In a recent appearance on "Morning Joe," former CNBC and MSNBC host Chris Matthews delved into the partisan divide and discussed the phenomenon of "rage" during today's election cycles. Surprisingly, Matthews directed some of his critique towards the cast of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), suggesting that their portrayal of President Donald Trump and his supporters contributed to the "rural rage" felt by many.

Matthews expressed his belief that anger has become a potent tool in shaping political discourse, particularly among those who did not attend college. He observed that individuals in rural areas often harbor deep resentment towards the perceived liberal establishment and coastal elites. According to Matthews, these individuals see the actors on SNL as "snarling rich kids" who are detached from the concerns of ordinary Americans.

"Every time we make fun of Trump, we're making fun of them," Matthews claimed, highlighting the resentment that Trump supporters feel when the president is ridiculed. He acknowledged that some supporters identify with Trump in a way that he found peculiar, describing it as "a weird thing."

Drawing parallels between the political divide and combating terrorism, Matthews discussed the ill-conceived notion that using force can bring resolution. He warned against underestimating the power of anger, referring to how armies deployed by the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan only further inflamed anti-American sentiment. In Matthew's view, sending troops to quell a situation does not necessarily lead to peace.

The former television host emphasized that he sees the ongoing political conflict as more complex than a straightforward battle of right versus wrong. He argued that many Trump supporters perceive themselves as standing up against the establishment, similar to how rural voters in Pennsylvania view their vote as an act against the global order.

Understanding the nuances of this election, Matthews concluded, is essential due to the multifaceted nature of the ongoing political war.

The video of Matthews' appearance on "Morning Joe" can be viewed above.

In summary, Chris Matthews addressed the divisiveness expected in the upcoming 2024 presidential election and took aim at the cast of "Saturday Night Live" for their portrayal of Trump, citing it as a factor contributing to rural rage among his supporters. Matthews also drew parallels between domestic political divisions and combating terrorism, cautioning against the belief that military intervention alone can solve complex societal problems.