Without a doubt the weakest spot in the MSNBC lineup is Hardball with Chris Matthews, which has become more Hardhead than Hardball.
While there is no denying Matthews’ stature at a political whiz and his incredible knowledge of everything Washington, it is evident he is no longer up for the job of an hour of nightly commentary.
Just last week on consecutive nights he couldn’t come up with the last names of two prominent newsmakers, Don McGhan and Kirsten Neilsen, while speaking so fast he stumbled over words constantly. He was pushing so hard for impeachment that he was haranguing and bullying any guest who didn’t agree with him, and, as usual, he rarely let a guest answer a question without constant interruption. And despite all that he brought nothing new to the table, just rehashed the same subjects the hosts before him had covered and reached conclusions that were painfully obvious.
The show has become unwatchable, and it is time for MSNBC to make Matthews a “something” emeritus, trotting him out only for major coverage featuring plenty of other hosts who can keep the conversation on topic and on course.
The question then becomes, who to move into that time slot? My choice would be to move Ari Melber up from an hour earlier. Melber can transition between short- and long-form journalism nearly as well as Rachel Maddow, has generated some genuinely innovative and stimulating presentations, like his show with the three Mueller witnesses/Trump confidants talking about Roger Stone, and doesn’t seem bound by the three-guest, five-minute panels that dominate other shows. Yes, his hip-hop references probably miss most of the audience, but his Fall-Back Friday segment provides a nice light entry into the weekend. The fact he’s a lawyer has proven to be a huge help, particularly in how he’s able to dissect late court filings and other legal paperwork on short notice.
In Melber’s current spot, I’d go for Nicole Wallace or Joy Reid. Either would be a good transition from Chuck Todd, although I could also live with Ali Velshi. I would not give Steve Kornacki his own show because I think that would limit him too much. He’s too much fun when he going hyper all over that touch screen, and I think they should use him for more of that beyond election results.
I assume Matthews has some sort of contract, but I’m sure that can be worked out, because the sooner he’s out of the 7 p.m. Eastern slot, the better, especially for the audience.