Zell d. Chris Matthews

I heard earlier that Sen. Miller and Hardball host Chris Matthews had a major battle going on during his show earlier in the evening. NRO’s Kerry Spot has a transcript provided by a NRO reader, which I’ll repost here (once the official transcript becomes available, I’ll link to it):

Matthews: Do you believe truthfully that John Kerry wants to defeat the world with spitballs?

Zell: That was a metaphor. You know what a metaphor is?

Matthews: Well, what do you mean by that metaphor?

Zell: He wanted to cancel these weapons programs. Cancel, means to do away with. I think we ought to cancel this interview.

Matthews: Well, that would be my loss Senator. Well, let me ask you about this because I think you have a view on reporters of the world. You said, “It was often the soldier, not the reporter, who has given the freedom of the press.” What was your point?

Zell: Well, it certainly got a rise out of you.

Matthews: Well, it’s a shot.

Zell: You’re a reporter. You didn’t have anything to do with the freedom of the press.

Matthews: Why did you single out reporters … Because you could get an applause line at a conservative convention.

J.C. Watts: Now come on, Chris.

Zell: You’re hopeless. I wish I was over there. In fact I wish we lived in the …

Matthews: If a Republican Senator broke ranks and spoke for the democrats would you respect him?

Zell: Yes, I’ve seen that happen from time to time.

Matthews: Jim Jeffords switched parties after getting elected …

Zell: Wait a minute, wait a minute … If you’re going to ask a question …

Matthews: It’s a tough question. It takes a few words.

Zell: Get out of my face! If you’re going to ask me a question, then step back, and let me answer! I wish we lived in a day where you can challenge a person to a duel. Now that would be pretty good. (Norah Odonell loud laughter)

Don’t pull that stuff on me like you did that young lady when you had her brow beaten to death. I’m not her! I’m not her! You get in my face I’m going to get back in your face. [Jim’s note: I presume this is a reference to Michelle Malkin?]

Matthews: Senator can I speak softly to you?

Zell: No, no. You won’t give me a chance to answer. You ask these questions and then you just talk over while I’m trying to answer just like you did that woman the other day. Why don’t why I even came on this program.

Matthews: Well, I’m glad you did. Well let me ask you this …

Zell: No, Are you going to shut up after you ask me! Are going to give me a chance to answer it?

Matthews: Yes, sir. I’m going to give you a chance to answer.

Zell 1, Matthews 0

Update: The actual transcript from MSNBC.com’s Hardball site.

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