Another 'Thrill?' MSNBC's Chris Matthews Says Obama 'Can Cause a Thrill' in the American People

MSNBC host Chris Matthews created quite a stir back in 2008 when he announced that then-candidate Barack Obama caused a "thrill" to go up his leg. The comment gained a plethora of attention (not to mention giggles from critics), as it showed the level of adoration that media figures, like Matthews, had for the Democratic contender. Now, nearly four years later, it seems the "thrill" is back.

During Tuesday evening's election coverage, the host offered a rare bit of positive commentary when he said that Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum's has the ability to operate well without a teleprompter. Despite this compliment, Matthews maintained that Obama does a better job because he has both the head and the heart to make his messaging compelling.

Mediaite reports:

During Tuesday’s election night coverage on MSNBC, Chris Matthews again discussed the thrill-causing tendencies of President Obama. Shortly after Rick Santorum‘s speech, where he pulled a piece of shale out of his pocket, Matthews lauded the Republican hopeful’s ability to go off teleprompter, but thought President Obama still did it better, noting he had both a brain and a heart to charm the American public — and an ability to thrill.

Here's a portion of the transcript from Matthews' comments (emphasis added):

"Romney can't do what that guy just did. And that's really important. That means on the stump he can't turn people on. He can't turn them on after he wins or after he loses. ... I think he lacks this guy's passion, and I think that's a real loss.

Barack Obama can do both. He has a brain, and he has a heart, and he can cause a thrill in the American people because he has both.

He can have a vision, and he can have a passion to go with that vision. I don't see it getting together for the Republicans here, and I think it's a real challenge for them."

Watch Matthews make his newest "thrill" assessment:

This is at least the second time that the liberal host has spoken about the tingle of excitement that Obama apparently has the power to cause. During a 2008 broadcast, he said, "It's part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama's speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often."

Watch Matthews' original "thrill" comment, below:

(H/T: Newsbusters)