Will MSNBC’s Matthews decry ‘exploitation’ in Philly too?

Outrage is one word to help describe the mood at this week’s Republican National Convention. But we’re not talking about the delegates chanting, “Lock her up” as it pertains to Hillary Clinton or the speakers serving up extra-heavy doses of red meat. 

Instead, we’re referring to the reaction of having Patricia Smith — the mother of the late American contractor Sean Smith (Benghazi) — speaking at the Republican National Convention on Monday night. 

{mosads}MSNBC’s Chris Matthews had the most visceral reaction to Smith’s comments that included Mrs. Clinton — the former Secretary of State — being “personally responsible for the death” of her son and a liar for her explanation around a video being the root cause afterward. The speech was raw and emotional, and has set the tone for the undisputed unifying factor of a fractured Republican party split on supporting Donald Trump: Defeating Hillary Clinton. 

“I don’t understand why the Republicans would choose to put this on prime-time television when they have such wonderful stories of American heroism to speak to the American people,” an emotional Matthews said. “I think it was wrong.

“I don’t care what that woman up there, the mother, has felt,” continued Matthews without the usual filter. “Her emotions are her own. But for the country in choosing a leader, it’s wrong to have someone get up there and tell a lie about Hillary Clinton. It’s not true. It’s logically not true. I think it’s wrong that they ruined their evening with this.” 

Store that sentiment away until next week. And then wait to see if Matthews, who always is good for a controversial comment or ten during every convention regardless of party, takes issue with a certain portion of the Democrats list of primetime speakers. 

Why? 

Because said list includes the mother of Eric Garner, who died in New York in 2014 after being subdued by a police officer via a chokehold. The officer was not indicted, leading to mass protests across the country. 

Also included is the mother of Trayvon Martin, whose son was killed in a confrontation with neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Florida. Zimmerman was also cleared of any wrongdoing, which also led to huge national protests and countless cable news debates. 

Michael Brown’s mother will also be among the list of speakers. Mr. Brown died after being shot in a confrontation with Ferguson, Missouri officer Darren Wilson. The city erupted in riots and was nearly burned to the ground two summers ago, which all played out on national TV after the media descended on the St. Louis suburb. 

Media figures like Chris Matthews voiced their displeasure with Pat Smith speaking at the RNC on Monday night, implying she was being exploited for political gain. Largely depending on how you vote, you either agree or disagree with his perspective. 

But if the DNC speakers list is any indication, there will be no shortage of exploitation on display in Philadelphia next week as well. 

Concha is a media reporter for The Hill.

The views expressed by Contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.