Chris Matthews: Newt Gingrich Is A ‘Sharp Cookie’ With A ‘Rap Sheet’

Chris Matthews continued his crusade against likely Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, although this time he lowered the flame on the rhetorical Newt comparisons just a bit from a “car bomber” to a “sharp cookie” with a “rap sheet.” Former Democratic Congressman Kweisi Mfume and Josh Marshall from Talking Points Memo also joined in for some good old-fashioned Newt-bashing.

As Matthews wondered whether Newt could possibly reinvent himself and escape his long history of potential liabilities, including multiple marriages and needing to step down as Speaker of the House, Marshall suggested that Democrats were salivating at the opportunity to run against him and his extensive baggage. While Matthews admitted Newt is a “sharp cookie for better or worse” and would do well during the debates, he couldn’t understand what Newt offered to Republicans. Especially since Matthews believed Newt was a “first responder with the nonsense” alleging President Obama has some type of Kenyan roots and called him “Mr. Con” for trying to con Americans into believing his many falsities.

Matthews’ hearty, and at times awkward laughter throughout the segment was apparently contagious and Mfume couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. Mfume ultimately dismissed Newt as a fringe candidate with rhetoric that not only takes him far away from the political center, but that takes him right off the planet.

Watch the clip from MSNBC below:

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