Hardball with Chris Matthews

==The ''Hardball'' Award==
The ''Hardball'' Award is an award created in 2009 that recognizes an individual "who displays a combination of guts and political moxie to win not just the day but our fondest admiration."<ref name="msnbc.msn.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/28642488 |title=''Hardball with Chris Matthews'' for Friday, January 9 - ''Hardball with Chris Matthews''- NBC News |publisher=NBC News |date=2009-01-13 |access-date=2010-02-23}}</ref> The award is not given on a regular basis; instead, it is given when someone displays character consistent with the award.

Recipients:
*[[Roland Burris]]: Given on January 9, 2009, for his efforts to retain his seat, which was appointed controversially by [[Rod Blagojevich]].<ref name="msnbc.msn.com"/>
*[[Chesley Sullenberger|Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger]]: Given on January 16, 2009, for his courage in his successful emergency water landing of [[US Airways Flight 1549]] on the Hudson River.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/28754284 |title=''Hardball with Chris Matthews'' for Friday, January 16 - ''Hardball with Chris Matthews''- NBC News |publisher=NBC News |date=2009-01-20 |access-date=2010-02-23}}</ref>
*[[Gary Ackerman|Rep. Gary Ackerman]]: Given on February 6, 2009, for speaking out against the [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] (SEC) for their failure in regulating and catching [[Bernard Madoff]]'s ponzi scheme.
*[[Hillary Clinton]]: Given on February 18, 2009, for her service to her country and her historic run at the presidency.
*[[Rush Limbaugh]]: Given on March 5, 2009, for taking a modest mention by the president and turning it into media gold.
*[[Debbie Wasserman Schultz]]: Given on March 24, 2009, for balancing motherhood, a successful House campaign, continuous voting, and presidential support for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama while undergoing seven surgeries for breast cancer.
*[[Barack Obama]]: Given on April 2, 2009, for "firing" General Motors CEO [[Rick Wagoner]], when Wagoner proved ineffective at reorganizing the company.