Political pundit Chris Matthews hosts MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews and the syndicated news panel program The Chris Matthews Show.

In February 2009, the governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, delivered the rebuttal to President Barack Obama's first congressional adress. After Keith Olbermann introduced the governor on MSNBC, a man believed to be Chris Matthews could be heard muttering "Oh God" in the background.Mediabistro: "Oh God" Heard From MSNBC Set As Gov. Jindal Appears for GOP Response (February 25, 2009) Some people attributed the comment to Olbermann, but an anonymous NBC executive said to the press that it was Matthews who made the comment. The network is reportedly looking into the incident.Star-Tribune: Matthews says 'Oh God' as Jindal approached microphone (February 25, 2009)

During a guest appearance on Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, Matthews alluded to a possible Senate run for the seat currently held by Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter. Matthews later denied his interest, commenting on Real Time with Bill Maher that he had "made a commitment to covering politics...not getting involved in it."ag-east.com: Real Time With Bill Maher Transcript (April 18, 2008) However, the buzz surrounding Matthews' senate run resurfaced in late November of 2008, after he reportedly discussed the possibility with Pennsylvania Democrats.PennLive.com: Chris Matthews ponders Senate run, but remains undecided (November 28, 2008) Shortly thereafter, advisers to the MSNBC host reportedly told him that he would have to quit Hardball soon if he was planning to run for the seat.Politico: Matthews Advised to Quit MSNBC (December 4, 2008) It was suggested that the talk of Matthews running for Senate may have been a way for Matthews to put pressure on NBC News during contract renewal negotiations.The New York Times: NBC's Matthews Won't Run for Senate (January 7, 2009) On January 7, 2009, The New York Times reported that Matthews had told his staff that he was definitely not going to run for Senate.The New York Times: NBC's Matthews Won't Run for Senate (January 7, 2009)