Topic: Chris Matthews

Opinion: After IRS scandal: Right-wing fear of government isn't paranoid

Whatever the motivations for the IRS targeting conservative groups, it has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Liberals also worry the scandal will feed right-wing paranoia of government. But for conservatives, fear of federal agencies is rooted in history, not hysteria.

White House correspondents' after-dinner jokes: Best zingers from the 'nerd prom' (+video)

Saturday night was the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Here are some of the best jokes, plus a menu designed especially for Washington and Hollywood celebrities.

Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:

Bestselling books the week of 11/29/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

Karl Rove and Fox News: A 'civil war' over election results?

Karl Rove challenged the premature declaration of an Obama win in Ohio. Now Fox News says Karl Rove added to the network's coverage. Meanwhile, what's the feud between Donald Trump and NBC's Brian Williams?

Modern Parenthood Next episode of Homeland? No, just a college recruiter chasing Noah

An Army general inviting my sleep-to-noon and video-game-playing son to a national leadership program sounded like something out of Homeland. But, no, it was just one more college recruiter chasing our Noah and our money.

Decoder Wire Should Chris Matthews be fired for 'race card' rant at RNC chief? (+video)

MSNBC pundit Chris Matthews unleashed a rant at Republican National Committee Chief Reince Priebus Monday, leading to calls among some conservatives that he be fired. 

Comcast, NBC build a wall between MSNBC website, TV channel

Comcast and NBC draw a line between the liberal commentators of the MSNBC channel and the straight-news MSNBC website. 

Is Eric Holder contempt vote over Fast and Furious about race?

Eric Holder on Thursday became the first US attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress. The story of how race became entwined in the debate over the Fast and Furious gun-running scandal is a parable of the Obama presidency.

Bestselling books the week of 1/12/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Bestselling books the week of 12/1/11, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero

Chris Matthews examines John F. Kennedy, one of the most enigmatic US presidents, in a book rich in insights.

Does 'Occupy Wall Street' have leaders? Does it need any?

As politicians and the media scramble to identify 'Occupy Wall Street' leaders, members of the protest movement are not playing along. But do they really need any? There are pros and cons to leaderless movements.

Top 10 mistakes of Election 2010

We all make mistakes. But in the world of politics, it’s an art form. Sometimes they’re game-changers, or at least make the possibility of catching the front-runner more difficult. Some are Hail Mary passes gone terribly wrong. Not everyone will agree that everything here was a mistake. So without further ado, here’s our list of favorites from Election 2010, in no particular order, and focused on mistakes that could affect the outcome of a race. They’re mostly from Senate and governors’ races. We’re sure House candidates made plenty of mistakes, too, but most didn’t get national news coverage.

Who is Glenn Beck? Rally adds to his mystique.

A day after the Glenn Beck rally in Washington, the media was stumped by who the real Glenn Beck was and how he had motivated thousands of Americans Saturday.

CPAC: Ron Paul wins CPAC straw poll - ends Romney's CPAC domination

CPAC straw poll victory. Ron Paul ended Mitt Romney's three year streak of winning the CPAC straw poll Saturday.

Will Chris Matthews act like Sean Connery on Celebrity Jeopardy?

Hardball host Chris Matthews will play on the celebrity version of the Jeopardy Thursday.

President Obama to blame for all the snow on Washington, DC streets?

A Washington, DC councilman said the city didn't move fast enough to clear the streets because of comments President Obama made last year.

Obama in the Republican lions’ den: Obama, 2; lions, 1

President Obama had a pointed and entertaining exchange with House Republicans. The event worked to his advantage, but the GOP scored important points, too. Everybody benefits from this kind of unscripted public debate.

Four charged in incident at Mary Landrieu’s office. Watergate 2?

James O’Keefe and three others are accused of attempted phone tampering in an office for Sen. Mary Landrieu. Liberals are likening the incident to the Watergate break-in.

Opinion: 2020 preview: Oscar winner Barack Obama? Defense Secretary Stephen Colbert?

The once well-defined boundary between politics and the celebrity-media complex is already blurring beyond recognition. 

Et tu lefties? Obama takes flak from his liberal 'friends'

They supported him during the presidential campaign, but liberals are beginning to criticize Obama on everything from Afghanistan to the economy to climate change.

Going Rogue: Palin's world domination book tour starts Monday

The Sarah Palin "Going Rogue" book tour begins next week.

Lynn Vincent, the other voice behind the Sarah Palin book

Obama beer summit provides gold mine for comedians