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]

Joe Sestak Has A Freudian Slip

Local congressman Joe Sestak (Out Of Nowhere!) was on MSNBC with Andrea Mitchell, when she asked if Hillary Clinton’s continued pursuit of the Democratic nomination was bad for the party in the general election.

After miming for a moment, Sestak said: “As Sen. Clinton said, she recognizes this is not about the party, Andrea. This is about the nation. If Sen. Obama is truly the man he says he is, I believe [he is], and if he is not the presidential candidate at the convention, he’ll turn to his followers and say, ‘Support her.’ And I have no question that Sen. Clinton will turn to her followers and say, ‘Support me…. er, him.’” Video after the jump.

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MSNBC Answers Its own Question

What keeps me up at night, MSNBC? Why, how convenient: The 75-year-old fugitive!

Fugitive arrested 28 years after prison escape [AP/MSNBC]
Wednesday: 75-Year-Old To Finally Be Thrown Back In Jail

Smerconish On MSNBC Wrap-Up

Michael Smerconish took his first crack at becoming the next Don Imus — is that something you really want? — this morning on MSNBC, as his show was simulcast from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the former Imus slot.

As a service to my readers, I watched all three hours of Smerconish’s show this morning. I learned a lot, actually, especially since Smerconish had 1500 guests on, including Ghandi, the late Frank Rizzo, Allen Iverson (fresh off his Game 1 Playoffs triumph) and Pat Sajak.

Okay, he really didn’t have any of those people, but he did have Rudy Guiliani, Arlen Specter, Camille Paglia, Jackie Mason and, of course, Jon Anderson from the band Yes. Richard Clarke also came in to plug his second novel and actually said terrorists could shut down the Internet by blowing up a little unguarded hut in Atlantic City. Oh, and Michael Smerconish and his sons went into the backyard Saturday and played paintball by shooting at an Osama bin Laden target.

More down below.

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Smerconish To Audition To Be Next Don Imus

Oh-ho-ho! Monday morning, guess which local conservative, uh, “big talker,” will be simulcast on the MSNBC slot most recently occupied by one Don Imus? That’s right: Dan Gross reports it’ll be none other than Michael Smerconish.

For his big MSNBC show on Monday, Smerconish’s guests Monday will include (please note, I am not making this listup):

• MSNBC host Chris Matthews
• Terrorism analyst Richard Clarke
• Comedian Jackie Mason
• I repeat: I am not making this list up
• Jon Anderson from the band Yes

If there is one way for NBC to capture the ratings Don Imus once had, I can’t think of any better way than Jackie Mason and Jon Anderson. Next week: the late Henny Youngman and Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull¹!

¹ Please note: The neutrality of Jethro Tull’s Wikipedia page is disputed.

Smerconish show on MSNBC Monday [Daily News]

Real Election News, Here On MSNBC

Isn’t it great when loudmouths mouth loud at each other?