Matt Lauer: Dixie Chicks 'Rule!' Get 'Last Laugh' on President!

NBC's Matt Lauer opened this morning's Today show with news of the Dixie Chicks' big win at last night's Grammy Awards and used the moment to take a dig at the President's expense. After Lauer teased segments on snow in the Midwest and a skydiver who survived a fall, Lauer took his shot via the big news that an outspoken liberal musical group was awarded a prize from their liberal peers in the music industry:

Lauer: "And Chicks rule! They were shunned after criticizing the President but after a big night at the Grammys the Dixie Chicks are getting the last laugh today, Monday, February 12th, 2007."

Later in the show, in the 9am hour, Natalie Morales declared it was "a big evening for some ladies who've endured some tough times," and West Coast contributor Maria Menenous scored a backstage interview with the Chicks along with Rolling Stone's Joe Levy who asked if the win was a "vindication."

Natalie Morales: "The music industry honored its own at the Grammys last night and it was a big evening for some ladies who've endured some tough times, the Dixie Chicks. Here's our West Coast contributor Maria Menenous with all the big winners."

Maria Menounos: "From red carpet twists and turns to onstage wins it was ladies night at the Grammies. Almost four years after lead singer Natalie Maines criticized President Bush the Dixie Chicks staged a major comeback winning five awards."

Natalie Maines: "I told you I'd take you to the Grammys, stick with me!"

Menounos: "Rolling Stone magazine's Joe Levy and I spoke to the winners back stage."

Joe Levy: "Now is this kind of for you a vindication?"

Maines: "That makes me smile but it's not the way I look at it. I'm just happy."