Shuster and Matthews make America dumber
I’d like to submit this as a candidate for Top 5 dumbest moments of political “analysis” this primary season, courtesy of MSNBC’s David Shuster and Chris Matthews:
MATTHEWS: What’s so hard about doing a diner? I don’t get it. Why doesn’t he go in there and say, “Did you see the papers today? What do you think about that team? How did we do last night?” Just some regular connection?
SHUSTER: Well, here’s the other thing that we saw on the tape, Chris, is that, when Obama went in, he was offered coffee, and he said, “I’ll have orange juice.”
MATTHEWS: No.
SHUSTER: He did.
And it’s just one of those sort of weird things. You know, when the owner of the diner says, “Here, have some coffee,” you say, “Yes, thank you,” and, “Oh, can I also please have some orange juice, in addition to this?” You don’t just say, “No, I’ll take orange juice,” and then turn away and start shaking hands. That’s what happens [unintelligible] –
MATTHEWS: You don’t ask for a substitute on the menu.
SHUSTER: Exactly.
MATTHEWS: David, what a regular guy. You could do this. Anyway, thank you, David Shuster. I mean, go to the diners.
Shut up. Both of you. Via Atrios.
I support Obama for president, and I much enjoy Chris Matthews on MSNBC. Having said that I wonder if you have ever campaigned in small town America? I have during my years working in the Wisconsin State Assembly. There is a way and manner that connects with average diner folks, and when offered a roll or coffee or whatever one says ‘thanks’ and accepts. There is an art to the walk, talk, and greet in small towns. When Hardball discussed this matter it was done in light of how professional polticians conduct themselves. Can you image Tip O’Neill asking for OJ?