Trying to make sense out of the political analysis offered by MSNBC "Hardball" host Chris Matthews can often be a daunting task. And Matthews, a master of failed analogies - recently calling West Point, home of the United States Military Academy "enemy territory" - doesn't give up easily.
On the Dec. 29 broadcast of his MSNBC program, Matthews, who has no qualms with bearing the liberal moniker, took a shot at Alabama Congressman Parker Griffith, who switched parties last week, during his "Sideshow" segment.
"First up, you know this fellow Parker Griffith?" Matthews said. "He is the Democratic congressman, or ex-Democratic congressman, from Alabama who switched last week to the Republican Party."
Matthews then felt it necessary to include a comment from a Republican Party elder from Alabama, who embraced Griffith's switch.
"Catch the reaction from Alabama's Republican chairman, Mike Hubbard, who apparently welcomed Griffith with open arms," Matthews said. "Quote - I love this quote - ‘It's almost like coming to your church and asking forgiveness for past sins. You don't turn them away.'"
But here's where Matthews takes a stab at an analogy - by likening Griffith's switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party to a guy who dressed up like a woman to flee the Titanic (emphasis added).
"Well, I wonder what voters think of politicians who switch sides?" Matthews said. "I mean, people watching right now, what do you think of guys who switch sides? They remind me of the guys on the Titanic who put on women's clothes and then hid on the lifeboats. Just my thought."
Based on the parallel Matthews has drawn, he would seem to be equating Griffith leaving the Democratic Party to someone fleeing a ship destined for disaster. That begs the question: Is Chris Matthews anticipating rough waters ahead for the Democratic Party?
