1. Mediaite
  2. Gossip Cop
  3. Geekosystem
  4. Styleite
  5. SportsGrid
  6. The Mary Sue
  7. The Jane Dough
  8. The Braiser
Advertisement

Chis Matthews’ JFK Biography Is The Best Ever Written On The Subject … According To Chris Matthews

video
» 52 comments

During an appearance on new MSNBC 12 noon offering Now with Alex Wagner, the newly-minted host turned to introduce guest panelist — and opinion media pioneer — Chris Matthews, who is not only an MSNBC stablemate, but also the author of a new JFK biography currently ranked third on the NY Times bestseller list. Wagner’s introduction, however, appeared to come up short in Matthew’s esteem, when she called his new book “one of the best” that’s been written on the subject. Matthews quickly corrected her, declaring “it is actually the best book,” adding for clarity “people who know their business say it’s the best book.”

Please allow me to interrupt this post to make something absolutely clear: I am a fan of Chris Matthews. I say this because I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Matthews at an MSNBC hosted party in celebration of his new JFK biography, and immediately upon introducing myself, he looked like he had just seen a ghost and asked if I was “friendly.” Yes I am friendly, but that doesn’t mean that we cannot call ‘em like we see ‘em.

In fairness, Mediaite has, on numerous occasions, written critical observations of the public commentary of the Hardball host, in very much the same way that he will take issue with comments of politicians or others in the media. But Matthews appreciates the cardinal rule of television programming: never be boring. And while the viewer may not always be in agreement with Matthews’ positions, he at least is consistently unpredictable. Please recall his public support of the George W. Bush presidency in 2000.

Now if you, dear reader, were unaware that Matthews had written a biography on JFK, it’s likely because you aren’t a regular viewer of MSNBC. A simple search of a television transcript database indicates that the books title, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, has been mentioned on-air 120 times so far this month. But you know what? So what. Good for Chris Matthews for penning a smart and thoughtful book, and good on MSNBC for getting behind the literary efforts of their on-air talent.

Watch the brief exchange between Wagner and Matthews below, courtesy of MSNBC:

Follow us on Twitter.

Sign up for Mediaite's daily newsletter.

Email Twitter Facebook Digg Reddit Stumble Upon Yahoo Buzz LinkedIn Tumblr Delicious
  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NYSO6D5HWL3YY7UNOCLVNQQ2JY jibbajabba

    This windbag is nauseating. If he were a conservative his documented mysogyny would never be tolerated.

  • Anonymous

    I wonder if he also thinks that Buchanan’s “Suicide of a Superpower” is also the best book on its topic?

  • http://www.storminsmorningjava.blogspot.com/ stormin1961

    WHAT! no book about Jimmy Carter. Why not Chris? you worked for him as a speechwriter.

  • Anonymous

    …and Charles Krauthammer wrote speeches for Walter Mondale. What’s your point? Chris’s opinion is no different from that of Bill O’Reilly’s on his Lincoln book. 

  • Hack it up

    ” I am a big fan of Chris Matthews.” This had me in tears. LOL

  • One pissed off liberal

    Everything Chris mattews says is “according to Chris Mathews”   the bigger point is, no one cares about anything “according to chris mathews”

  • Rex the Wonder God

    Completely wrong: if he were a conservative he would be Bill O’Reilly and be making MORE money. You really need to pay more attention, get out more. Both Matthews and BillO have written not history books or even books, but celebrity buks. That are millions and millions of books, and hundreds on the subject of JFK and thousands on the subject of Lincoln, and most are way better written and better history than what these two celebrities have put on fueled by their hubris and conceit. Neither knows how to write for content and neither understands history. Both books deserve our contempt, but of course in this celebrity age, both are huge best sellers.

    In a year and forever more, they will be used to prop up tables with wonky legs, or weight down more important papers, like last months heating bill.

  • Rex the Wonder God

    Now we get into another category: race-based propaganda. Buchanan actually has much better writing skills than these two, but his history is completely fraudulent and aimed a political ends. He is a dangerous propogandist, so naturally he’s been Crazy Uncle Pat on TV.

  • Rex the Wonder God

    I’ve read several books by each of Carter and Gore. Carter is far from an exciting writer, but he’s full of ideas to promote peace, and the only flaw there is hopefulness and idealism. He has led a remarkable life, has Jimmy, and has a point of view. Gore’s books tend to be preachy, but again full of ideas, which have trouble getting off the page because he too is not a gifted writer. But both are motivated by concern for humanity and peace, so I always at least take a look at their next ones.

  • Rex the Wonder God

    I should say this celebrity politician book writing thing traces back to Teddy Roosevelt, someone who actually COULD write, since that was his day job.

  • The Real Royal Emperor

    Conservative Victimization Syndrome.

    It’s an excellent book. Well-researched, well-written. Reasonably objective for a contemporary history.

  • Anonymous

    Ya, rape, drugs, sex, booze, murder, adultery, money, power, corruption, lies, & perjury. Everything you would need to write a great fiction novel. Except for one thing. This is not fiction. This is a non-fiction book about an elitist New England family who felt they were above the law. They were the Kennedy’s.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NYSO6D5HWL3YY7UNOCLVNQQ2JY jibbajabba

    Wrong. If applied to me at least say Libertarian Victimization Syndrome.

  • Hooligan

    i’m sure his book will do as well as his lame ass liberal show on pmsnbc, with ratings like that he probably will give fellow lame ass host joe scab borough a run for the bottom of the sales list

  • Anonymous

    If Matthews thinks his book is the best book about President Kennedy, it is obvious he hasn’t read “JFK, The Presidency of John F. Kennedy”, by Herbert S. Parmet….

    Hey Colby…
    I will locate a copy of Mr. Parmet’s book for you, if you promise to stop wearing ties from 1962.

  • Kid Dynamite

    Forget Chris. I want to see Alex and the chick in the red get it on.

  • Anonymous

    I CAN MAKE NO SUCH PROMISE MISTER BOI.

  • irish4ever

    ah, yes chrissy!!!!! your true ankle grabber!!!! let me list the things you’ll never hear on hardball:
    1) solyndra
    2) fast and furious
    3) the crimes at ows
    4) how he stops his leg from shaking everytime he hears obama’s voice!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    Matthews not different than O’Reilly in shilling his books. I am ok with him promoting his book.

  • Michelle

    With Tingles in the running Barry has some competition for Narcissist of the year. 

  • Anonymous

    Total Schmuck!

  • Anonymous

    I would love to have a copy of Chrissy Matthews’ latest ghost-written work on his idol, the rapist and moron John F. Kennedy.

    I need the book because I ran out of toilet paper, and when I wipe my butt I like to think of Matthews in the bowl as I squeeze.

  • Anonymous

    Chris later worked for six years as a top aide to long-time Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O’Neill too!

    He still could write more books you know.

  • Anonymous

    You are the biggest bag of pompous lib gas ever to infect a blog site.

  • Anonymous

    But you could only if you could find the crayon box!

  • Anonymous

    If you wrote a book and you were plugging it on national TV.
    What would you say about your own book?
    It’s a piece of crap?

  • Anonymous

    Don’t say that about yourself!

  • Anonymous

    He was referring to you.

  • Anonymous

    I’m sure the world sleeps easier knowing that Matthews does what O’Reilly does!

    LMAO!

  • Anonymous

    The man was a speech writer for president Carter & long time Speaker of the house Tip O’neil.
    You think he needs to have books ghost written? 
    Then you are a fool.

  • Anonymous

    Speaking of ghosts- Halloween is over- why are you still possessed by a retarded ghost?

    bawahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

  • Anonymous

    LOL

  • david r

    I saw Kennedy the day before he died, and Matthews never interviewed my ass.

  • Anonymous

    Well then stormin, that explains why Carter never had anything intelligent to say.

  • david r

    Can’t wait to read it.  I’m an assassination buff.  I have a copy of the Zapruder film in a bank vault, and have dutifully watched all the movies.  My son did a college paper on the Cuban Missile Crisis that I ended up typing (we got an A), and I met one of the guys who flew over Cuba who is an oilman in Midland.  He has a 20 MM shell on his desk that was fired from a Cuban AA battery.  And I saw Kennedy the day before he died, riding in the same fateful vehicle in a motorcade in Houston.

  • Chromium

    Chris Matthews:  A Legend in his own Mind

  • david r

    Yeah, but his shit is funny.

  • Anonymous

    Not at all.

  • OSux

    The Royal Empress is right there next to Rex the Dog.

  • david r

    Down goes 12voltman1 ! ! !   Can he get off the canvas and make the bell ?

  • Anonymous

    Stop watching the movies and read the real books on the assassination, not “Six Seconds in Dallas’ “On the Trail of the Assassins” , “Best Evidence”, “Rush to Judgment” etc.

    Try “Case Closed” and the seminal work on the JFK assassination, ” Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy.”

  • Anonymous

    “A Legend in his own Mind” indeed! Now I understand why Chris’ head is so f’ing big!

  • Anonymous

    No one cares what you do.

  • Sean68

    He didn’t seem to care much for Hillary when she was running against his man crush back in 2008.

  • Anonymous

    Hey Richard, didn’t I see you on TV today

  • Anonymous

    The very thought of JFK makes a tingle go up his leg and into his crotch.

  • Anonymous

    You’re just a pile of puss.

  • Anonymous

    What documented misogny?

  • Gordonbloyershow

    Matthews is a liar and so was JFK. Both could be described as the scum of the Earth.

  • Yukon Jack

    O’Reilly donates thousands of copies of “Killing Lincoln” to the troops overseas. He also organized auction for the charity Wounded Warriors. All proceeds from sales of his “Factor” merchandise goes to charity.

    Matthews was probably one of those yahooes who spat on returning Viet Nam veterans, and probably would do the same to troops returning from Afganistan and Iraq, if he thought he could get away with it.

    Matthews does what O’Reilly does?? Hardly.  

  • Anonymous

    Chris Humpty/Dumpty head Matthews wishes he could have sex with J.F.K. Matthews change your panties.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_5LSCNQ52VXBQKAB7KVHG6FSMAA Tim

    Who watches MSNBC?

© 2012 Mediaite, LLC | About Us | Advertise | Newsletter | Jobs | Privacy | User Agreement | Disclaimer | Power Grid FAQ | Contact | Archives | RSS RSS
Dan Abrams, Founder | Power Grid by Sound Strategies | Hosting by Datagram