If "Hardball" host Chris Matthews is indeed going to challenge Arlen Specter for his senate seat in 2010, he must resign his position with MSNBC.
So say a growing chorus of observers from both sides of the aisle.
As reported by Politico's Michael Calderone Thursday:
After Politico reported Thursday that Matthews had taken steps to establish residency in Pennsylvania and been advised by partisan operatives to quit MSNBC and begin his campaign, the network took incoming flak from all sides.
“Should Chris Matthews use his air time to fawn over the voters and governor of Pennsylvania while also weighing a run for Senate in Pennsylvania?” asked Eric Burns, president of Media Matters, a liberal watchdog group. “Of course not, and these are issues [NBC News President] Steve Capus should address.”
In a strange bedfellows moment, Brent Bozell, founder of the Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog group, had a similar view.
“MSNBC has tarnished NBC’s reputation so badly, that the last thing NBC needs is a new controversy caused by MSNBC,” Bozell said, mentioning the perception of biased coverage during the presidential race brought on by the sister network’s commentators.
Commentary magazine's Jennifer Rubin agreed:
[H]is nightly presence on ‘Hardball’ provides easy fodder to critics fueling the narrative that MSNBC is in the tank for the Democratic party. [Query– isn’t that true without the Senate run?] After NBC News was stung by criticism during the presidential campaign — charged with bias resulting from the antics of more outspoken personalities on MSNBC — staffers worry the situation will be repeated over the next six months.”
When Media Matters and Brent Bozell both agree on something — Matthews’ departure — maybe it’s time for NBC to consider if its journalistic brand is becoming as worthless as GM’s stock.
Well, Jennifer, NBC's parent company GE did trade as low as $12.58 a few weeks ago. So, anything's possible.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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[H]is nightly presence on
December 5, 2008 - 11:15 ET by motherbelt[H]is nightly presence on ‘Hardball’ provides easy fodder to critics
fueling the narrative that MSNBC is in the tank for the Democratic
party.
That's a liberal....always acting the victim...it provides easy fodder to critics.
How about the fact that it provides Matthews his very own cable TV soapbox for 2 hours a day? Is Rubin bothered by that?
It was being talked about, but the minute Matthews showed up wearing a Phillies cap when they won the Series, I knew it was a done deal.
I can't wait to vote against him!
MB
December 5, 2008 - 11:22 ET by Noel SheppardMB,
Jen's a conservative. Trust me. She's one of the critics she's referring to. :-) ns
After reading the Rubin
December 5, 2008 - 11:35 ET by motherbeltAfter reading the Rubin piece, I see what you mean.
And I thought the [Query– isn’t that true without the Senate run?] was your interjection, but I see it was in the original.
He Should Resign Immediately
December 5, 2008 - 11:40 ET by HoosierEmHe should resign just because he's a dolt. Maybe he'll talk Keith Olbermann into running for office in New York so he'll get out, too. Where does Rachel Maddow live? Maybe she can run, too.
I guess on second thought, there's a long line of dolts to replace them.
A place for Chris
December 5, 2008 - 12:19 ET by RackieUnder the desk in the Oval Office.
That's not a pretty thought
December 5, 2008 - 18:02 ET by stratmanThat's not a pretty thought considering the Clinton's will be back in the White House soon.
Fatigue
December 5, 2008 - 13:51 ET by CaringwhiteguyNoel - I can't quantify this, but there seem to be fewer responses lately to threads about Matthews. He's the topic in at least 3 of the most recent postings. Is it possible that the troops are beginning to suffer from CCMF (Chronic Chris Matthews Fatigue)?
Speaking for myself, it is
December 5, 2008 - 14:38 ET by lotrSpeaking for myself, it is because I am often simply speechless. The initial threads speak for themselves.
Of course he should resign. He should be sweeping the streets. His show should be called "wiffle ball."
NB has been reporting on his partisanship for how long now? And now he's a fully "out of the closet" partisan (he still needs to come out of the other closet) -- why does there need to be any discussion?
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Or it could be that
December 5, 2008 - 16:29 ET by motherbeltOr it could be that everything that can be said about Matthews has already been said. LOL
The idiot can stay
December 5, 2008 - 14:23 ET by Delsawhere he is until he says he is or is not running.
I can't stand him but......
I get my news about what is going on at over at MSNBC from newbusters so thanks Noel.
You just keep keeping us informed.
looking for real estate in florida? talk to me!
Of course he should leave
December 5, 2008 - 15:00 ET by bigtimerOf course he should leave msnbc if he is going to run...but heck, we are talking about msnbc, they have no ethics, neither does he.
Why would any of this change now?
I can't see it happening...not any time soon anyway...at least not until his contract is up in June.
Franken is clawing his way in by hook or crook, being Soros backed, so will Matthews, he figures they owe him big time...along with msnbc.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
But who would make him
December 5, 2008 - 15:30 ET by UtherpendBut who would make him leave if MSNBC won't and we all know Matthews will never step down unless forced out?
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquillity of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you"
Chris "The Tingler" Matthewa
December 5, 2008 - 20:50 ET by PunkinI doubt that he runs. He wouldn't want to give up the chance to berate conservatives night after night on his show. Also, he might actually be expected to DO something with his life. Not that any of the other Senators do anything besides contribute to global warming with all the hot air they produce.
Matthews
December 6, 2008 - 09:30 ET by rick007I think Olby should run against him. LOL
Two turds for the price of one.
Hey Musies the 72 Virgins are all horny male gorrilas in hell waiting for you