Matthews Scolds NY Mag's Heilemann for Echoing Obama Talking Points on Contraception Controversy

Something extraordinarily rare happened on MSNBC Thursday.

One of the network's admittedly liberal anchors, Hardball's Chris Matthews, scolded a liberal guest, New York magazine's John Heilemann, for echoing Obama administration talking points (video follows with transcript and commentary):

JOHN HEILEMANN, NEW YORK MAGAZINE: It’s amazing to me that it took them two or three days to point out that this is the law of the land in 28 states already.

CHRIS MATTHEWS, HOST: It’s not the law of the land. The law, those requirements are not the same as this. I’ve gone through this. That’s what the White House is putting out. Get that established independently of the White House. Just do that, because there’s co-pays involved and it’s different.

As can be seen in the photo to the right, Heilemann looked a bit embarrassed.

But Matthews wasn’t done, for seconds later before going to a commercial break he added, “Anyway, thank you, John Heilemann. We all have different sources.”

Kudos to the Hardball host, but wouldn't it be nice if nobody on MSNBC was ever allowed to echo Obama administration talking points?

A media analyst can dream, can't he?

Associate Editor’s note: As you are likely aware, since the financial collapse of 2008, charities and non-profit organizations have seen a sharp reduction in donations. Although the environment has improved, contributions are still nowhere near where they were prior to the recession. Unfortunately, the Media Research Center has not been immune. With this in mind, your support has become more important than ever. With a critical election approaching, the liberal media needs to be monitored 24/7. As we have been predicting for months, the press are willing to do anything to get their beloved politicians elected and/or reelected. As such, we need your help to fight this fight. Any contribution, even $10, is greatly appreciated. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to the Media Research Center to help us battle the liberal media. Thank you.