IrishCentral founder on 'Hardball' with Chris Matthews - VIDEO

What is it about radical Islam that young Americans find appealing? This question was asked several times in the King Committee hearing but nobody answered it. King himself didn't even address it.

A more immediate question is what Peter King is up to and why is he so unconcerned about the impression he's leaving. Old friends like Niall O'Dowd are scratching their heads, wondering if the Congressman has gone daft. King seems to be getting his information from Republican operatives who insist this terrorism stuff is still as galvanizing today as it was in the aftermath of September 11th. Maybe they're hoping to reap some political reward from the ten-year anniversary later on this year.

One thing's for sure, though. The hearings were way too white-vs.-black to be convincing as nonpartisan. This may get back to the original unanswered question why young Americans - expecial young black Americans - are finding something attractive in Islam that they aren't finding in Christianity. We did hear several times today that we'll never get answers to questions that aren't even raised. However, Rep. King does not appear to be interested in those aspects of Islam that young peopld find appealing.

Betcha the Republican elders have dropped King from their list of outsiders for vice president. He allowed the opposition to land hard punches against him, and it was never really convincing why the hearings were necessary in the first place.

Niall: You talked well and explained your position clearly, of course I respectfully disagree, but that's what these forums are for. There was a mention by Chris Matthews that you run for President....of Ireland? Any truth to that rumor? I can already hear chants.

Niall, Very good interview with Chris Matthews this week. I agree Peter King is not the man he once was. Like John McCain he is bending down and pandering to the far right in his party at the cost of losing the respect of the moderates who had supported him in the past