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat?
February 21, 2008 - 00:52 ET by R D HelmLOL-I though that was why blondes were always out of shampoo.
-Sorry Blonde, I wasn't referring to you. I am quite sure you have plenty of shampoo on hand.
Brunettes - Your jealousy is so transparent
February 21, 2008 - 00:55 ET by Free StinkerQ: Why are so many Blonde (the hair color, not the NB-er) jokes one liners?
A: So Brunettes can remember them.
Newsbusters. Log on and find out What the heck is so yummy over here!
Free,
February 21, 2008 - 01:06 ET by R D HelmLMAO! That is great.
Thanks. After the crappy day I've had, I really needed the laugh.
Proud member of the "Rough Republican Attack Machine."
Do you know what Brunettes miss the most about a great party?
February 21, 2008 - 01:12 ET by Free StinkerQ: Do you know what Brunettes miss the most about a great party?
A: The Invitation
Newsbusters. Log on and find out What the heck is so yummy over here!
My oscars bigger than your hotdog Matthews
February 20, 2008 - 22:16 ET by Lame CherryOuch for Matthews to have Olberman b*tch slap you down on your cable station...........this would be like Lara Logan throwing down on Perky Couric.
Liberals just can't be nice and have to knife the guy in the back. I would think Bob Costas better watch his dialogue as Olberman will be whipping his oscar out marking territory there too.
I don't think very much of Matthews for how he ambushed Malkin and Coulter and what comes around goes around, but I do feel sorry for him being pee'd on in public deliberately. He may deserve it, but I don't celebrate it.........especially when it is Olberman doing it.
That gorilla starts thinking he is top monkey and people will think Dan Rather was a nice guy. Olberman can not be trusted with power....sort of like that bizarre Al Franken.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
The bigger illustration
February 20, 2008 - 22:33 ET by c5thenThis is what happens when you let two pundits anchor a news program.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Has anyone asked Chris Matthews...
February 21, 2008 - 00:26 ET by cslepageHas anyone asked Chris Matthews what he thinks, after doing Hardball for 10 years, of being usurped by an untalented blowhard by Olbermann?
Olbermann
February 21, 2008 - 10:29 ET by theace2008He seems quite talented to me. Have you ever seen his special comments? They are very well worded, make some great points, and have a lot of feeling.
I watch his show almost every night.
You're the one! Always
February 21, 2008 - 11:46 ET by Hunter12You're the one! Always wonder who that was.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
Hey, the guy wasn't ready
February 21, 2008 - 00:31 ET by fitzfongHey, the guy wasn't ready for the question, and as usual, Matthews got into his obnoxious pest routine...cutting the guy off, acting incredulous and pretending like he had just uncovered the scandal of the century. While he continued to marinate in his own sense of self-importance and unearned triumph, Olbermann busted his b***s a little bit...he took the smug little creep down a peg or two. Much as I dislike Olbermann, Chrissy had it coming. Matthews takes himself far too seriously for the caricature he is.
There is only way to
February 21, 2008 - 00:38 ET by CJK51There is only way to resolve this crisis at MSNBC, so all 11 people who watch the network can sleep easily knowing its two biggest attractions (talk about a lousy circus there!) will be at peace again:
THUNDERDOME!
Two morons enter, two morons leave, kiss, make up and promise to be good little liberals.
Olbermann was just
February 21, 2008 - 02:05 ET by Parker1227Olbermann was just asserting the new-Left dominancey in the MSNBC pecking order.
Matthews is an old-school Democratic political hack turned analyst who still has the dignity (at least occasionally) to rise above partisanship and ask hard questions to those on his side of the aisle. He will even occasionally give a conservative credit for doing something right.
Olbermann is new-school Left. All war, all the time, against the demonized Right. Not only are all conservatives wrong on every single issue, but they are motivated by greed, racism, sexism and power mongering - so even when they appear to have done something right, it was for all the wrong reasons (or by accident).
Matthews is intelligent enough to realize that if you never concede a single point in the battle of ideas - then you have subordinated thought to ideology.
Olbermann is an ideologue.
Unfortunately, the new-school Left (or maybe I should say: re-birthed Stalinism) is on the ascendancy.
Thus, the supreme irony of Obama running on a can't-we-all-get-along platform, when his core support comes from the BDS twits who gave us the General "betray us" ad campaign.
Great point!
February 21, 2008 - 02:56 ET by KC MulvilleI like what you said, but I particularly like your last comment:
I hadn't thought about that, but you're exactly right!
That's a pretty insightful
February 21, 2008 - 12:58 ET by MikeknaJThat's a pretty insightful post. You just nailed the differences between Matthews and Olbermann quite succinctly.
It's also why I can frequently disagree with Chris but still have some respect for him and what he does, unlike with Olbermann (who gleefully showed his true colors again last night w/ the McCain story).
"The shadow proves the sunshine" - Switchfoot
http://www.xanga.com/mikeknaj
Thank goodness you guys watch DNCTV,
February 21, 2008 - 02:01 ET by timotheso I don't have to.
I appreciate it.
Obama
February 21, 2008 - 02:25 ET by BlueoystercultRemember, Olberblabber is a guy who thinks he is smart because he knows a lot about sports.........think about that for a minute...........great bumper sticker.....JUST SAY NO TO B.O. .......BARRACK AND OPRAH!
Wow!
February 21, 2008 - 02:50 ET by Dustin JolleyWow! That's without a doubt, the first time I've ever heard Olbermann say anything that was intentionally funny! Lol.
"The last time we elected
February 21, 2008 - 09:51 ET by chessplayer"The last time we elected someone with no qualifications, the USSR tried to take advantage of that and we almost got into WWIII."
Plus the Bay of Pigs fiasco. But, hey. Kennedy was a good orator, and was young and pretty. Much more important qualifications than experience!
Chessplayer
February 21, 2008 - 10:35 ET by theace2008That's crazy. Bush's qualifications in 2000 were that he was a week governor and accident of birth. I would say there's no way Obama could be worse than the disaster of a situation we're in now thanks to the current president.
Unfortunately, Professor
February 21, 2008 - 19:52 ET by fitzfongUnfortunately, Professor Troll/Syrius (whatever your name is) you have confused George W. Bush with Bill Clinton. No need to thank me...increasing your limited intelligence is reward enough.
Dustin--
February 21, 2008 - 10:32 ET by theace2008You obviously haven't watched his show then.
Chrissy the Plagerist
February 21, 2008 - 11:01 ET by HG AbrahamsonI can't believe that in all the hoopla about droolin chrissy asking such a "tough' question about Obama's lack of accomplishment, no one has noted that Sean Hannity has been asking exactly this question from every Rat focus group interviewed by Frank Luntz for weeks. Sean has never received even one answer. Matthews steals Sean's question and he's a media freedom fighter. In truth he's more like Krusty the clown or Milton Berle.
Difference of opinion is what makes a horse race.