John Matthews

Christopher John Matthews, born in 1945, is an American political commentator, author, and retired talk show host. He is widely recognized for hosting the weeknight program "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on America's Talking and later MSNBC from 1997 to 2020. His career in media followed a period in politics, including work on Capitol Hill and as a presidential speechwriter. Matthews has authored several best-selling books, often focusing on political history and figures.

Matthews's background includes service in the Peace Corps and extensive experience in journalism, serving as a bureau chief and syndicated columnist. His television career saw him moderate political discussions and express strong opinions, leading to both praise and criticism. He announced his retirement from "Hardball" in March 2020, following accusations of inappropriate comments. He later returned to MSNBC as a political analyst.

His written works include "Hardball: How Politics is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game," "Kennedy & Nixon: The Rivalry that Shaped Postwar America," and biographies of figures like Jack Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy. "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero" was a notable bestseller, lauded for its storytelling and insights into political dynamics and cultural experience.

Born in Philadelphia in 1945, Chris Matthews was raised in the Catholic faith. He attended La Salle College High School and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1967. His early career included a stint in the United States Peace Corps in Swaziland from 1968 to 1970. Matthews then transitioned to Washington D.C., where he served with the United States Capitol Police and worked for four Democratic Members of Congress. He also made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974. During the Carter Administration, he worked as a presidential speechwriter and later served for six years as Chief of Staff to Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, playing a role in political dealings with the Reagan Administration.

Matthews spent 15 years in print journalism, notably as the Washington, D.C. bureau chief for the San Francisco Examiner for 13 years. He also worked as a nationally syndicated columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. His reporting covered significant global events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, South Africa's first all-races election, and the Good Friday Peace Talks in Northern Ireland. He also produced exclusive reports on the Nixon tapes. Matthews has authored eight best-selling books, many focusing on American political history and figures, including "Hardball: How Politics is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game" (1988), "Kennedy & Nixon: The Rivalry that Shaped Postwar America" (1996), and biographies of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.

In 1997, Matthews launched his popular weeknight talk show, "Hardball with Chris Matthews," which aired on America's Talking and later MSNBC until 2020. The show featured discussions with pundits and elected officials. He also hosted "The Chris Matthews Show" in syndication from 2002 to 2013, which was a political roundtable moderated by him. Matthews was known for his passionate commentary and strong support for certain political figures, particularly Barack Obama, though he also described himself as a centrist at times and has been criticized for perceived biases in his panels and questioning. His tenure ended following accusations of inappropriate comments.

“raised Episcopalian—Church of England”

“I'm more conservative than people think I am ... I voted for George W. in 2000.”

“just seen the first Black president.”

“I have to tell you, you know, it's part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama's speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often.”

“The Republicans will know they have lost ... Let them keep score and it's easy. It's complicated when liberals get to keep score. We're always arguing. Well, I'm a liberal, too.”