Chris Matthews attempted to calm Maria Bartiromo’s fears this morning. Somehow we just don’t think his defense of his controversial words about the GOP will do the trick. But it might increase his book sales — especially if one of the Republican presidential candidates confronts him about the controversy during the live debate he’s co-hosting with Bartiromo on CNBC and MSNBC tonight.

Related: Some Pretty Hardball-ish Whispers

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CNBC announced a new segment on Fast Money last week called “Happy Hour.” Sort of interesting timing considering FOX Business Network has been planning a show called - you guessed it - “Happy Hour,” since July. On Friday, FNC previewed the new show at the end of Your World with Neil Cavuto.

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Big Head DC hears that Maria Bartiromo, CNBC’s perennial “money honey,” is quite dismayed by some remarks Chris Matthews made regarding Republicans at last week’s 10th anniversary Hardball bash. The financial reporter is scheduled to co-host a GOP presidential debate along with Matthews on Tuesday night, to be aired on both CNBC and MSNBC.

TV news insiders tell us that Bartiromo is concerned that Matthews’ statements could hurt ratings for the debate, and she’s already apparently received some blow back from conservatives regarding the situation.

“God help us if we had Cheney during the Cuban missile crisis,” Matthews was quoted as saying last week regarding the vice president. “We’d all be under a parking lot.” He added that the VP’s office has called MSNBC honchos many times to complain about the content of his program.

“They’ve finally been caught in their criminality,” Matthews continued.

Bartiromo had hoped that the debate would shine a positive spotlight on her network with the launch date of a new competitor, FOX Business Network, fast approaching. Read more…

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Spotted this morning at the New York Stock Exchange: CNBC financial reporter Erin Burnett slurping on her McDonald’s super-sized coffee and chatting on her cell phone, while interviewing at least one astonished source. She also sported a sleeveless white shirt that would look more appropriate on a “Wall Street hooker,” rather than a supposedly esteemed journalist, one Big Head DC source says. We caught Burnett later fiddling with her earpiece on Joe Scarborough’s morning program, while cackling up a storm. The gal looked like she was enjoying herself, but is she pulling respect to her network? Time will tell…but, insiders say, despite her flashy faux pas, the FOX Business Channel is still eager to hire her away. Stay tuned.

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Brian Steel, a lawyer, has been appointed new Vice President of Public Relations at CNBC. You’ll recall that Big Head DC first told you last month that CNBC was considering replacing Kevin Goldman, who had performed PR for the net to this point. Insiders said at the time that NBC honchos didn’t think Goldman was up to the task of taking on the upcoming FOX Business Channel. Goldman will now be forced to report to Steel.

Good luck, Mr. Steel — and watch out for knives that may one day fly toward your back….

And thanks to TVNewser’s Chris Ariens for noting our scoop. So much classier than Patrick Gavin!

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