As a loyal reader of this supercallifragilistic thread (grin), I didn't watch the show so I don't personally feel the nuances of Matthews this morning, but have you seen how his latest ad tries to turn the debacle of Zell Miller's handling of him into a "why we are the most-watched show" kind of thing?
I missed that but will look for it. "Hardball: the most hated name in cable news!"