Time for Chris Matthews to Apologize

In this day of hypercritical coverage of candidates, members of the media should also be held accountable.

Today, candidates are held responsible for every word they utter, while talking heads get a free pass.

That’s not fair. Commentators should be held accountable, too — starting with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews. His comments about Hillary Clinton were way over the line.

On “Morning Joe” with Joe Scarborough, Matthews dismissed Clinton as nothing but a cheated wife whom voters feel sorry for.

“Let’s not forget, and I’ll be brutal,” Matthews said. “The reason she’s a U.S. senator, the reason she’s a candidate for president, the reason she may be a front-runner, is that her husband messed around.”

Whether you’re a Clinton supporter or not, that statement is outrageous. It’s like saying the only reason Barack Obama’s so popular is because he’s half-white.

Sure, her role as former first lady makes her a celebrity. But, on her own, Hillary Clinton was elected and reelected to the U.S. Senate. And even her critics say she’s a hardworking and effective U.S. senator.

If any other candidate said the same thing about Sen. Clinton, the media would demand that he apologize. Chris Matthews should do no less.

Visit Mr. Press’s website at www.billpressshow.com.