Anti-Gay RNC Leader and Gay Republican Leader War Over Party's Marriage Position on 'Hardball': VIDEO

Check out thiis must-watch Hardball segment on Friday's RNC vote to reaffirm its opposition to same-sex marriage.

Chris Matthews watches with incredulity as Texas RNC Committeeman Robin Armstrong, who calls the GOP "the tolerant party", tells Matthews that he'd still join the GOP even if it were against the African-American civil rights movement.

Then Matthews asks Log Cabin Republican Executive Director Gregory Angelo how he likes being in a political party that doesn't believe in his equality. Says Angelo:"We're not part of the party because of its stance against so-called 'traditional marriage'. We're a part of the party in spite of that."

Armstrong and Angelo then engage in some back and forth debate with Matthews that reveals why the Republican Party is going down over this issue.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Incidentally, the RNC resolution that was passed on Friday was sponsored by none other than Dave Agema, the Michigan committeeman who has been at the center of a GOP storm over the anti-gay comments he posted on Facebook.

Agema tooted his horn on Friday following the vote:

"I am pleased with our success in the face of unrelenting criticism from the left and want to thank national social conservative leaders who made their voices heard loud and clear in this process," Agema said in a release following today's vote at the RNC's annual spring meeting in Los Angeles.

"I hope that we can all now move forward and talk about other issues … We have won the battle, and I will have nothing more to say on this matter."

Brian Sims Talks Gay Rights Movement With Chris Matthews

On his program this week, Chris Matthews discussed the recent swift rise of the LGBT civil rights movement with MSNBC contributor Joy Reid and openly gay Pennsylvania Representative Brian Sims.  civil rights - acceptance in african american community

In this segment, Reid explains the progressive shift of opinion in the African-American community and Sims talks about how he felt the authenticity and honesty he offered about his identity helped him win his seat in office last year.

Watch the clip, in which Matthews suggests that Sims might one day be governor of his state, AFTER THE JUMP.

NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn on Scalia: 'Don't Compare Me to a Murderer Because I'm a Lesbian' - VIDEO

NYC City Council Speaker Christine Quinn appeared on MSNBC's Hardball last night in a segment about Scotus Justice Antonin Scalia's remarks comparing homosexuality and murder.

Quinn denounced Scalia:

"The Justice should apologize...It's offensive. Sexual orientation is who we are as people. It's how we're created if we're LGBT. And to compare that even in a way you want to say was some philosophical exercise to a heinous horrible crime of murder. It's just wrong. He can say it's a slip of the tongue. Just apologize. But don't compare me to a murderer because I'm a lesbian. Just don't do it. It's wrong."

Added Quinn: “My father always said, 'It’s nice to be nice.' And it is. And you should treat other human beings even if you disagree with them, even if you dislike who they are, in a respectful way. The justice was disrespectful to me and my family. And that doesn't further my understanding him better, or him understanding me better."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Chris Matthews Confronts Log Cabin Republican Head About GOP's Lagging Support for Gay Equality: VIDEO

Chris Matthews confronted Log Cabin Republican Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper about the GOP's lagging support for same-sex marriage but had to pause his strategy for a moment after asking Cooper why he didn't oppose Karl Rove in 2004 when he was pushing anti-gay ballot measures.

Asked Matthews: “Where were you then? Did you fight Karl Rove?”

“I was actually fighting in Iraq,” said Cooper. “I was deployed in ’04.”

“Touché. You win. You win the argument. That's a very good alibi.”

Matthews then went on to ask Cooper what gay Republicans should do to work to change their platform.

See what Cooper has to say, AFTER THE JUMP...

Woman Calls Obama a Communist: VIDEO

Chris Matthews talked to the crowds about the candidates outside the Vice Presidential Debate last night, including this woman, who's sure of one thing about Obama:

"All you have to do is study it out. Just study it out. You haven't done your homework buddy. He's a Communist, and those of us who aren't voting for him know it. I know what I mean. I know I'm on national television. You just study it out. Just cause he was born here doesn't mean he thinks like us. He's a Communist, buddy."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

(via americablog)

Chris Matthews Wonders 'Where Was Obama Tonight?' VIDEO

Saying President Obama simply "endured" the debate, head down, shoulders slumped, and that Mitt Romney was on stage for a fight, MSNBC host Chris Matthews excoriated the commander-in-chief for a lackluster performance during last night's face-off.

Rather than keeping himself isolated in the White House, removed from actual debate, Matthews said Obama needs to spend more time watching cable news, specifically his and his colleagues' shows.

Watch Matthews let loose AFTER THE JUMP.