Why Did Joe Scarborough Mock Chris Matthews After Matthews Called Cheney 'a Mistake'?

During a Monday broadcast of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” political commentator Chris Matthews stopped by to discuss a wide range of campaign issues, including former Vice President Dick Cheney's claim that Sen. John McCain's decision to pick former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his VP was "a mistake."

(Related: Dick Cheney: Picking Sarah Palin for VP Was a 'Mistake')

"Chris Matthews, what do you make of Dick Cheney yesterday saying that Sarah Palin was a mistake as a VP pick? I want you to take a listen to this and then respond  --”

“I think Cheney was a mistake,” Matthews interjected.

“We will also allow you to pronounce his last name however you want to pronounce,” Scarborough interrupted, poking fun at Matthews' habit of pronouncing the former Vice President's name as "chee-nee."

“Joe, you're wrong.”

“Chris, I just said after we play the sound bite, you can call him what you want.”

“No, no, his name is Cheney,” Matthews said, again pronouncing it as "chee-nee."

“All right.”

The MSNBC crew played a video of the former Vice President saying the following about former Gov. Palin:

I like Governor Palin. I have met her, I know her. She's an attractive candidate, but based on her background, she had only been governor for two years, I don't think she passed that test.

[…]

I think that was a mistake.

“Chris Mee-thews, what say you?” Scarborough asked, again poking fun at Matthews.

“No, it's not a joke. His name is Cheney, by the way. When we all check it out we'll know what we're talking about instead of me just snowing. Do some reporting. I think Cheney is a problem. I think he's pretty much hated in this country. People really don't like him,” Matthews responded.

He continued:

I can't believe they're going to show him at the convention. He's perked up to show up on Sunday TV to make sure that he's still in the news. I think it's sort of a proof of life thing. I think he's good at it. Just show you're in the game. I think it's smart politics for Cheney as always to stay in the game.

Watch the panel discussion [via MSNBC]:

(H/T: Mediaite)