This Country: My Life in Politics and History

Chris Matthews is probably best known as the host of Hardball on MSNBC beginning in the late 90s.He probably was one of the inspirations for their motto, The Passion for Politics. He had an unfiltered,stream of consciousness style of interviewing and was sometimes parodied for his long questions thatwere more like statements. He takes pride in "not letting them get away" and blurting out stuff thatyou might hear in a normal conversation at a pub.He begins his story with his family growing up in Philadelphia. His family was Catholic, but also hadProtestants, and was mostly Republican, which he credits for his ability to get a feel for the different "tribes" in American politics. He went to Catholic school with nuns and had highly influential high schoolteachers, then went to Holy Cross with the Jesuits, who taught philosophy and rigorous critical thinking.This explains his connection with John McLaughlin, the former Jesuit who had a highly entertainingand intelligent approach to his show.In Catholic school as in the world at large, the Cold War loomed over everything, and he describesthe nun's report of the death of Stalin. Another formative experience was joining the Peace Corpsand serving in Africa, followed by his marriage to Kathleen, who herself ran for Congress later on.The discussion of politics begins with the election of 1960. He and his family had the same dilemmaas my grandfather, because they were Republicans for Nixon, but JFK was Catholic. When it came toGoldwater and his strong emphasis on individual freedom, Matthews continued to support the GOPbut his Dad had problems with it. By the end of the 60s, opposition to Vietnam made him a liberalsupporter of Gene McCarthy and Bobby Kennedy. He worked in journalism with Ralph Nader, andmade a run for Congress with the main focus on getting big money out of politics.After that, Matthews has always basically been a liberal, but with unpredictable twists here andthere. For example, he owed the Peace Corps experience largely to the Kennedys and wrote severalbooks about them, but because he was a speechwriter for Jimmy Carter, he supported him againstTeddy. He then had his other famous job, as a top aide to Speaker Tip O'Neill. Thus he was largelyresponsible for crafting the opposition to the Reagan Administration, while admiring Reagan andO'Neill's ability to be bipartisan and patriotic when necessary, especially in dealing with the Soviets.He also praised Reagan's eloquence, and like others, counts the Challenger speech as one of thebest. Matthews always respects political effectiveness wherever it is found, regardless of the policiesinvolved. He is positive on George Bush Sr., and his speechwriter Peggy Noonan.In 1986 Tip O'Neill retired, and Chris Matthews began his journalistic career with the San FranciscoExaminer. At the time the revolving door between politics and journalism was controversial, but that'sbasically all my generation has known, with Tim Russert, George Stephanopoulos, Pat Buchanan,Peggy Noonan, George Will etc. John McLaughlin, George Will and David Broder were all importantinfluences in print and TV journalism.Around Bill Clinton's second term, Chris entered his long phase as the host of Hardball. He was highlycritical of the second Iraq war (while praising Bush 41's handling of the first, as well as his kindnessto Matthews' parents). But in the initial 2000 election, he thought Gore distanced himself too muchfrom the popular Clinton. But at the time, Matthews was critical of WJC. It's another example of hisparadoxical seeing different sides of political strategy over periods of time. Obama, at least in theoriginal 2007-8 run, is the politician that he supported most enthusiastically probably since BobbyKennedy. Matthews almost went back through the revolving door and ran for the Senate, but itwas complex how he was supposed to cover himself! When it comes to Trump, obviously he doesn'thave anything positive to say about the aftermath of the 2020 election and the January 6th protests.But in 2015-16, as with any politician who has momentum, he saw what was going on. As he hadlearned as a kid, the little guy is patriotic and loves his country, because it's all that he has. RegardingBernie Sanders, he makes an apology, but he was completely opposed to him because it was McGovern1972 all over again, those guys didn't get the Cold War.He closes with a discussion of the balance between individual freedom and social justice, andgenerally follows advice he received to "root for the side that's losing". He discusses issues suchas race, LGBT, abortion, and his forced retirement for having complimented women who weregoing on the show. I always try to take the long view, and he gives a thought experiment tothis effect, looking at America in another 250 years and how we might be able to build uponthe past, and have greater unity and justice in the future.

My heart broke when Hardball ceased to be on MSNBC. I saw Chris on Steven Colbert who mentioned this book and I dashed to Amazon to buy it for my Kindle platforms. Many parts of this wonderful book were so profoundly touching I was moved to tears — especially as I neared the end, hoping it would turn out to be endless. I believe wholeheartedly that Chris will get his wish to revisit his beloved country in 100 years. I truly pray that all will be as he wishes it would be.I preferred to read the book rather than listen to the audio version. That way I was able to hear his familiar voice as I read his words that sound so much like he talked on Hardball. There will never be another Chris Matthews and no TV program will ever display such heart and honesty. I pray Chris returns to TV on a recurring basis. However I must say that I respect his wish to retire. My being retired for the last 16 years has allowed me the luxury of staying up to watch Hardball without worrying about having to get up early for work. I was born in October 1947 and many things he referenced from his childhood brought back the memories. Thank you so very much, Chris for putting yourself into your wonderful book!

Chris Matthews was fortunate to take a trip to Washington, D.C. as a child with his family. Little did he know at the time what a seed his parents were planting in his mind. Never one to let grass grow under his feet Chris ventured to the country of Swaziland in Africa to serve in the Peace Corp. He also took time to hitchhike to other African countries. His interest in politics led him from one job to another throughout the years and these experiences would be good advice for young people looking to break into whatever their chosen field may be.Chris Matthews has a reputation for asking the question viewers would want asked if they were doing the interviewing. He doesn't let them off the hook as he demonstrated in grilling Donald Trump regarding his position on abortion and what, if any, punishment should be meted out for anyone having one.The book covers the elections and political leaders from the 1960s up until this year of 2021. Also of importance is the preparation involved in getting ready to host his Hardball show which aired on MSNBC when he would often ask an interviewee "Your thoughts." Of utmost importance is the belief that the American public wants to be included in having a say in the country and any attempt to exclude any group or groups of people from having any fair input diminishes our democracy.Chris Matthews' career would be well worth reading for young people who may be considering a political career of their own. It is also interesting for the general reader who may or may not have followed Chris Matthews on MSNBC. The book contains sixteen pages of photos.

While I have enjoyed other books by Chris Matthews in the last 10 years; none better than this very personal review. Having grown up in Philadelphia, having attended the same Catholic boys high school; having the same curiosity about public affairs....Chris has provided ‘friend and fo, alike’, some great insights into the cultural values that have informed his commentary and world view.Must read for all; no matter where you self-identify on the current political spectrum. Great book!

This book is a must read it you want to up lifted about our country. You can share the love of country the writer has for America. Mr. Matthews shares the many stories that shows us the greatness of our nation and her people.

Chris Matthews sent me back to the beginning of my interest in the government and politics. We lived through many of the same events, although I read about them and he was there. It's just a phenomenal book.

Chris Matthews bares his soul as it were as he details at great length his life in government and politics. This Country gives a riveting account of what it was like to serve in the Peace Corps rather than go to Viet Nam.He is able to give us detailed accounts of what it was like to serve one of the most powerful Speakers of the House of Representatives and contrast that with serving President Carter becoming one of his speechwriters.Out of all that came the MSNBC show "Hardball" on which he was not shy about asking the tough questions. Mr. Matthews does not hold back in discussing tough decisions tha the had to make at various times during his great career.America needs more men and women like Chris Matthews!!

This was a good read, a timeline of baby boomer experiences alongside the major political challenges and happenings of the last 6 decades, and an insider chronicle of both politics and political journalism.