MSNBC's Chris Matthews: Not Since Abraham Lincoln Has Someone 'Caused' Strife Like Sarah Palin

(By Scott Whitlock, NewsBusters.org) - According to Chris Matthews, Sarah Palin is the most divisive figure since Abraham Lincoln "caused" the Civil War. In an odd historical analogy, the 'Hardball' host marveled at Palin's bus tour: "Leading off tonight, civil war on the right. Not since the election of Abraham Lincoln has a Republican caused such a war."

The anchor frothed, "Sarah Palin went right to New Hampshire, serving as a human grenade, blowing up his announcement by saying Romney's health care is a total violation of Tea Party beliefs."