documented [0], last night an inspired Chris Matthews declared that in watching Barack Obama speak, "I felt this thrill going up my leg."
Joe Scarborough has offered a graphic variation on the metaphor to depict how the Clinton folks might be feeling this morning. It came at 7:05 AM ET during today's Morning Joe, subsequent to a discussion of Matthews' thrill-up-his-leg line.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: Look at these numbers; the percentages of victories. You're talking about feelings? If I were running Hillary Clinton's campaign right now, if I were Howard Wolfson, I might have a feeling actually running down my leg.
A shocked Willie Geist could be heard exclaiming "oh God!"
A bit later, Mika Brzezinski alluded to Joe's colorful imagery.
SCARBOROUGH: I've gotta believe, this is very bad news.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: It is bad news. Momentum and money will come out of this, and a lot of newspaper coverage. But Joe, you certainly have a way of crystallizing the way people might sense that concern.
Crystallizing -- or liquefying?
Update | 11:10 AM: Joe to Wolfson -- Congrats On Still Having Job!
Wolfson was a phone guest during the show's last half-hour. Scarborough sarcastically greeted Hillary's Communications Director.
SCARBOROUGH: Howard, let me begin by congratulating you. You still have your job this morning -- some of your compatriots do not.
Hat tip to FReeper Ken 5050.
UPDATE 12:20 PM: Buchanan Takes Metaphor Major Step Further
At 8:10 AM ET, Pat Buchanan, part of a panel with Mike Barnicle, Chris Matthews and Mika, took the leg imagery a giant step further at Matthews' expense. The Hardball host did his best to fight back.
PAT BUCHANAN: What you guys say is, all I'm hearing from you Chris is, "there's nothing [the Hillary camp] can do, [s]he's gonna lose, this is a wonderful Obama moment; he's rolling on to victory."
CHRIS MATTHEWS: No, that's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is --BUCHANAN [still channeling Matthews]: But it's all running down my leg and all this. For heaven's sakes!
BRZEZINSKI: Oh my God!
MATTHEWS: I don't think that was said. I think, in my case it was coming up the leg. Maybe in your case it was the other way. Maybe your excitement level works differently.
View video here [0].
As can be seen in the screencaps, Matthews was not quite so amused as Buchanan and Barnicle. Mika was just looking for cover.
Hat tip to reader Meg T.