Watch Hardball with Chris Matthews

Hardball with Chris Matthews was a political talk show on the news network MSNBC, hosted by Chris Matthews. The show focused on current events in politics, both in the United States and around the world. Hardball was renowned for its lively and combative discussions, frequently featuring guests with differing political views.

Chris Matthews served as the show's host from its inception in 1997 until his abrupt resignation in March of 2020. Prior to his career in television, Matthews worked as a journalist and political operative, working for various political campaigns before taking a job in The White House during the Carter administration. He brought his wealth of experience and sharp wit to the show, often challenging both guests and viewers to think deeper about the political issues of the day.

The show format traditionally featured a panel of guests to discuss the day's news stories. Almost always, one or more of these guests had a conservative viewpoint. Hardball's conservative contributors over the years included David Shuster and Pat Buchanan.

David Shuster joined the show as guest host in 2006, eventually becoming a regular contributor. Prior to his stint on Hardball, Shuster had worked as a correspondent for ABC News and CNN.

Pat Buchanan, a conservative political commentator, was also a regular contributor to Hardball over the years. Buchanan served as a speechwriter and strategist for Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, and had previously run for president himself in 1992.

From the very beginning, Hardball was a fast-paced show that encouraged discussion, debate, and lively argument. Matthews' signature roundtable discussions were lively and engaging, with guests from across the political spectrum offering their views on the day's events.

Throughout its run, the show covered a wide variety of important topics, including everything from the Iraq War and the War on Terror, to the 2008 presidential election and the rise of the Tea Party movement. The show was notable for its commitment to diversity and representation, often featuring guests from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

But Hardball was not without controversy. Matthews was known for his blunt, confrontational style, and often found himself at the center of controversies surrounding statements he made on the air. In March of 2020, Matthews abruptly resigned from the show after accusations of inappropriate behavior towards female colleagues surfaced.

Despite these controversies, Hardball with Chris Matthews remains a landmark show in the history of political talk programming. Its commitment to honest, lively discussion of important issues helped inform and educate countless viewers over the years.