Sources: Top Hillary Advisers Have Repeatedly Complained To MSNBC About Chris Matthews

[DeepModem Mom]

TPM: Sources: Top Hillary Advisers Have Repeatedly Complained To MSNBC About Chris Matthews
February 14, 2008
Greg Sargent

Yesterday I speculated that the Hillary campaign's allegation of a pattern of sexist remarks at MSNBC -- a charge that was made in response to reporter David Shuster's "pimped out" remark about Chelsea -- was primarily driven by anger at Chris Matthews.

In making these charges, the Hillary campaign has always been careful to avoid mentioning Matthews by name, but political insiders believe he is who Hillary advisers were talking about, even if it hasn't been confirmed by them. I've now confirmed that this is the case. And that's not all: Hillary's advisers, it turns out, have repeatedly taken their grievance with Matthews directly to the network.

Several sources familiar with the discussions tell me that top Hillary advisers have repeatedly lodged private complaints directly to MSNBC about Matthews' on-air conduct. They have complained to MSNBC about Matthews' less-than-chivalrous remarks about Hillary...as well as coverage of Hillary that they view as unfair. Among those Hillary advisers who have made private complaints like these to the network are Mandy Grunwald and Howard Wolfson, sources tell me. Meanwhile, Ann Lewis, a longtime Hillary adviser who is her director of women's outreach, declined to comment on the discussions, calling them "private conversations."

Anyway, this should settle it: As dumb and clueless as Shuster's "pimp" remark, this was never really about him. The Clinton campaign, while genuinely upset about what Shuster said, lashed out at the network because they were primarily irked by Matthews' conduct, and were sending a message to MSNBC that it's time that Matthews muzzle himself.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/horsesmouth/2008/02/sources_top_hil.php

[dkf]

1. I always thought this was a move to silence MSNBC

[DJ13]

2. Just what we need.....yet another (possible) President that wants to silence critics

I dont want another Bush kind of person in the WH.

[unc70]

5. You obviously haven't been watch MSNBC. This is not about silencing critics

Matthews, in particular, is mostly an obnoxious ass who makes inappropriate sexist remarks all the time, drools over almost any woman who appears on his show, and makes strange remarks about certain men where he has a man-crush (remember W in the flight suit). Matthews seems to drool particularly over Repub stars like Coulter and Noonan.

Tucker and Scarborough are also prone to this locker room behavior; guests like Barnicle are also part of the problem with regard to women.

Each of the ones I have mentioned above are also part of the Beltway bubble. MSNBC is at its worst when Matthews and Russert browbeat the others and intimidate them (remember Russert is their boss) and dismiss their positions if they don't conform to the current plan.

Elizabeth Edwards called Matthews out on some of this in January.

Matthews has trouble keeping his diabetes under control and seems to be his most manic then.

[aquart]

6. What an utterly distorted, twisted interpretation.

Do I want a president whose supporters will condone blatant sexism as a form of idolatrous boosterism?

[Stinky The Clown]

8. Matthews is hardly a 'critic'

He's a rabid dog with a bone when it comes to the Clintons.

And no .... I am absolutely ***NOT*** a Hillary supporter.

[LulaMay]

3. I haven't been able to watch MSNBC for weeks because the sexism is so offensive..so please

don't defend or trivialize it. Silence critics?! Sexist 'remarks' isn't political criticism, it's just hate speech. Her campaign should be complaining about it, it's been so bad. Of course it was about Shuster's disgusting remark, Matthew's and all the rest. I've complained to MSNBC about it too. I'm a woman and it offends me personally.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. I'm with you, LulaMay. I've also complained to MSNBC about sexism. nt

[Gore1FL]

7. Matthews has been pushing Hillary

Or at least he was in previous months.

[rcsl1998]

9. You're Joking - Right? nt

[rcsl1998]

10. Great reporter, Dumb Remark...

The ignorance of what comes out of Chris Matthews mouth is embarrassing, so MSNBC suspends Schuster? Sort of like being attacked by Bin Laden and attacking Iraq...