"And on the war, I think my numbers would be a lot higher if I were out there beating the drum for this war. In fact, I don't think it, I know it. But I can't be for the war"

Chris Matthews is revealing his viewpoint on the war. He believes that if he were actively promoting the war, his approval rankings would be greater. He is implying that he is not in favor of the war, but he knows that if he were to openly support it, his approval ratings would increase. He is also suggesting that he is not willing to do this, as he can not be for the war. This recommends that he is not in favor of the war, and is not willing to publicly support it, even if it would benefit him. This quote shows that he wants to put his personal beliefs ahead of his own interests.