Frickin' Hilarious

If this is true, I don't know who's sadder, Chris Matthews or NBC News:

TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY, or soon: Chris Matthews signed to a long-term contract at “Hardball.” Last night, he was being affectionately called “Senator” at Linda Douglass’ chic holiday party.

The whole thing was part of a contract negotiation? Public service as a bargaining chip? What a tool. And NBC News fell for it! They actually believe they can't function without him, that his brand of gossip and warmed-over conventional wisdom is vital to the future of the news division. Puh-leeze.

Meanwhile, Rep. Patrick Murphy from my home region of Bucks County is looking at the seat. He's young and has proven to be a good fundraiser. Not to mention his experience as an Iraq war vet. Of course, he immediately joined the Blue Dogs and has a moderate voting record, though not reactionary. With Pennsylvania being a bellweather state we could do a lot worse than Murphy in the Senate.