Hardball With Chris Matthews - The Hardball Award

The Hardball Award

The Hardball Award is an award created in 2009 that recognized individuals "who displays a combination of guts and political moxie to win not just the day but our fondest admiration." 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.
• 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.
• 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.