Chris Matthews: 2005's Misinformer of the Year

Since our launch in May 2004, Media Matters for America has monitored, analyzed, and corrected conservative misinformation in the media, wherever and whenever we find it. As you may remember, last year our staff conducted an extensive review of all the misinformation we identified and corrected in the early days in order to name the first annual "Misinformer of the Year." We singled out one particularly egregious purveyor of falsehoods and awarded Bill O'Reilly the dubious title. O'Reilly graciously accepted the award on Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor.

This year, of all the news anchors, columnists, pundits, and reporters whose work we've critiqued and corrected, one man stands alone as a clear successor to the O'Reilly throne. We are pleased to announce broadcast journalist, former newspaper bureau chief, former presidential speechwriter, and best-selling author Chris Matthews has earned the title of 2005's "Misinformer of the Year." At times, it has even been difficult to tell the difference between 2005's Misinformer of the Year and his predecessor.

For your reading pleasure, we've compiled some highlights of Matthews's most egregious false and misleading claims, as well as his glowing and gushing praise for President Bush.

Without further ado:

Read On

 

We are for correcting all misinformation, Conservative or otherwise. In the Information Age, misinformation and disinformation are our worst enemies, no matter who is distributing it.

 

In the New Year, we will be looking for ways to make mis-informers be more willing to do their homework, before they pop off at the mouth on TV or in print.

 

Dis-informers may well wish they had never been born, before we are through with them.

 

A misinformed or disinformed electorate cannot regain their Democracy.