Senator Chris Matthews?

A new poll of a hypothetical match-up between television host Chris Matthews (D), and Republican Senator Arlen Specter may give "Hardball" fans something to cheer about. According to the findings, Matthews only trails Specter by 13 points, 40%-27%.

Matthews, of course, is a talking head who is routinely criticized by people on the left and the right for his often over-dramatic on-air analysis, and his tone-deaf assessment of politics on the written page. But the "Senator Matthews" title has always appealed to Chris, as he told Stephen Colbert:

"Well, you know, when you grow up, some kids want to be a fireman? I wanted to be a senator."

Who knows? Maybe Matthews would turn out to be a great senator. Maybe being a mediocre, self-congratulating television host and author wouldn't mean squat in terms of success or failure on the political field. And hey, if he runs, "Hardball" will get a new anchor. Talk about a silver lining!