Matthews Sees Alinsky In Obama's Healthcare Summit Performance

Chris Matthews on Thursday said President Obama was using a Saul Alinsky communication technique during the healthcare summit earlier that day.

Talking to NBC's Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie about the festivities at Blair House, the "Hardball" host couldn't help but notice community organization skills on display.

"By the way, that`s the Saul Alinsky in him -- that is the community organizer," Matthews said with a smile on his face.

"Because Saul Alinsky taught, understand both sides and all the nuances, but in the end, take a side" (video embedded below the fold with transcript, h/t Story Balloon):

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE, NBC: But what we saw today -- you know, we`ve heard him say these words before -- we saw today was that advocate, somebody who showed a greater level of intensity to really try to take that --

(CROSSTALK)

CHRIS MATTHEWS, HOST: By the way, that`s the Saul Alinsky in him -- that is the community organizer. Because Saul Alinsky taught, understand both sides and all the nuances, but in the end, take a side.

CHUCK TODD, NBC: But on this issue, he spent more time talking about cost curves in the last 11 months because he was trying to --

MATTHEWS: Sell the R's.

To be sure, it's no surprise that Matthews reveres the "Rules for Radicals" author. After all, he told us that in December. 

But to admit that he believes Obama ALSO is an Alinsky-devotee was quite telling.

Thanks for the honestly, Chris.