Posted on 09/02/2004 6:05:43 AM PDT by Jeff Blogworthy
Since I do not have access to a transcript, the following statements from Zell Miller are paraphrased, but they are pretty darn close to verbatim.
In an interview with Chris Matthews shortly after 11 pm Wednesday, Zell Miller told Chris to "get out of my face" and said, "I wish we were in the days when I could challenge you to a duel." Zell was clearly very angry at Matthews saying, "I knew I shouldn't have agreed to this interview."
There is a lot of speculation going on about why Zell Miller reacted this way. In my opinion, Zell was aware of and ready for the standard Chris Matthews' practice of walking over his guests, not allowing them to answer questions. All it took was one interruption and Zell came out punching.
Then, in what I consider to be the most delicious moment, Zell stuck up for Michelle Malkin saying, "You can't treat me like you did that lady the other day, I'm not her!" leaving Chris Matthews speechless (for once).
Some days ago, in a classic ambush, Chris Matthews invited book author Michelle Malkin ostensibly to discuss her new book about the Japanese internment during World War II [In Defense of Internment: The Case for Racial Profiling in World War II and the War on Terror]. Instead, he did not discuss the book but peppered her with questions about the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. She graciously tried to answer for the Swift Vets, but Matthews walked all over her, bullied her, continuously interrupted, and did not allow her to answer except by what little she could get out by shouting over him.
After that segment, during the break, Malkin was then escorted off the set without being allowed to discuss her book at all. This was inexcusable and outrageous behavior by Mattews.
I believe Matthews' treatment of Michelle Malkin was the hidden chip on Zell Miller's shoulder.
Be sure to tune in the Rush Limbaugh today, I would lay money that he will play the Hardball segment.
Articles about this:
Query about Freedom of Press Highlights Angry Chris Matthews-Zell Miller Debate
Jeff Blogworthy
I swear I saw Zell achieve levitation behind the podium last night. It was the ultimate ZOT on John-Ted Kerredy.
I wish that someone would put their fist in Chris's big mouth.
Here's the transcript:
Matthews: Do you believe truthfully that John Kerry wants to defeat the world with spitballs?
Zell: That was a metaphor. You know what a metaphor is?
Matthews: Well, what do you mean by that metaphor?
Zell: He wanted to cancel these weapons programs. Cancel, means to do away with. I think we ought to cancel this interview.
Matthews: Well, that would be my loss Senator. Well, let me ask you about this because I think you have a view on reporters of the world. You said, “It was often the soldier, not the reporter, who has given the freedom of the press.” What was your point?
Zell: Well, it certainly got a rise out of you.
Matthews: Well, it’s a shot.
Zell: You’re a reporter. You didn’t have anything to do with the freedom of the press.
Matthews: Why did you single out reporters… Because you could get an applause line at a conservative convention.
J.C. Watts: Now come on, Chris.
Zell: You’re hopeless. I wish I was over there. In fact I wish we lived in the…
Matthews: If a Republican Senator broke ranks and spoke for the democrats would you respect him?
Zell: Yes, I’ve seen that happen from time to time.
Matthews: Jim Jeffords switched parties after getting elected…
Zell: Wait a minute, wait a minute… If you’re going to ask a question..
Matthews: It’s a tough question. It takes a few words.
Zell: Get out of my face! If you’re going to ask me a question, then step back, and let me answer! I wish we lived in a day where you can challenge a person to a duel. Now that would be pretty good. (Norah Odonell loud laughter)
Don’t pull that stuff on me like you did that young lady when you had her brow beaten to death. I’m not her! I’m not her! You get in my face I’m going to get back in your face. [Jim's note: I presume this is a reference to Michelle Malkin?]
Matthews: Senator can I speak softly to you?
Zell: No, no. You won’t give me a chance to answer. You ask these questions and then you just talk over while I’m trying to answer just like you did that woman the other day. Why don’t why I even came on this program.
Matthews: Well, I’m glad you did. Well let me ask you this…
Zell: No, Are you going to shut up after you ask me! Are going to give me a chance to answer it.
Matthews: Yes, sir. I’m going to give you a chance to answer.
A lot of folks are now tuning him in right after the convention just to hear one of his contrived ruckuses. Shout shows get the highest ratings.
Chrissy better get his 15 minutes of infamy right now, though, because after the election his ratings will tank again.
Leni
I don't have anything to do with Chris Matthews, because what he does isn't journalism, nor is it reportage, nor commentary. He's a rabble rouser who isn't interested in what his subjects have to say, but cares only for the theatrical effect produced by shouting them down.
What did Matthews do? I know he is a partisan hack, but I heard Laura Ingraham talking about this exchange as well.
Somewhere on this forum there must be a link to the actual/video audio of the Matthews/Miller exchange last night. You gotta find it and watch...it's indescribable! Also, listen to Rush today, bet he plays the entire audio. Priceless!
These fiesty old guys are on fire recently, first Bob Dole and now Zell Miller...
Classic. Thanks for posting it.
I agree...He is a sad excuse for a 'journalist'. It seems to not to be his intent to elicit a response but only to see guests stammer as they try to answer his questions while he is talking over them. This is neither journalism or entertainment and I think his ratings reflect it.
Miller had a helluva night. Matthews never knew what hit him.
And then to watch the little rut faced reporterette try to defend Chrissy's honor...just too good.
I just hope Rush has gotten to a golden microphone somewhere inland today ahead of the hurricane. I just cannot imagine him not being on air for today.
LOL!
I love it. I wish I could have seen the show. I love to hear someone beat Chris back with his own game.
Zell Miller! Zell Miller! Zell Miller!
Thanks. Stellar from ZELLer!!!!
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