Matthews: 'I'm Smiling Because I Think It's Going To Be a Wipe-Out'

Chris Matthews just couldn't wipe that grin off his face.  Interviewing him on this morning's 'Today,' Meredith Vieira began by suggesting that despite the tough electoral environment for Republicans, polls over the weekend were showing movement in their direction. She started to pose a question, but so distracting was Matthews' mugging that she couldn't continue, asking instead "why are you smiling?"

Replied Matthews:

"Because I think it's going to be a wipe-out. I think the Democrats are going to carry the House by 20-some, high-20s and I think the Senate seats are perhaps not six, but five, and I can see a big victory for the Democrats."

Video here.

Matthews went on to sound a cautionary note to Dems about not dancing in the end zone.  And no doubt he would seek to explain his smile and response as reflecting his amusement at the suggestion that the election might be close, not his satisfaction with the anticipated outcome.  But does anyone believe he would have been equally gleeful had he been convinced Republicans were heading toward a big victory?

Finkelstein lives in Ithaca, NY.  Beginning later this week he will be reporting for MRC from Baghdad and Fallujah. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net