Career Timeline of Chris Matthews: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chris Matthews made an impact.

Chris Matthews is an American political commentator and author, best known for hosting "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on MSNBC from 1997 to 2020. The show focused on political news and interviews. He retired from MSNBC following accusations of inappropriate comments made to a guest. Before his television career, Matthews worked as a political aide and speechwriter, drawing from his experience in politics to inform his commentary.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1968: Peace Corps Service Begins

In 1968, Matthews began serving in the United States Peace Corps in Swaziland.

1970: Peace Corps Service Ends

In 1970, Matthews ended his service in the United States Peace Corps in Swaziland, where he had been a trade development adviser.

1974: Unsuccessful Congressional Campaign

In 1974, Chris Matthews mounted an unsuccessful campaign for Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

1987: Becomes Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief

In 1987, Matthews became the Washington, D.C., bureau chief for the San Francisco Examiner.

1988: Presidential Election Campaigns Coverage

In 1988, Matthews began covering American presidential election campaigns.

1997: Starts Hardball with Chris Matthews

In 1997, Chris Matthews began hosting his own weeknight talk show, 'Hardball with Chris Matthews', which originally aired on America's Talking before moving to MSNBC. The show featured pundits and elected officials as guests.

1997: Research in National Archives

In 1997, Matthews' research in the National Archives produced a series of exclusives on the Nixon presidential tapes.

1998: Research in National Archives

In 1998, Matthews' research in the National Archives continued to produce a series of exclusives on the Nixon presidential tapes.

2000: Leaves San Francisco Examiner

In 2000, Matthews concluded his 13-year tenure as the Washington, D.C., bureau chief for the San Francisco Examiner.

2002: The Chris Matthews Show Airs

In 2002, The Chris Matthews Show began airing in syndication on weekends.

April 14, 2008: Allusion to Senate Run

On April 14, 2008, during an episode of The Colbert Report, Matthews alluded to the possibility of running for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania.

November 28, 2008: Contacted Obama Staffers

On November 28, 2008, Matthews contacted senior staffers of Barack Obama's campaign regarding a potential Senate run.

January 7, 2009: Decision Against Senate Run

On January 7, 2009, The New York Times reported that Matthews informed his staff that he would not be running for the Senate.

2013: Contract Extension

In 2013, MSNBC executed a long-term contract with Matthews to retain him with the network at least through the 2016 election.

2013: The Chris Matthews Show Ends

In 2013, The Chris Matthews Show concluded its run in syndication.

May 4, 2014: Commencement Speaker at Ohio State University

On May 4, 2014, Matthews was the commencement speaker at Ohio State University.

May 15, 2015: Commencement Speaker at Merrimack College

On May 15, 2015, Matthews was the commencement speaker at Merrimack College.

October 2016: Laura Bassett Appears on Program

In October 2016, Laura Bassett appeared on Matthews's program to comment on sexual assault allegations against then candidate Donald Trump.

December 2018: Interview with Tulsi Gabbard

In December 2018, Matthews interviewed U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who stated she was "seriously considering" running for President.

March 2, 2020: Announces Retirement from Hardball

On March 2, 2020, Matthews announced his immediate retirement from Hardball, alluding to past claims of inappropriate comments and a recent accusation by Laura Bassett.

November 2020: Expected Retirement

Matthews was initially expected to retire after the 2020 election cycle, with an exit after Election Day in November 2020 likely, before his abrupt resignation in March.

2020: Retirement from Hardball

In 2020, Chris Matthews announced his retirement on his final episode of Hardball, following accusations of inappropriate comments made to a guest four years prior.