Matthews John

Christopher John Matthews, born December 17, 1945, is an American political commentator, author, and retired talk show host. He is widely recognized for hosting "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on America's Talking and later MSNBC from 1997 to 2020. His career also includes experience as a presidential speechwriter, Chief of Staff to Speaker Tip O'Neill, and a newspaper journalist covering significant global events. Matthews has authored eight best-selling books, many focusing on political history and figures.

Matthews's early life involved growing up in Philadelphia and receiving a Catholic upbringing. He attended La Salle College High School and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross, later pursuing graduate studies in economics and serving in the Peace Corps in Swaziland. His career began in public service, including work with the U.S. Capitol Police and on the staffs of several Democratic members of Congress. He also made an unsuccessful bid for a congressional seat in Pennsylvania.

Throughout his broadcasting career, Matthews developed a reputation for a distinct on-air style, often expressing strong opinions and emotional reactions to political events. His show featured discussions with pundits and elected officials. He has been described as having a conservative leaning by some outlets, while others have noted his strong support for figures like Barack Obama and his self-identification as a liberal or centrist at different times. Matthews retired from his talk show in March 2020 following accusations of inappropriate comments made to a guest.

Born in Philadelphia on December 17, 1945, Christopher John Matthews was raised in the Catholic faith by his parents, Mary Teresa (née Shields) and Herb Matthews. His father's family had English and Scots-Irish roots and was raised Episcopalian, while his mother came from an Irish Catholic background. Matthews received his secondary education at La Salle College High School and went on to graduate from the College of the Holy Cross in 1967. He furthered his education with graduate studies in economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a visiting fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics. From 1968 to 1970, Matthews served in the United States Peace Corps in Swaziland as a trade development adviser. He has been recognized with 34 honorary degrees from various universities and colleges.

Matthews's career began in public service, initially as an officer with the U.S. Capitol Police, followed by roles on the staffs of four Democratic members of Congress. In 1974, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. During the Carter Administration, he served as a presidential speechwriter and later spent six years as Chief of Staff to Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, actively engaging in political debates with the Reagan Administration. For 15 years, Matthews worked in print journalism, serving as the Washington, D.C. bureau chief for the San Francisco Examiner and as a nationally syndicated columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. His journalistic work included covering major events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, South Africa's first all-races election, and the Good Friday Peace Talks in Northern Ireland. He also conducted research that yielded exclusive reports on the Nixon presidential tapes and covered American presidential election campaigns from 1988 until his retirement.

Chris Matthews is the author of eight best-selling books, including "Hardball: How Politics is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game" (1988), "Kennedy & Nixon: The Rivalry that Shaped Postwar America" (1996), and "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero" (2011), which spent 12 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. His writing has been praised for its storytelling and analysis of political dynamics. In 1997, he launched his weeknight talk show, "Hardball with Chris Matthews," which aired on America's Talking and later MSNBC until 2020. He also hosted "The Chris Matthews Show" from 2002 to 2013. Throughout his television career, Matthews often displayed a passionate and sometimes emotional approach to political commentary, sparking discussion and debate among viewers and critics alike. He announced his retirement from "Hardball" in March 2020, citing accusations of inappropriate comments.

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

“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.”

“Why haven't I fallen in love with you yet?”

“Keep putting makeup on her, I'll fall in love with her.”