Hardball: Barack Obama

Matthews
I'm Chris Matthews, let's play Hardball.  First up - today's Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of State nominee Condoleeza Rice was, at times, tense, even confrontational, but I don't think there's any doubt that this was one of the standout moments of the day.  Just look at this clip.

Barack Obama
Dr. Rice, I'd like to start by thanking you for taking the time to appear before us today, and to commend...

Matthews
Wow - I've got to say that I've seen a lot of politicians in action, but that was just amazing!  I mean this guy has only been in the Senate, what, like a month, and already he's like an old pro!  Andrea Mitchell, I don't think it would be over the top to say that the man we were just watching there is going to be the next black president.

Mitchell
I think you mean the first black president, Chris.

Matthews
Well, what if he were to become the next president?

Mitchell
He'd still be the first black president.

Matthews
Yeah, but then he'd be the next president, and he'd be a black president, so, technically speaking, wouldn't he be the next black president?

Mitchell
Wait a minute, let me think about that.

Matthews
Anyway, Andrea Mitchell, what did you think of Barack Obama's performance today?

Mitchell
Chris, I thought it was nothing short of stellar.  He was confident, he spoke directly into the microphone, used just the right hand gestures, he was making eye contact, and whenever it seemed like he might be getting a little hoarse, he drank just the right amount of water.  It was right on the mark.

Matthews
Yeah, you know, some people are calling this guy a 'rock star', and I'll tell you, after today's performance, I can see why.  Take a look at this clip.

Obama
...and Senator Biden asked a very interesting question earlier.  I'm not sure that he ever got an answer, but it was an excellent question...

Matthews
Andrea, isn't that what they call giving a 'shout-out', like he's giving 'props' to his 'peeps' in the Senate?

Mitchell
.............

Matthews
Looks like Andrea's got to think about that one, I think I might have stumped her.  Let's go to Mike Barnicle over in Boston.  Mike, have you ever seen a more flawless performance than the one we saw from Barack Obama today?

Barnicle
Oh, without a doubt , Chris...

Matthews
The Red Sox winning the World Series doesn't count.

Barnicle
Well, I would still say yes...

Matthews
Neither does the Red Sox winning the pennant.

Barnicle
Oh.  In that case, I would have to say no, I haven't.

Matthews
That's what I thought.  Andrea, tell us about some of the highlights of today's hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Mitchell
Well, Chris, as I'm sure you've heard, there's been quite a bit of talk about Barbara Boxer today.

Matthews
There sure has.

Mitchell
Well, take a look at this.

(Clip of Barbara Boxer looking at Barack Obama as he's speaking)

Mitchell
Now, Chris, we've both been in Washington long enough to be able to read that look.  It's obvious that she's thinking "Wow, this man, Barack Obama, is really amazing.  I've been in the Senate a long time, and I've seen people come and go, but this is certainly one of the most impressive people I have seen, not only in my time in the Senate, but in my life."

Matthews
Isn't it amazing how some people can be so expressive without saying a word?

Mitchell
It certainly is.  And take a look at this.

(Shot of Chuck Hagel straightening up some loose papers)

Mitchell
Now, here we have Senator Chuck Hagel, who is obviously thinking, "Barack Obama is such an amazing orator and outstanding statesman, that I'd better do everything I can to look my best when I'm up here with him, including making sure that everything around me is as tidy as it can be."

Matthews
Wow, that's heavy stuff.  Mike Barnicle, what went through your mind as you were looking at that last clip?

Barnicle
Well, Chris, my take was a little different.  I think that what you have here is Senator Chuck Hagel, and you know, he's thinking "Hey, I'm up here with this Barack Obama, and, you know, the guy is a heck of an orator and a pretty darned good statesman, so, you know, I should probably do my best to look good up here, and, of course, that includes making sure that I, you know, keep my stuff as tidy as I can."

Mitchell
That's exactly what I just said!

Barnicle
What are you talking about?  I just came up with that off the top of my head.

Mitchell
Then why were you reading from notes when you answered?  Show us those notes!

Barnicle
All right, but look, it's not exactly what you said - I punched it up a little, is that a crime?

Matthews
OK, let's get back to the hearing.  Now, here's a clip that I found especially interesting.

(Shot of Richard Lugar, looking straight forward and smiling)

Matthews
Now, he was smiling like that the whole time that Barack Obama was speaking.  Mike Barnicle, what do you make of that?

Barnicle
Well, the guy is obviously very pleased.  I mean, as a Democrat, I'm sure Senator Lugar has some concerns about the dearth of real 'stars' in his party...

Mitchell
Lugar's a Republican, Mike.

Barnicle
He is?

Mitchell
Yes.

Barnicle
Are you sure?

Mitchell
Of course I'm sure.

Barnicle
Wow, he sure doesn't act like one.  Well, in that case, I guess the guy just likes to smile.

Matthews
He sure does.  Anyway, Andrea, give me your prediction for these hearings.

Mitchell
Chris, the spotlight will continue to shine on Barack Obama, as it rightly should, and I think we're going to be even more impressed with him, if that's possible.

Matthews
What about the confirmation?

Mitchell
The what?

Matthews
The confirmation.  Will Condoleeza Rice be confirmed as Secretary of State?

Mitchell
Oh, yeah.  Sure, why not?

Matthews
Mike Barnicle, your prediction?

Barnicle
Next year it's the Sox all the way, only this time they sweep the series, even without Martinez.

Matthews
I don't know who that is.  Anyway, thanks to both of you for being here.  Next up on Hardball, Democratic activist Whoopi Goldberg is here to critique Senator Ted Kennedy's speech before the National Press Club last week, maybe she'll work in a couple of 'booty' jokes - HA! I love those!  Stay tuned, you won't want to miss this.

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Update: Thanks to Ace of Spades HQ for linking to this post.

Update II: La Shawn Barber has something to say about Boxer and "The Squad of Liberal Losers"

Update III: The Proprietor at The Iraq War Was Wrong Blog has thought of a way for Obama to increase his appeal even more (if that's possible).