Posted on 02/07/2006 5:01:35 PM PST by governsleastgovernsbest
by Mark Finkelstein
February 7, 2006 - 19:39
There's been speculation today that Democrats and their MSM allies would turn on erstwhile hero John McCain in the wake of his breathtakingly critical letter to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama - whom we are legally required to refer to as a "rising star of the Democratic party."
But at least one MSMer with impeccable Dem credentials - Chris Matthews - was reveling in the cat fight this evening.
Obama and McCain apparently had a gentlemen's agreement that they would cooperate in a bi-partisan way on a lobbying reform bill. But it seems that Obama back-tracked, withdrew from the agreement, and came out in support of Dem leader Harry Reid's highly partisan proposal.
McCain unloaded on Obama with a letter he made public containing, among others, these jabs:
"I would like to apologize to you for assuming that your private assurances to me regarding your desire to cooperate in our efforts to negotiate bipartisan lobbying reform legislation were sincere."
"I concluded your professed concern for the institution and the public interest was genuine and admirable. Thank you for disabusing me of such notions."
"I hold no hard feelings over your earlier disingenuousness. Again, I have been around long enough to appreciate that in politics the public interest isn’t always a priority for every one of us."
Ouch!
In any case, Matthews was absolutely in his glory over McCain's comments. For a guy whose show is called "Hardball," this was manna from heaven. A jovial and clearly enthused Matthews offered some criticism of his own of Obama in the guise of a question: "Did he welsh on the deal? Did he double-cross you?" Unfortunately, there was an audio problem at the time, so McCain never responded directly.
The traditional kabuki in these situations is that the following day, the person in Mcain's position claims his letter was misinterpreted, that he and Obama are best of friends, blah, blah, blah. But to his credit, on two separate occasions when Matthews asked if he stood by his letter, McCain flatly answered: "Sure!"
Matthews literally couldn't keep himself from laughing out loud as he read the juicy excerpts above. Breaking into guffaws, Matthews interpreted the letter in this way: "you're saying you thought the guy was a gentleman and a civil servant and now you [Obama] are obviously not."
It was a complete and total laugh-in between the two, as McCain allowed with a wide grin that he thought the letter was "pretty well-written."
Other Dems and MSM types might back away from McCain in the wake of his shot across Obama's bow, but Matthews is obviously loving the political theater and the grist for his nightly mill.
I think his all-time best is the one that Rush plays all the time. Searching for link to audio now.
Oh, do tell. Schneider's unhappiness bring me nothing but joy.
I used to a masochist myself. Always seem to end up watching the first five minutes of BlowHardball every night, before I'd end up going bonkers and vote with my remote.
Can't stand the bastard.
Somebody ask him how it feels to forever be known as one of the croked Keating Five.
It is just that I saw him do it at least one other time and I was almost certain that he could hear just judging by his expressions. I was not watching tonight though.
all-time best is the one that Rush plays all the time
There are some great clips of this drunk.
The MSM will celebrate McCain when he runs for President--until (IF) he wins the Republican nomination. Then they will turn on him like a bad penny. Accusations will range from adultry to bad temper and inability to get along with people (both Dems and Repubs). Its such an obvious goat rope.
Who is the "distinguished" senior senator who is going to endorse McCain for President according to Dick Morris (who said the senator called him) who was discussing it with Sean Hannity today but wouldn't disclose the name? Hannity said he knew who he was talking about. Anyone know?!
You mean like Hubert Horatio Hornblower!! Remember that one! I was there.
Much as I love to see Barack Obama get b!tch-slapped, I am not going to be rooting for Johnnie McMeMeMeCain on this one. He has pretty much gutted the right to free speech in this country. I would not be surprised if he went after the right to petition the government for redress of grievances as well.
I'm with you, but McCain's letter was just too delicious not to enjoy!
I beleive this means McVain is running for Pres. in the Republican party. Otherwise he could not get away with dissing Osama... err, I mean Obama like that.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>Why is Obama a "rising star?"
Not white
Can spell well
Not a worn out walrus hull like Teddy
Either way, I'd be happy to see him left as a steaming puddle of torched ego as a result of his failure.
McCain is every bit as coniving as Hillary in every one of his political moves. He's proven time and time again that he'll dance with the devil (aka democrats) to win favor of the left wing media and has made his reputation by stepping on conservative's backs.
McCain is a fool's politician. Unfortunately, this little stunt of his gave him a political boost in the GOP. Excuse me, while I go hurl....
I dunno. It would have to be somebody who talks to Dick Morris. That leaves out a whole lot of folks right there.
Maybe it was a Donk. Could be that it is time for Johnnie McMeMeMeCain to jump ship to the Donk Party to launch a "Fusion" candidacy for President.
The only way Hillary! is going to win is to split the 'Pubbies. McMeMeMeCain is just the guy to do it!
Trent Lott?!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.