Chris Matthews is a very smart man. That said, why does he have such a hard time understanding the difference between the words “unlikely” and “impossible?”
Over the last few days I’ve watched in amazement as the host of MSNBC’s Hardball blows his lid over and over again trying to grasp the difference between the two words. And so far, no luck.
It’s about the one confirmed case if Ebola in this country. When the CDC held a news conference on Tuesday acknowledging that a man in Dallas was in isolation because he had the disease, Matthews started his show with a clip of President Obama saying it was highly “unlikely” that Ebola would come to our shores. And Matthews has been hung up on that word ever since.
His unfortunate guests have received the brunt of Matthews criticism of the President as he asked them, no demanded, that they explain why Mr. Obama used the word “unlikely” if there is a confirmed case of Ebola in Texas. And in typical Matthews fashion, his guests rarely ever get the chance to explain because Matthews keeps on talking.
“Why would he say that?” Matthews asked, evidence of confusion branded across his forehead as he impatiently listened for an answer. Then seconds later as a guest ventured to answer, Matthews will continue on his tirade.
“He said this was ‘unlikely’ that Ebola would come to America. Why would this president make such a statement?” Matthews would then cap off his confusion with, “we are now living in the world of the unlikely.”
But on yesterday’s show, one guest came close to explaining the difference to Matthews, that saying something was unlikely doesn’t mean it was impossible. Dr. Anthony Fauci was one of the guests yesterday and he tried to shed some light on the two words.
“How does the president two weeks ago say that something like this was “unlikely” to happen?” Chris asked the Doctor, then he continued, “he said that it would be unlikely. It isn’t unlikely, it happened!”
The doctor tried to explain. “Well, you can be unlikely Chris and still happen. It is unlikely, but in fact, it isn’t impossible. And that’s what happened.”
Chris Matthews continued, still not getting the difference.
“But how can you tell the American people don’t worry, it’s unlikely, and it just happened? You can’t keep saying it’s unlikely if it’s happened, can you?
The doctor tried again, “well again, it depends on what you mean. It’s still an unlikely situation that someone will get through. It’s still unlikely.”
Chris moved on to the next guest.
Again, Chris Matthews is a smart man, but he is tripping himself up on something that is so simple, a two year old would understand.
Unlikely and impossible are two different words Chris. One word means there is a chance, the other means there is no chance. When the president used the word “unlikely,” stop thinking that meant impossible.
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