Yes he leans left. But MSNBC host Chris Matthews was manifestly offended by the Mexican audience at the Miss Universe pageant that booed Miss USA. The Mexicans were adding insult to injury, since the lovely and gracious Rachel Smith of Tennessee had earlier slipped onto her derrière during the evening gown segment of the competititon. Discussing the matter on this afternoon's Hardball with his panel of NBC political director Chuck Todd, Howard Fineman of Newsweek, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Tribune, Matthews unleashed on the Mexicans:
- That's about the worst PR I can think of for this Mexican immigration bill which is mainly helping Mexicans become legal Americans. . . This young woman smiled right through it. That's class, but [the booing] wasn't very classy.
- What is it about immigration though that bothers Mexicans? I mean there are 12 million here illegally. That's fairly benign, even if it is passive, policy. It's hardly predatory. What other country in the world let's 12 million come in there, live there illegally? How can you be mad at that?Story Continues Below Ad ↓
- I'll tell you one thing. If an American audience in New York or Washington or L.A. had booed a Mexican woman after she had made a mistake like that by tripping, and mocked her the whole week, we'd be talking, the PC-dispensers of the major newspapers and the media would be going all over it, saying how terrible a country we are. I'm serious, I don't know why they do it. They want to have good relations with us. This is not Vicente Fox, this is not the PAN politics that gets people elected down there. It must be a minority of elite or angry people. But this is the kind of thing that people do remember. . . They didn't feel much for her, did they? They saw it as a chance to dump on us.
When the producers showed, yet again, the footage of Rachel Smith tripping, a miffed Matthews interjected:I think MSNBC ran this 4,000 times today. Let's not us do it again. Can we stop this joke? Let's stop now. Let's stop doing that picture. Somebody seems to get a kick out of that, somebody who doesn't like women or something.ASIDE: During a subsequent panel, Patrick Buchanan described the Mexicans who booed as "a bunch of bums."
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Spot on Mr. Buchanan!
May 29, 2007 - 20:15 ET by Right Wing Attack DogSpot on Mr. Buchanan!
President
May 29, 2007 - 20:15 ET by iveseenitallIt's President Bush's fault. Mexicans were actually booing him for wanting to give amnesty to 12 million or more of them. Huh?
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
This segment surprised me,
May 29, 2007 - 20:22 ET by gueinThis segment surprised me, especially the response by Matthews. I was fully expecting this to turn into another liberal diatribe on the Bush administrations foreign policy alienating the rest of the world. Just when I thought the pannel might get this right, Chuck Todd chimes in with the predictable response; the fault lies with the USA, not with a few boorish hecklers.
This afternoon an Orlando ra
May 29, 2007 - 20:43 ET by ThreePuttinDudeThis afternoon an Orlando radio show, had a caller state that the boo's werent for the American policies for immigration. It was for the fact that Miss USA slipped, and still beat out Miss Mexico to advance.
The caller also claimed that when they started to boo, they were chanting Mexico, Mexico....showing support for their gal.....
I didn't watch the show, but that sounds fair to me....just an observation.
With respect, there is no acc
May 29, 2007 - 21:06 ET by dahliatraversWith respect, there is no acceptable reason to boo at such an event. Chris Matthews is right (she said through clenched teeth). If it had been an American audience and Miss Mexico, we would have been loudly and universally condemned as racist.
Well I did see it and the Mex
May 30, 2007 - 01:27 ET by TeamcheeserWell I did see it and the Mexicans acted deplorably. Period.
I'm not a fan of pageants, but Miss USA certainly proved to be a classy woman. The Mexicans, on the other hand... Disgusting behavior.
Isn't it funny when someone p
May 30, 2007 - 07:03 ET by ImmolateIsn't it funny when someone performs all manner of rationalization gymnastics to try to explain away extremely boorish and uncivilized behavior? I might boo Vicente Fox for his cynical exploitation of his people and his neighbors, but I wouldn't boo Miss Mexico. Politics doesn't trump humanity.
This isn't ordinary humanit
May 30, 2007 - 07:09 ET by sarcasmoThis isn't ordinary humanity (I'm normally ok with booing them!). This is a hot chick! Hot chicks are literally a public service in my book, so I'd be interested in comforting the poor girl if I were a patriotic Mexican citizen...For all the right reasons, of course!! ;)
JMR
We are in agreement sarcasmo.
May 30, 2007 - 09:31 ET by Challenger GrimWe are in agreement sarcasmo. In fact, I live in one of TN's neighboring states so she can feel free stop by any time for some southern hospitality, sweet tea and comfort.
Be sure to get your daily Fred Thompson Fact!
We often hear of the stereo
May 29, 2007 - 20:40 ET by riff_raffWe often hear of the stereotype "ugly American", but the truth of the matter is that the "ugly Mexican" is much worse. Mexicans, both here in the U.S. and at home in Mexico are some of the worst racists around.
Now , now - not very pc of yo
May 29, 2007 - 21:15 ET by FastEdNow , now - not very pc of you r_r - I'm supporting the term "Ug;y Immigrant" - meaning loud and illegal. I'm surprised the cowardly CM called them illegal, isn't it usually uninvited workers? or some such?
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Matthews redeems himself for
May 29, 2007 - 20:48 ET by SMGalbraithMatthews redeems himself for at least a week.
As he noted, if this had been an American audience anywhere who acted boorishly to a Mexican figure (or any other nationality), we would have the lefty press and upper Manhattan-type elites in a lather over the "ugly nativism of Bush's America".
Jefferson argued that we should give a decent respect for the opinions of mankind. But sometimes the opinions of mankind - Mexicans or others - don't deserve it.
I agree. Give credit where cr
May 29, 2007 - 23:21 ET by KC MulvilleI agree. Give credit where credit is due. Matthews was right.
The problem is that this shows that Matthews understands what's happening with bias, which leaves him with no excuse when he displays his own. But, that's for another day.
does matthews care
May 31, 2007 - 14:04 ET by tumblerHe's up in arms about what happened in another country. When he smiles as one of the Liberal creeps mock and denigrate our President across the desk from him, he's just cool. Hypocrite.
I hope Matthews' reasons for
May 30, 2007 - 01:32 ET by TeamcheeserI hope Matthews' reasons for being upset are as he stated and not simply because it hurts the chances for the Amnesty bill to get passed. I will give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. He did say a lot of stuff I agree with, especially the part about not showing the bum-fall again.
Public opinion about our southern neighbors just turned south!
Mexicans
May 29, 2007 - 20:50 ET by pbthinkerThe Heck with the Mexicans. Let's just tell them we have 12 million potential revolutionaries, up here, and if they keep it up, we're going to do what it takes to round them up, send them back and block that border so tight, they'll think it's constipated.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Chuck Todd in that segment di
May 29, 2007 - 20:55 ET by Gat New YorkChuck Todd in that segment did not agree with Matthews and said they were booing as a reflection of the poor standing we have in the world and not immigration policy.
What no one said is that Miss USA was the last of the finalists and not Miss Mexico. Do you think that maybe that had something to do with the booing?
No... not really. Is it your
May 30, 2007 - 07:07 ET by ImmolateNo... not really. Is it your position that she was treated well up to that point?
I'm just taking the word of s
May 30, 2007 - 14:54 ET by Gat New YorkI'm just taking the word of someone else who did see it and thought that it was sour grapes.
Well I'll be....Matthews actu
May 29, 2007 - 21:15 ET by bigtimerWell I'll be....Matthews actually does have a brain cell left that works.
Wonders never cease.
I almost want to say thank you but can't quite bring myself to go that far...lol!
Chrissy
May 29, 2007 - 23:04 ET by Emma GrumpWow! Chrissy sounds like he's growin' a spine...interesting that something other than Republicans would tick him off.
She behaved with so much di
May 29, 2007 - 23:12 ET by securityShe behaved with so much dignity,intelligence and forgiveness, you could not ask for a better representation of the American youth of today.
Well, if you think what Mathe
May 29, 2007 - 23:25 ET by liberal_bug_zapperWell, if you think what Mathews said was strong, what about what was said on the Tucker Carlson show by a guest who said: that the booing had nothing to do with the falling down part of the contest, but the fact that Mexicans apparently hate the USA.
I think that this is very likely true. The majority of poor Mexicans are not coming to the USA to become citizens. They are coming as thieves to steal our jobs and steal identities and commit fraud and crime. They don't want to be Americans, they only want our money. And I say.... let's round up 20 million of them and boot them back to where ever they came from..... like hell we can't deport 20 million.... we most certainly can. I'd rather pay money to deport them than to support them. I'd be happy to see them kicked straight out of this country with no help, no food, no water.... and left to their own defenses. In fact, let's air drop them on Mexico City.... anchor babies and all. Damn illegals.
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"No free government was ever founded, or ever preserved its liberty, without uniting the characters of the citizen and soldier in those destined for the defense of the state... Such are a well regulated militia, composed of the freeholders, citizens and husbandman, who take up arms to preserve their property, as individuals, and their rights as freemen." ~ Richard Henry Lee
lbz....Sounds like a plan....
May 29, 2007 - 23:29 ET by bigtimerlbz....
Sounds like a plan....
I too am past fed up with all the blathering from all the politicians and talking heads too...
Tomorrow ought to be a frustrating day for me attempting to keep my cool and have the patience to listen to some on the Senate floor...it is positively maddening at times...the votes on amendments have been past infuriating so far.
Zapper
May 29, 2007 - 23:32 ET by Cool ArrowHow do you really feel.
I'm not keen on Mexicans, or Frenchies.
Be American or Be gone
LBZ etal--Atlanta Journal Constitution--
May 29, 2007 - 23:39 ET by misterbillLBZ etal--Atlanta Journal Constitution--I sent a letter to one of the editors of the AJC-- he had an article totally endorsing the compromise and praising it as a great work of our Senate. I emailed him--shared my thought--which you all probably know and added the little analogy about someone breaking into your house, paying a fine and then being allowed to live in your house. His answer? Move liquids away from your keyboard---Breaking into your house is a criminal offense, stealing into the country was a "civil violation" so they should not be treated the same. Here: " Comparing breaking and entering to overstaying a visa or crossing the border illegally makes a nice sound bite, but the first is a criminal offense punishable by prison time and the last two are civil violations."
His name is mike king his email is mking@ajc.com. Please email him if you disagree.
PS He referred to opponents as "anti-illegal immigrant groups". He did not respond to my statement that if I were "anti-illegal immigrant" person , then he must be "pro-illegal immigrant" person and to analyze what that means.
I know these people like Mike
May 29, 2007 - 23:59 ET by liberal_bug_zapperI know these people like Mike King. They are pretty much brainless. They are gutless and clueless. They also hate America, but cannot say it, so instead, they try and support any legislation that will help to distroy it.
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"We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities, but not on possibilities." ~ Thomas Paine
While the booing was certai
May 29, 2007 - 23:27 ET by DirkCSWhile the booing was certainly distasteful, I don't think it had anything to do with the U.S. or our policies or immigration...
This had to do with Miss U.S.A. making it further than Miss Mexico even though the former fell on her butt during the evening gown portion.
Congress is out. It's a slow news week. Let's make stupid shit up!
Better yet...let's act like starving, rabid dogs and jump all over the crap the MSM is feeding us!
"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato
"Congress is out. It'
May 29, 2007 - 23:31 ET by Mean Gene Dr. Love"Congress is out. It's a slow news week. Let's make stupid shit up!
Better yet...let's act like starving, rabid dogs and jump all over the crap the MSM is feeding us!"
If we were acting like you describe, this thread would've exploded with comments. I've seen threads get 100+ comments in less than 45 minutes. This is nothing...15 or 16 comments in four hours (give or take).
This is notable for many of us considering it was Chris Matthews that was acting out of character (or at least what we've grown to expect from him).
"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt
Miss Mexico
May 29, 2007 - 23:35 ET by Cool ArrowI think Miss USA was just trying to do a job Miss Mexico can't do.
Be American or Be gone
RO good one!!!
May 29, 2007 - 23:41 ET by misterbillRO good one!!!
Seriously,Who cares?Miss Univ
May 29, 2007 - 23:56 ET by BlondeSeriously,
Who cares?
Miss Universe?
I'd rather talk about an IGFA record marlin.
At least that would be something worth mentioning.
No IGFA record
May 30, 2007 - 00:17 ET by SumricaIt's not an IFGA record...but, I did watch The Old Man And The Sea last night.
No kidding. It's been lots of years since I'd seen that flick.
Spencer Tracy. Cuba. Hand
May 30, 2007 - 00:22 ET by BlondeSpencer Tracy. Cuba. Hand line. Big, gigantic fish.
Kind of fakey, but cool, nonetheless.
I'd love to have that fish on the end of an 80W Finnor.
Sitting on a Merritt or a Rybovich (don't ask me what's in my back yard...or I'll have to tell you). Not in MY back yard (oh how I wish), but across from my back yard....lovely, lovely, lovely boats....or as I prefer to call them, ARTWORK.
Let's make shit up?The Mexica
May 30, 2007 - 01:43 ET by TeamcheeserLet's make shit up?
The Mexicans booed Miss USA. Speculating on the reasons why is not making anything up. Your hunch is no better than anyone else's.
Anyone remember this?
May 30, 2007 - 00:56 ET by ProudAmerican33Anybody remember this?
http://www.msnbc.msn...
Mexicans chanting Osama during game against the United States, boo during the National Anthem...
Envy and anti-Americanism
May 30, 2007 - 02:45 ET by Parker1227I am convinced that much anti-Americanism is petty resentment. It is human nature to resent those perceived as being more successful.
All we can do is to try our very best at being good stewards of the wealth and power we have as a nation. I believe we have done that as well as any, and better than most.
“You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
W. Churchill
W. Churchill
May 30, 2007 - 02:47 ET by Cool ArrowDoesn't sound like something Ward Churchill would say.
Oh, sorry, never mind.
Gore lied. Nobody fried
You have got liberals on the
May 30, 2007 - 03:43 ET by liberal_bug_zapperYou have got liberals on the brain.... Sir Winston Churchill said that.... not Sir Wacky Church-hater!
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"We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities, but not on possibilities." ~ Thomas Paine
Matthews is a twit!
May 30, 2007 - 07:39 ET by c5thenHe thinks that he can bad-mouth his own country and cajole and scold various conservatives for "being against immigration" ( a false strawman - they are against ILLEGAL immigration) and that it will have no effect on the population as a whole?
The whole of the MSM do almost nothing but point out flaws and their alleged mistakes that this country is "guilty" of and then have the gall to be surprised when a small % of another country Boo the US whenever they get a chance?
Here is a quote from Matthews himself:
He even subconciously recognizes the problem himself there, yet doesn' t seem to understand that if the "PC-dispensers" (of which he is one) constantly disparage the country and say how "terrible we are" that some % of the listeners will believe them and act accordingly.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic
The audience present was a bu
May 30, 2007 - 08:58 ET by CaringwhiteguyThe audience present was a bunch of wealthier elitist Mexicans. It is they who can afford to attend cheesy events such as the Miss Universe contest. The Mexican elites aren't particularly happy that their cheap labor is going across the border to work in the US. After all where are weathy Mexicans going to find people to do their lawns and laundry? It's tough when illegal Carlos and Maria can make more in Beverly Hills than they can in Mexico City.
I disagree
May 30, 2007 - 09:03 ET by Cool ArrowExporting poverty has long been an answer to Mexico's unemployment woes. Mexico also benefits from the drug trade and the money Mexican Immigrants send back to the old country.
Don't kid yourself. Those 'elites' profit heavily from exporting poverty.
Gore lied. Nobody fried
Chris Matthews has a point, sort of.
May 30, 2007 - 11:22 ET by Dave RThat's about the worst PR I can think of for this Mexican immigration
bill which is mainly helping Mexicans become legal Americans......
These are the same people that GWB, Kennedy, McCain and the rest of the bought-and-paid-for congress are telling us just want to come here and "be Americans."
B.S.
They'll come here, alright, then carve the guts right out of this country.
This republic will not survive the continued neglect of its people.-Neal Boortz