»» Columnists

Chris Matthews to Michael Steele: Where’s the ‘Big P From Alaska?’

video

by Tommy Christopher | 6:58 pm, January 5th, 2010

» 4 comments

On Hardball this evening, Chris Matthews had a good old time with RNC Chairman Michael Steele, asking Steele why his book, “Right Now,” contains mentions of Pacino and Prejean, but not “the big P from Alaska.” He goes on to accuse Steele of having a Voldemort complex, saying he’s afraid to speak Sarah Palin’s name. Did Steele overcome his fear of she-who-must-not-be-named?

Almost as entertaining as Matthews’ schoolyard challenge was Steele’s willingness to prove that he could physically form the word “Palin.” As you’ll see, though, he never comes close to explaining how he wrote a game plan for the Republican Party that didn’t contain a single mention of its most famous, arguably most powerful, leader.

What really takes this clip to 11, though, is Matthews’ gloating about having “nailed” Steele by getting him to agree to an inconsistent position on the trials of terrorism suspects. Granted, he starts his endzone dance before giving Steele a chance to actually answer the question, but it’s fun to watch anyway.

Chris Matthews, Michael Steele, Sarah Palin, Tommy Christopher, Voldemort

http://www.facebook.com/people/Shaan-Batra/809932 Shaan Batra

I don’t quite understand how Chris Matthews “nailed” him. Just because he took a policy stance that differed with what Bush did doesn’t mean he’s been “nailed.” It means that Michael Steele probably disagreed with Bush’s decision, which he stated afterwards. Why is Chris so out to get everybody without listening?
bondwooley

Understanding Michael Steele is a little bit easier when you find out who’s coaching him:

http://bit.ly/3ppyiu

(satire)
ImNotBlue

As you’ll see, though, he never comes close to explaining how he wrote a game plan for the Republican Party that didn’t contain a single mention of its most famous, arguably most powerful, leader.

I thought Rush was the leader.

Man… you left-wingers just can’t decide who’s in charge of the Republican party, can you? Hmmm.
The Real Royal King

I saw Steele this morning on “Morning Joe,” and I have to say he seems to be in the midst of a rather prolonged about face. Clearly, Steele’s biggest fear is the Teabaggers thwarting a Republican comeback. And, it looks as if he is about to address that issue head-on. What is unclear to me, from both Matthews and Steele is whether Palin is viewed as a Teabagger or not. “Viewed” is the key word. In my own view, Palin is the biggest, boldest opportunist to come to either party in a long while. As long as she can find a path to personal power via the hapless Teabaggers, she will exploit it. If, and I think when the Teabaggers become toxic, she’ll switch her allegiance to the Republican mainstream faster than she can empty a can of AquaNet. I do have to hand it to Steele, however. At the same time he is taking on the Teabaggers, he is confronting the Republican mainstream for their disastrous stewardship of our nation up through 2006. In the process, he may be inviting the old boys to pull the rug out from under him. I’m not sure CNN, FOX or MSNBC have adequately captured this more nuanced Steele.