Today at 4 p.m., a rally is being held by the National Women's Political Caucus outside the NBC studios in Washington, D.C., against MSNBC Hardball anchor Chris Matthews. According to the letter they sent to Steve Capus, the president of NBC News:During an appearance on the January 9 edition of MSNBC's Morning Joe, Matthews said of Senator Hillary Clinton, "the reason she may be a front-runner is her husband messed around" and that "[s]he didn't win there [New York] on her merits." Matthews has referred to Clinton as a "she devil," compared her to a "strip-teaser" and called her "witchy." He has referred to men who support her as "castratos in the eunuch chorus." He has suggested Clinton is not "a convincing mom" and said "modern women" like Clinton are unacceptable to "Midwest guys."
They left out his calling her "Madame Defarge" and "Nurse Ratched."
The letter also details some of the other incidents involving Matthews, like: In November 2006, shortly after the Democrats took the majority in Congress, Matthews asked a guest if then-presumptive Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was "going to castrate Steny Hoyer" if Hoyer (D-MD) were elected House Majority Leader.
We've always been kind of amused by Matthews's abject terror of powerful women. Our fellow News Blogger, Cenk, did a nice analysis last week of some of Matthews's comments, focusing on this one:
"I think a lot of people pick a president they figure would sort of like them if they knew them. And if you are overweight or have a problem with your diet -- and I certainly did for years -- you may figure Hillary doesn't like people like me. She's looking down on me. What do you think? Howie, she's looking down on me, that woman. She thinks she's better than me."
Paranoid, much? He probably also thought that movie Teeth was a documentary.
The future belongs to those who don't radiate castration fear. You don't see foxy Brian Williams worrying about his manhood.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. WHO CARES? CHRIS MATTHEWS IS A HOUSECLEANING PROBLEM FOR LEFT WING AMERICA. TAKE CARE OF IT AND QUIT WHINING. WHO WATCHES HIM ANYWAY?
IRONBLUEEYES at 1:32PM on Jan 17th 2008
2. I have emailed Chris Matthews myself on this issue. I have always wondered why he was obsessed with Hillary. I stopped short of counting how many times her name is mentioned on his show Hardball and almost always negatively. I even tried to warn him in a kind fashion. I told him the CBS Evening News Anchor was obsessed with Bush and it lead to his unfortunate end (I like Dan). The same could happen to Chris should his fixation take over his better judgement. I did not think of a fear of powerful women. Thanks for the insight
John at 1:32PM on Jan 17th 2008
3. I cannot watch Matthews in general because of his loud manner and constantly cutting off his guests in mid-sentence.
No big fan of Hillary Clinton, but who says she did not win the New York Senate seat on her merits? The Republicans have failed to run a viable candidate against her both times.
Maybe Matthews should point that out.
David S. at 1:54PM on Jan 17th 2008
4. Wanna know why he 'radiates castration fear?'
Y'ever see his wife? Not bad looking, personality of a shark.
Godless Heathen Brian at 3:06PM on Jan 17th 2008
5. Poor Chris. He never saw it coming; Equality of women. Guess he was in a state of denial. Wait till he gets a woman boss...He'll be toast. Unfortunately there are so many guys in the same state of mind. Keep drinking beer and watching ball games while the women network.
Old Phil at 3:45PM on Jan 17th 2008
6. I am a woman and I don't see that as a sexist comment. Perhaps he could have worded it differently. I firmly believe Hillary used the downfall of her husband's career to boost her own. There is no way to sugar coat that. It is plain as day to see!
E at 3:48PM on Jan 17th 2008
7. I love Chris, he sure does know how meaningless fly over country is, but I am surprised at his lack of respect for intelligent women. He sure sounds like an ignoramus from fly over country himself when he talks like that.
John, New York City
John at 4:08PM on Jan 17th 2008
8. get a life ...all of U...who cares what ADA thinks about what Chris sez !!!!an
who cares about what Chris sez !!! its all very entertaining !.....but Chris is right this time !!!!
R.C. Metz at 5:04PM on Jan 17th 2008
9. We sometimes turn on Chris' show since it precedes Olberman. We turn the sound off until Keith starts.
Steve Seivers at 5:24PM on Jan 17th 2008
10. Chris Matthews? Is he the O'Reilly wannabe somewhere out in cow flop land? I don't understand his decrying either Clintons or anyone else. Everyone wants to be a bonafide pundit. Pundits are always the last to know. Missing the boat - and not once offering to put in a sealed envelope what they want the rest of America to believe. He called Hillary, "witchy", "strip-teaser" and "she devil"? Huh? He doesn't even look old enough not to be spanked for saying such things about even Aunt Bea. Opie Matthews,...his fantasies are what's holding him back. Sure Mrs Clinton has bent over in a dress - but now the World knows what Mr.Matthews recalls from this exposure. Think he's puttin' Chelsea in juxtaposition and hoping to cop a feel? Wonder if he's seen Romney's son's bent over in such a manner in something so revealing such like Spandex? What would he call Mr. Romney? "A horse of noble Sire's"? Eeeew! Becoming ultra-aware of his gonadal placement during speeches. Like Mr. Edward's hair follicles. What was that supposed to do? America knows women's hairdo's cost more then men's. It's almost as if Chris would like to ask the question - "Boxers or Briefs". See how that sets.
But are his statements in anyway Sexist? Yes, ~ Mr. Matthew's has bias written all over Mrs. Obama's breasts. Can't wait for the "YAP" to open again. Who this time? Since his 15 minutes are pressing to "gone" he better stop teasing the Long Horns and try something new. Well, as new as he can figure out for himself anyway. Eeeeeeeeeeeent! 15 minutes and GONE!
Arugala at 6:39PM on Jan 17th 2008
11. Right On Chris!!!
Sven Sonnenberg at 6:42PM on Jan 17th 2008
12. http://evolutionfacts.blogspot.com
FORMER ATHEIST at 6:49PM on Jan 17th 2008
13. finally, you are in ther same position as every one who comes on your show for you to pull apart and "you" change what they are saying. There are no words you can use to get us to watch your awlful show. I came onto your channel getting to a show we now watch. You are a disgrace. I can't believe nbc kept you this long. So long Mr. Arrogant!!!!!
grace agnello at 6:49PM on Jan 17th 2008
14. Give me a break. I just heard the apology from Chris and it was fine. Hillary does anything she can to advance herself on the road of self entitlement.
A Woman at 7:22PM on Jan 17th 2008
15. i cannot stand chris matthews, but, without a shred of a doubt, his descriptions of hilary clinton COULD NOT BE more accurate. she is a stone cold man-hating robot, who is where she is today solely based on riding the coattail of bill clinton's success. typical feminist story. whine and whine about how she's such a victim and not taken seriously, then ride a MAN'S coattail to the top, all the while trashing men and boys.
f.c. at 8:31PM on Jan 17th 2008