Matthews: MSNBC The Real Winner

Oh, Jack Shafer. I believe everyone just wants to give you a big hug after this incredibly hilarious takedown of Chris Matthews in Slate (what?) the other day.

But, more importantly, you tipped us to this explanation from Matthews about the smiling faces in Washington on inauguration day:

After noting the many smiling faces in the assembled inauguration crowd, Matthews took a shot at explaining the happiness. Sure, it’s the festivities, but it’s also the proximity of the crowd to the MSNBC booth, he insisted.

“This is the network that has opened its heart to change, to change and its possibilities. Let’s be honest about it. These — these people watch this network out here,” Matthews said.

MSNBC, the real reason for hope on Inauguration Day.

Chris Matthews’ Inaugural Jib-Jabbery [Slate]

UArts Students On Obama

UArts kids celebrated yesterday’s inauguration yesterday by making some art for Barack Obama, KYW 1060 reports. Some students also made everyone who heard the report want to make a thousand art school jokes.

• “I wrote, ‘Yay, Obama,’ because I’m glad he’s president.”
• “I wrote, ‘Work it B-Rock,’ and I wrote, ‘Keep the Hope Alive in ‘09.’”

Yay, UArts. Yay.

University of the Arts Marks Obama Inauguration — with Markers [KYW 1060]

Barry’s Big Day

Hey! Come back around 11:30 for my first-ever inauguration liveblog. Consider it my hazing of the new president. And remember this quote I heard on the news as I woke up this morning: “I just hope Obama can bring the change we’ve been hoping for.” That’s what we want from President Obama: A change sandwich made with hope.

10:58: And we’re back! Early, even. Right now I’m at my place, watching CNN; when I turned on the television the first thing I saw was Dick Cheney in a wheelchair. Wolf Blitzer said that “some people will probably make comments about that.”

10:59: Now they’re interviewing John Cusack. And John McCain is apparently not here, although “he wanted to.” Ooh, Steven Spielberg! Man, isn’t democracy great?

11:00: CNN has these little “FACT” boxes at the bottom of the screen. Here’s my favorite one so far: “The three-course meal includes seafood stew, pheasant and duck, molasses sweet poratoes and apple cinnamon sponge cake.”

11:01: Wolf Blitzer just got really close to praising Barack Obama for the nice weather. This is going to be a good day.

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Can We Wear Obama On A Bandana? YES WE CAN!

Let’s start this inauguration off right: With this wonderful accessory my wonderful girlfriend purchased for me today near 30th Street Station. There’s even a website address on it in case you really need one of these. Ha ha, the Obama Pepsi knockoff logos in the corner! And the little sheep holding the Obama flag! Man, not even president yet and he’s already broken the record for presidential commemorative merchandise.

I’ll also direct you to this incredible faux-Warhol shirt Erica bought. Look, the inauguration is pretty cool, and Obama’s “Georgia 300″ train is really awesome, but I think it’s all the people trying to make a buck that are really getting into the true spirit of America. It almost makes a man want to cry.

Joe Biden’s speaking in Wilmington. He just quoted James Joyce: “When I die, Delaware will be written in my heart.”