The show bills itself as 'Hardball.'  But in surrounding himself with regulars who are either certified liberals or renegade Republicans, doesn't Chris Matthews prove himself to be a softy, unwilling or unable to take the high heat from true-blue Republican flamethrowers?

Let me say something that might surprise some NewsBusters readers and dismay others.  I like Matthews.  Not that conservatives are the arbiters of patriotism, but I do consider Chris someone who loves his country and, as misguided as he may be on various policy issues - has its best interests at heart.  He's no Keith Olbermann.

That said, although he professes not to be a partisan and will speak to Democrats about "your" - not "our" - party, there can be little doubt that his rooting interest hasn't changed much since the days he was a top aide to Tip. 

Fair enough.  But if this is really 'Hardball,' and not just a comfy echo chamber, why is it that Matthews' regular guests are essentially confined to liberals, mainstream moderate-left pundits, and Republicans notable for being renegades all-too-willing to criticize the GOP?

Take tonight's show. 

• First, a report from Matthews' main reporting man, David Shuster, who reliably offers a Republican-unfriendly take. 
• Next, the left-leaning NBC heavyweight, Andrea Mitchell.
• Followed by the Dem governor of New Mexico and former Clinton UN Ambassador Bill Richardson.
• Succeeded by MSM pundit Howard Fineman.
• After a report from another NBC reporter, Mike Viqueira, Matthews' two final guests were the affable but hardly conservative Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post, and the only person who is colorably a Republican: Pat Buchanan.  Pat is a Hardball regular, and with good reason.  He gives Chris cover - 'see, I do too have on conservatives!'  But Buchanan is Chris' kind of Republican- one who quit the GOP and is often a bitter critic of Republicans.  Witness tonight's show, in which Pat accused Republicans of a "cover-up" of the Foley matter, and warned Denny Hastert not to lie to the FBI.  With "Republicans" like Pat, who needs Bob Shrum?

So, c'mon Chris. Stop playing softball, and find yourself a real Republican regular!

Finkelstein lives in the liberal haven of Ithaca, NY. View webcasts of Mark's award-winning TV show 'Right Angle' here. Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net

—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.