Last night on MSNBC’s Hardball, host Chris Matthews addressed the firestorm sparked by his comment that "the reason [Hillary Clinton is] a U.S. senator, the reason she's a candidate for president, the reason she may be a front-runner is her husband messed around. That's how she got to be senator from New York. We keep forgetting it. She didn't win there on her merit."
He addressed the controversy after more than a week of intense pressure from Media Matters, several major national women’s organizations, and thousands of people just like you.
Crossposted at Pam's House Blend.
Matthews has admitted that his comments about Sen. Clinton have been unfair, "inappropriate," and "callous." He went on to make the following assurance:
"On those occasions when I have not taken the time to say things right or have simply said the inappropriate thing, I’ll try to be clearer, smarter, more obviously in support of the right of women – of all people – of full equality and respect for their ambitions." VIDEO
That is what this effort has been about from the very beginning -- Matthews’ treatment of women. Over the years, his commentary has shown a clear pattern of sexism directed at prominent women such as Sen. Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Michelle Obama, our nation’s female governors, and so many others.
Matthews’ claim that going forward he will try to be more supportive of the right of women to full equality and respect for their ambitions is a pledge that MSNBC has a responsibility to hold him to. Media Matters certainly will, and I hope you will as well.
Without the overwhelming response from progressive leaders, advocacy groups, bloggers, and dedicated activists like you, Matthews’ commitment to change would never have happened.
This is a victory for the progressive community and women everywhere.
I want to thank everyone for contacting Matthews and MSNBC over the past week to express your concerns over his continued sexist commentary. I also want to thank all the bloggers who have posted on the Matthews controversy and/or linked to contact information that helped people to take action and make their voices heard.
Our work is not yet done.
We need your support now more than ever to ensure that Matthews and others in the media act with accuracy and accountability. Please continue to lend your voice and support for our mission -- tell your friends about conservative misinformation in the media and encourage them to sign up for our alerts, so they can be the first to know about important calls to action.
Again, thank you for your continued support; we’ve only just begun to play "hardball."