In an extremely odd exchange, MSNBC’s Hardball host Chris Matthews -- speaking with colleague Andrea Mitchell – wondered aloud on his show Wednesday if "wife beating" was something that women "really worry about."

Matthews and Mitchell were talking about possible 2016 presidential contender Hillary Clinton’s appearance at Tuesday night’s Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C., when the conversation turn a sharp left turn.

Mitchell was making the point that, while it was a good night for Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, who also spoke at the event, has “street cred” with women, as well.

“He walked into her home court advantage, and got cheers for his passionate speech about protecting women and girls,” Mitchell sa