There's something very tortuous about watching some of the talking heads assembled on NBC's "The Chris Matthews Show," especially when they try to dissect former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin like she is some alien life form.
On the July 11 broadcast of his weekend show, Matthews and his panel analyzed Palin's "Mama Grizzlies" ad spot and attempted to determine what Palin's end goal was with the ad. And Time magazine's Joe Klein attributed credit to Palin's charismatic ability.
"The most important thing about Sarah Palin is that she's a great stand-up politician," Klein said. "I mean, when you hear her talk - this is not a woman who has sat in a room with a political consultant telling her how to pronounce words. It's just her voice."
"There's something in the inflection which is provocative," Matthews replied.
But then came the eventual expected cheap shot from Klein. Klein had once said Sarah Palin and Fox News host Glenn Beck should be tried for sedition on that same program and he didn't disguise his disdain for Palin on this episode either.
"But I think that's balanced against the fact that she doesn't know anything," Klein said. "And that's a big problem."
Klein's comments earned the trademark Matthews "ha!" However, CNBC's Trish Regan advised her co-panelists not to underestimate the power of Palin when it comes to the women vote.
"Experience does matter, but let's not forget that if women are motivated, they can make a difference at the voting booth," Regan said. "Look at 2008 - 10 million more women voted than men."
That wasn't good enough for Matthews or Klein. They were already looking toward the Iowa caucus in January 2012, where the demographics are a little different.
"You got to Iowa, one woman, evangelical Christian against four guys," Matthews said. "I still think the shape of the field is important, right Joe?"
"Right, especially in Iowa," Klein replied.
