In many ways, the life experiences of Chris Matthews echo the experiences of the entire Baby Boomer generation,a post-World War II upbringing in the most powerful country on Earth, with an emphasis on service and loyalty to that country.
Then that loyalty and the naivité of youth were broken by the Kennedy assassination, the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, and Watergate.
But where Matthews' story diverges from the rest of his cohort is his move to politics in the 1970s.
In his new book, "This Country: My Life in Politics and History", the 20 year host of MSNBC's 'Hardball' traces his time through being a speech writer in Washington DC, to a failed run for office in Philadelphia, covering politics for the San Francisco Examiner, and finally to his spot behind the desk on his popular nightly news show.
The book is full of keen observations and commentary that only a 50 year veteran of the game of politics can provide.
Matthews speaks to Rick Jackson to discuss the book on today's show.
Also this hour, our Anna Huntsman discusses a book that celebrates histories most famous nurses. It's called 'Luminaries of the Past,' and it comes at a time when healthcare workers are being impacted particularly hard by the pandemic.
- Chris Matthews, Political Commentator, Former Host of MSNBC’s “Hardball”, and author of “This Country: My Life In Politics and History”
- Joyce Fitzpatrick, Program Director, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University
- Mary Beth Modic, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cleveland Clinic
- Anna Huntsman, Health Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
