That special tingle Matthews felt in his thigh a few years back? It seems to have taken up permanent residence in his brain. Viewers who thought progressive of pallor Chris couldn’t outdo his “are there any African Americans living in Big Bear?” line were treated to another gem after Marco Rubio’s State of the Union response:

Say what?

Chris Matthews, courteous as ever, just referred to Marco Rubio as "a primitive." Stay classy, MSNBC. — Nicholas Woods (@NickNackCaniac) February 13, 2013

@hardball_chris Using as racist term like "primitive" is disgusting. You owe Sen. Rubio and his family an apology. #tcot #tlot — Max Twain (@MaxTwain) February 13, 2013

Tingles Matthews calls Rubio's speech "primitive." Is that code? — toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) February 13, 2013

Inquiring minds want to know.

Rubio is primitive. Is Obama primative? — I Sing Sinatra (@Doobydoobydo) February 13, 2013

Let's all start calling Obama "Primitive" and see how well that goes over. http://t.co/Y1avtUve — Sue (@Sky_Bluez) February 13, 2013

Perish the thought.

https://twitter.com/FirstTeamTommy/status/301541159312957442

Chris Matthews on Rubio: “Tinkertoy, juvenile, and primitive." Can you imagine the outcry if someone on Fox called Obama primitive? #cot — Young Conservatives (@YoungCons) February 13, 2013

That’s different, though. See, liberals can’t be racist. They wouldn’t stand for it. And we’re sure they’ll give Matthews a well-deserved tongue lashing any minute now.

Lily-white Chris Matthews called Marco Rubio “primitive.” I’m sure @joanwalsh will be typing up an outraged article shortly. #dogwhistle — RB (@RBPundit) February 13, 2013

Annnnny minute.

Has @tommyxtopher extolled on the finer points of dogwhistling regarding Chris Mattews calling Rubio “primitive?” — RB (@RBPundit) February 13, 2013

On second thought, a tongue bath is far more likely.

Whitest guy on TV, Chris Matthews, calls Hispanic Marco Rubio "primitive." His political affiliation means he gets zero blowback. Sadly. — Drew (@FigDrewton) February 13, 2013

Get comfy RT @DLoesch Waiting to see situational civil rights progs show outrage over white MSNBC hosts calling Rubio's speech "primitive." — Drew (@FigDrewton) February 13, 2013

Pathetic.