How does that saying go, "Some days you eat the bear... and some days the bear eats you." Admittedly, that didn't go very well but I have heard Priebus speak before and do a much better job of framing the discussion. In a situation like that, yelling and trying to bully back would have made Priebus look like as much of an ass as Matthews. I'm glad Priebus didn't try to do that.
It's a matter of tactics - Matthews, O'Reilly, and other commentators who employ the same type of verbal barrage or verbal assault technique have no interest in what anyone else has to say except for themselves. They're in love with their own voice. That's why I haven't watched The Factor in a very, very long time. Contrast that with Greta Van Susteren's style. She asks a question and then actually lets the other person answer.
Chris Matthews is nothing more than a fool... and everyone knows it.