MSNBC and Chris Matthews will debut “Rise of the the New Right,” centering on activists in the political right, on June 16. According to the release, the special “examines the widespread growth of hostility toward the United States government and its leaders.”
Aside from the Tea Partiers, which seem to be a major focus of the special, the “Hardball” documentary also interviews Birthers and militiamen. MSNBC apparently also had a crew following Rand Paul prior to his primary victory.
Preview and release after the jump.
MSNBC PRESENTS “RISE OF THE NEW RIGHT,” A “HARDBALL” SPECIAL DOCUMENTARY REPORTED BY CHRIS MATTHEWS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, FROM 7-8 PM ET
Special Examines the Widespread Growth of Hostility Toward the United States Government and its Leaders
NEW YORK—JUNE 3, 2010—In MSNBC’s latest "Hardball” documentary, “Rise of the New Right,” Chris Matthews takes a hard look at the recent surge of anger on the political right, particularly the outpouring of support for the Tea Party, which helped secure Rand Paul’s victory in Kentucky. The special airs Wednesday, June 16 @ 7PM ET.
The growing fear among citizens of losing their rights and freedoms has created a political backlash toward the US government and manifested itself in violent rhetoric and anti-government groups who want to “take their country back.” “Hardball” host Chris Matthews asks the questions: Who are the people on the New Right? What do they want? And how do they intend to get it?
The documentary features interviews across the spectrum of the New Right – from Dick Armey, former House Majority Leader and a powerful figure in the Tea Party Movement to Orly Taitz, unofficial leader of the Birthers, to influential internet radio host Alex Jones. The documentary also gained access to the Michigan Militia’s survival training camp and hit the campaign trail with Rand Paul months before he showed up on the national radar.
“Rise of the New Right” is an MSNBC original production and was produced for MSNBC by Peacock Productions. Mike Rubin is Vice President, Long Form Programming, MSNBC. Scott Hooker is Senior Executive Producer, MSNBC. Timothy Smith is Senior Producer, MSNBC. For Peacock Productions, Kate Hampson is Producer and Keith McKay is Executive Producer.