Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's "Hardball," has decided to play softball with President-elect Barack Obama.

This is what Matthews said this morning on his own network: "I'm going to do everything I can to make this presidency work."

Sounds like Matthews understands the role of TV journalists perfectly, doesn't it?

Let's give Matthews a pat on the back for honesty. MSNBC (and all the NBC networks) have been part of the Obama Campaign for nearly two years. At least Matthews is willing to admit it publicly.