Matthews: "Pennsylvania prefers a beefier sort to either of these people, a more rustic, tougher sort than" Obama or Clinton
SUMMARY: During MSNBC's March 4 election coverage, Chris Matthews said, "[N]either one of these candidates, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, are perfectly customized for Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania prefers a beefier sort to either of these people, a more rustic, tougher sort than either of them." Matthews has discussed "beef[iness]" in the context of presidential politics before.
During MSNBC's March 4 coverage of that day's presidential primaries and caucuses, co-host Chris Matthews said, "[N]either one of these candidates, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, are perfectly customized for Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania prefers a beefier sort to either of these people, a more rustic, tougher sort than either of them."
Matthews has discussed "beef[iness]" in the context of presidential politics before:
- On the October 30, 2007, edition of MSNBC's Hardball, Matthews said to Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D), "I look at a man here in front of me, a big, beefy kind of guy, a very good-looking guy, who would be the perfect running mate for Hillary Clinton -- dynamite, perfectly placed to stop Rudy Giuliani in his tracks. Are you that man, Ed Rendell?"
- Speaking to Rendell on the October 19, 2007, edition of Hardball, Matthews said, referring to Clinton: "I have been urging in my own brain the idea of you for her running mate, because -- no, I think she needs a big, beefy, ruddy, regular guy, you know, a Brian Dennehy sort." He added, "A real regular guy. You know, she doesn't need some sort of skinny guy from the Midwest. She needs a real guy, you know?"
- On the August 8, 2007, edition of Hardball, Matthews asserted, "I don't see a big, beefy alternative to Hillary Clinton -- a big guy. You know what I mean? An ... every-way big guy. I don't see one out there. I see a lot of slight, skinny, second- and third-rate candidates." Matthews prefaced his comment by saying, "I guess I'm thinking of an Eddie Rendell were in the race -- the governor of Pennsylvania -- or if [former Vice President] Al Gore were in the race or someone else who's a good heavyweight to be running."
- On the August 3, 2005, edition of Hardball, Matthews asserted, "Do you think Hillary Clinton can take the beefier industrial states, where the men have boats and guns and tend to like traditional women, like Michigan, like Illinois, like Pennsylvania? Do you think they would like Hillary Clinton, the cut of her jib, out there?" On the December 29, 2007, edition of Hardball, Matthews also cited purported gun and boat ownership by Ohio and Michigan voters as an impediment to Clinton's electoral success there.
Notwithstanding Matthews' claim on March 4 that neither Obama nor Clinton is "perfectly customized for Pennsylvania," on the March 5 edition of Hardball, Matthews discussed the state with former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge (R) -- a McCain supporter -- and asserted: "It is, in fact, a perfect state for someone like you politically or Senator Clinton, perhaps."
Matthews' March 4 comments were noted by Salon's War Room blog.
From the March 5 edition of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews:
MATTHEWS: How can Obama beat Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, which, as you describe it, is regular, middle of the road politically. It's economically middle, middle, middle. It's culturally conservative. It's the John Wayne state, not the Jane Fonda state, as [late Pennsylvania Gov.] Bob Casey [D] put it. It is, in fact, a perfect state for someone like you politically or Senator Clinton, perhaps. Is it an Obama state?
From MSNBC's March 4 coverage of that day's presidential primaries:
MATTHEWS: So neither one of these candidates, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, are perfectly customized for Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania prefers a beefier sort to either of these people, a more rustic, tougher sort than either of them -- and yet both of them will be showing off each other's weaknesses, for seven straight weeks, which is great news for the people in that state like Tom Ridge and David Girard-diCarlo and all the other big Republicans who are hoping that John McCain can poach that state. It's not good news to spend seven weeks in Pennsylvania blasting each other if you're Democrats.
From the October 30, 2007, edition of Hardball:
MATTHEWS: I look at a man here in front of me, a big, beefy kind of guy, a very good-looking guy, who would be the perfect running mate for Hillary Clinton -- dynamite, perfectly placed to stop Rudy Giuliani in his tracks. Are you that man, Ed Rendell?
RENDELL: No, I'm not that man.
From the October 19, 2007, edition of Hardball:
MATTHEWS: Well, speaking of that, let me at him, I have been urging in my own brain the idea of you for her running mate, because -- no, I think she needs a big, beefy, ruddy, regular guy, you know, a Brian Dennehy sort.
RENDELL: Brian Dennehy.
MATTHEWS: A real regular guy. You know, she doesn't need some sort of skinny guy from the Midwest. She needs a real guy, you know?
You ready?
RENDELL: Well, I think I qualify on the big and beefy side.
From the August 3, 2005, edition of Hardball (from the Nexis database transcript):
MATTHEWS: Do you think Hillary Clinton can take the beefier industrial states, where the men have boats and guns and tend to like traditional women, like Michigan, like Illinois, like Pennsylvania? Do you think they would like Hillary Clinton, the cut of her jib, out there?
So Matthews has consistently made the same point here, as is a political analyst's job, on his own program, as he has every right to do.
Another disagreement cloaked in misinformation by MMFA.
It's a plug, man! It's an industry conspiracy to infiltrate our media! ;-)
At what point does stupid silliness qualify as misinformation? Does he offer any evidence except his perceived notion that PA has more boat and gun ownership that elsewhere? Compared to what? It's absolutely nutty. Do PA voters reliably vote for politicians that are BEEFIER? Must we research shoe size and body weight of elected PA polticians to determine if he has a valid point? They might not like the "cut of Hillary's jib?".
Pa voters are tougher he says, not like the wusses in Ohio.
Sometimes I wonder if Matthews thinks he's cracking wise and MMFA, as much as I'm a fan, takes it as mis-information??
That's not to say this shouldn't be brought up..... but whatever
The problem Tommy is that his imagery is always goofy and homo-erotic. That's MMFA's point here.
Plus, it's stupidly hackneyed as well. Fifth-grade level. With no feet anchored in reality. It's also called stereotyping...
"So neither one of these candidates, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, are perfectly customized for Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania prefers a beefier sort to either of these people, a more rustic, tougher sort than either of them..." CM
"Another disagreement cloaked in misinformation by MMFA." Tommy
Oh, no sir. It is misinformation to be sure. Maybe your literal mind inhibits you from seeing that misinformation is more than just the fudging of the facts. Or maybe you feign your literal interpretations for the sake of obfuscating the real tactics conservatives use to control the terms of debate? Maybe it's something else?
The narrative is the crown jewel of political persuasion and conservatives have mastered the ability to fabricate mythical tales that enhance their worldview. That's the problem with Chris invoking these thoroughly farsical images of sterling conservatives. As if conservatism has ever made anything other than a steaming pile on my kitchen table!
In any case, I don't fault you. I don't even fault Matthews for being manipulated by purely hind brain, emotional conservative memes and imagery. I blame myself and fellow Dems, elected and street level alike, for not doing our homework and for underestimating the capacity of right wing ideology to nurture deception.
We lefties abandodned our rich tradition of oratory and persuasion, in favor of wonk speak.Liberals like MLK, Mother Jones, FDR and RFK have repeatedly been there to save our country.
We are now regaining our voices. And slowly but surely we will save this country once again, from the rot of conservative arrogance, greed and corruption as we bring the people back home, person by person, to the Democratic Party. Because, you see, Democrats are bringingeverybody to the table. We are bringing in young and old, intellectuals and working folks, intellectual working folks too and we are building a better future based on the accumulated wisdom of these generations of Americans.
I'd bet that Matthews got his ass kicked a lot growing up in Philadelphia.
"Pennsylvania prefers a beefier sort..."
I'd bet that Matthews got his ass kicked a lot growing up in Philadelphia.
Yep - PA prefers a beefier type, and Chris Matthews is a quiche. :-)
...because it is easier to think of an insult than to form a cogent argument detailing the issues of concern to the people of Pennsylvania? Is that why? Is this the very best? Wouldn't it make more sense to put in the old "Yule Log" tape? Is that why Pennsylvania went to Sen. Kerry in 2004, because he was beefier than Pres. Bush?
I'd rather have intelligent substance than beefy style. Or is it just me...
I know, I know...
USA!! USA!! USA!! :)
Having lived half my life there, I can't argue with the description.
Oh, and thanks for the gun-rack reminder - I'll be sure to remove it from my Toyota Camry - don't wanna give off the wrong impression..! heh heh
My basic point is that ANY state has urban/progressive areas and rural and/or "hick" areas as well - so PA isn't really unique. :) Have a nice day.
King, which Half???? Living in the Western part of the state, Allegheny County which includes Pittsburgh, I can tell you that this area is strongly Democratic which includes a large Sr. Citizens population whose roots were in the Labor/Union area. Repubs don't even run candidates for certain local offices because they get 25% of the vote and sometimes 10%. In Philly, they are just sissies who get all of our tax dollars and can't even fix a cracked bell.
Now we visit the center of the state. Strong agriculture, bible-beltish and semi-Alabamish. Lots of huntin' and still have pockets of the white-sheeted fellows but not die-hards. Obama will have NO chance in those areas due to heavy racial bias. The west is Clinton country due to the old-timers and a thread of race thrown in. Philly city may give Obama votes but the suburbs (White areas) will lean towards Hillary Clinton. The folks in Braford, who cares, their brains are frozen...and those in Erie are to close to Cleveland to worry about. Those on the border with West Virginia have cross-pollenated so it is too tough to call...depends if voting day is right after Drink From Your Still Day.
As for Mr. Matthews and his beefiness, apparently his brother and Lynn Swann weren't BEFFY enough in their run for Lt. Gov and Gov. as they garnered 21% of the vote or thereabouts. Was it about BEEF or was it about race? I'll bet on the latter. In conclusion, this state will be decided by race, pure and simple. And I will add that it isn't a racist state. Most people in the East and West have grownup with or are friends with many blacks but that vein of racism remains no matter how the locals try to hide it. Sen. Clinton will win..and if I am wrong, I guess she won't win.
I spent my formative years in PA. I think that's what us old guys are supposed to call our youth. I was one of those sissies who sucked up all of the tax money and refused to fix that bell. It wasn't my job. I'm in a different union, not the Metalworkers Union. I don't have to fix no damned bell.
And I agree with MRTIMPA that State College is a great area.
PA is a great state. But like NY, NJ, DE & CT, the cities are Democratic but there are pockets of conservatism in and around the cities. And the rural areas are primarily Republican with pockets of progressives.
Tho, back to the original point - why would PA want a "beefier" candidate? I think tweetie (Matthews) is just projecting a bit... but he's still not my type - ick..:)
(Oh, and I'd love to get back to PSU - was there for 15 years, worked for the U for 10 years)
"...semi-Alabamish. Lots of huntin..."
And there's a huge Bass Pro Shop in Harrisburg... ;>)
In Philly, they are just sissies who get all of our tax dollars and can't even fix a cracked bell.
You're crazy Prince. Philly's the heart and soul of this state (as well as this nation). And Pittsburgh's mildly democratic compared to Philly. A repub here has not a pot to piss in, and never has. The democratic machinery, with all the various ward leaders and union reps, do lots of infighting, but there's absolutely no republican presence in this city. This would be a red state without Philly. As for "sissies," give me a break. You ever been here?
"Pennsylvania prefers a beefier sort..."
Here in Massachusetts they prefer Moonbats ;-)
Here in California we are like granola - nuts and flakes. Stop complaining Jeter.
;)
God Matthews is a disgrace to journalism...
Go eat some cow Tweety, and then drop a load in your toilet. Maybe that'll activate your brain.
Matthews has discussed "beef[iness]" in the context of presidential politics before.
L-O-L.
On the flipside they also live very comfortable lives with fat pensions and do-re-mi waiting for them at any end they turn (which the Tweetmeister also enjoys), which probably a good 90% of the nation doesn't can't relate to. Why not mention that along with the beefy man image. Oh yeah, that would turn a voter off.
Keep looking for the right switch, Mr. M, while you stumble over your comfortable life.
He reminds me of those OLD Chef Boyardee ads where the guy has sauce around his mouth and he says, "Mmm, beefy!"
Man. I'm hungry now.
Matthews is probably picturing Ed Rendell in his head and trying to think of something, anything, to say to avoid dead air. He's just not all that swift, I guess.
Actually Matthews is promulgating, via subterfuge, his own desires...to be Pennsylvania! Chrissy wants "...a beefier..., a more rustic, tougher sort...". Yes, Mr. Mathews is transparently projecting his need for, not another velvet glove, but the iron fist!
Here Chris! Here's your iron fist. Now take it! You disingenuous, bloated dirtbag scum-purveyor.
Meaty, beefy, who likes to clear brush (over 400 days of ranch-time- for Bush btw- why isn't this a scandal?? Over a year?! I think his 8 pm bedtimes are a scandal too- does Bush ever actually work? Clinton was famous for burning the midnight oil.)
Competence, integrity, even basic decency- all these are immaterial to Chris Matthews.
He's praying for a beefy (yuck) fake macho-man he can get behind. Because yes, he really is that dumb and shallow. I feel bad for Pennsylvanians that he can so callously insult their intelligence like this.