Chris Matthews slams GOP Party
Chris Matthews ran a segment called the “The Clown Car Returns” where he ran some clips of Republican presidential hopefuls’ speeches in Iowa. They were at an event co-sponsored by controversial Congressman Steve King (R-IA) in Iowa. He showed clips of speeches given by Sarah Palin, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, Chris Christie, and Rick Perry at the event.
Chris Matthews then posited the real question. “That reminds me of tagging up in base ball,” Matthews said. “Candidates have to touch first base before rounding the horn. But is Steve King the base Republicans really want to tag?”
GOP operative John Brabender initially seemed to agree that Republicans’ inability to support an increase in the minimum wage is a problem. But subsequently he implied that the speeches given by Republicans at the event were positive pretty much because Republicans did not pin themselves down on social issues. Joan Walsh refuted his statement by specifying where each candidate went out of their way to prove their anti-choice bonafides.
Soon after that exchange Chris Matthews exploded. “You know why I am really against your Party?” Chris Matthews said. “… I can’t stand the fact you fight too many wars. I think the Iraq War was insane. And I think it was really bad for our country. And the attempt by your party, from Reince Priebus all the way down, to repress Black voting in this country. Voting rights are sacred. You shouldn’t mess with them. An you’ve got guys all over the country, Republicans as Republicans saying we are going to screw the Black vote. That is what you are doing. So again, the partisan game, I could not defend that if I were you.”
Ouch. Sometimes telling the truth hurts. No amount of spinning could refute Chris Matthews on that point. John Brabender subsequently changed the subject. Chuck Todd needs to watch this instance of Chris Matthews forcefully telling a truth to a GOP operative.