Hardball anchor Chris Matthews appeared as the first guest last night on Countdown with Keith Olbermann to discuss Sen. Arlen Specter‘s party switch.

As Olbermann noted, “nobody in television news has a better idea of Pennsylvania politics” than Matthews, who almost was involved in the race himself. “Was [Specter's switch] a factor in your experimentations or explorations?” asked Olbermann. (Matthews said he “had no idea.”)

“I think you would have made a hell of a Senator, you would have made a constant news story, and I’m glad you stayed on Hardball,” said Olbermann, to which Matthews replied, “I love being your lead-in, bro.”

Click continued to see the segment (Matthews interview begins at 6:30)…