Hardball: How Politics Is Played Told By One Who Knows The Game [Paperback]

 

 

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Waiting for the flight home, I finished reading "Hardball: How Politics is Played told by one who knows the Game" by Chris Matthews. He is a US political talk show host. Much of the book is about applying political tactics to work environments. It is the 4th or 5th book I have read in the past few months on politics. Makes me realize what a brutal game Politics is (and I thought computer distribution was rough).

SYNNEX is much larger than EMJ so I am keenly aware of there being more politics at work. This is especially strong when changes are being made. So I looked for books to help me with this. Although this is a good recreational read, it was of limited help for me in my current situation.

One line that I thought was good is "all politics are local" (by Tip O'Neil). I realize what I need to do to garner support is to be local everywhere. Another point which I have long practiced is to invest in people. The more I invest in them, the more committed they will be to my success. The book talks about how to handle rumour and attacks - Head on and with truth. It talks about how to build power and support, the only 2 of which I can use are: Play to your strengths and underpromise and overdeliver.

Back to big P Politics. I always say I am non-Political - largely because that makes business sense. If I supported any party, I would likely offend one of my customers or suppliers or employees. It is no win in business to be political.

I was given this when I moved to Washington to work for a U.S. Senator by a friend who had worked in Washington for a few years. It is a must read if you have any interest in politics, even if you don't this is a good read and good knowledge for everyone.

In his book Hardball author Chris Matthews explains the basics of how politics is played in America. Chris Matthews goes through each principal or technique explains it and gives some examples of how it was used. Matthews uses examples of LBJ, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and others. The book is a quick and easy read yet is one the best books I have ever read about practical politics. Hardball is broken up into four sections each dealing with a specific theme in which certain principals and techniques are discussed and demonstrated.
The first section of the book is called 'Alliances.' In alliances are the first four chapters of the book. Matthews explains the four concepts of this section of the book using examples of LBJ, Tip O'Neil, Ronald Reagan and others. This chapter examines how to develop alliances, how to keep alliances, who alliances should be made with, and the benefits of alliances with the right people.
The second section of the book is called 'Enemies.' Three chapters are in this section of the book. Matthews uses a number of people from this section to illustrate his points. Matthews uses a very interesting story about revenge to illustrate one of his points. This section of the book explains the technique and importance of incorporating some of your enemies into your team, why it is a waste of time to try to get even with those who wrong you, and an important lesson of how people really react to negative campaigning.
The third section of the book is called 'Deals.' There are two chapters in this section of the book. One of Matthews's key points is illustrated with an interesting story about Winston Churchill. This section of the book shows the importance of keeping quite sometimes and how you can get what you want if you agree with the principal of your opponent's argument.
The forth and last section of the book is called 'Reputations.' There are five chapters in this section. Matthews shows the how to establish and keep a reputation. This section shows that looking directly at your own problem will often make that problem go away, how things are defined often decides who is hurt and who isn't, you must always be wary of members of the media, how to use peoples reputations against them and how to cultivate a reputation most helpful to yourself, and how to position yourself in the most advantages position.
This book is a very good and quick read. This makes it easy for people who don't follow politics to understand what really is happening in Washington and when candidates hit the campaign trail.

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5.0 out of 5 stars 'Hardball' is an updated version of 'The Prince'
Whether you want to apply the techniques in this book to business, the bedroom, or the boardroom really doesn't matter. Read more

Published on Dec 20 2003 by M. Bell

5.0 out of 5 stars The man that knows many things...
I love Chris Matthews! I have been a fan of "HARDBALL" for a long time and I watch his show nightly. Read more

Published on Jun 23 2003 by Victoria Taylor Murray

4.0 out of 5 stars pretty good
definately his best book. good read. try out "now let me tell you what i really think." stay away from "american beyond our grandest notions'

Published on Jun 16 2003 by Jeremy Jones

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Nitty Gritty
Chris Matthews spent a lot of time on Capitol Hill working for legendary House Speaker Tip O'Neill. While he was there he accumulated a wealth of practical know-how about the... Read more

Published on Feb 27 2003 by Hunter Baker

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Nitty Gritty
Chris Matthews spent a lot of time on Capitol Hill working for legendary House Speaker Tip O'Neill. While he was there he accumulated a wealth of practical know-how about the... Read more

Published on Feb 27 2003 by Hunter Baker

5.0 out of 5 stars AP Government Review...
In politics, power comes in high numbers of support, skilled strategy, and any successful politician is not afraid to ask for help. Read more

Published on Jan 8 2003 by Adrian Chitsaz

5.0 out of 5 stars Insiders guide to politics
Hardball is fascinating comprehensive novel on how power is gained and kept Chris Matthews leaves the political garble so often used in politics, and gets down to the simple... Read more

Published on Jan 8 2003 by Oisin O'Connor

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliance--in about 210 pages
Chris Matthews, his television show and media success aside, has risen from the frey to be one of the most respected political insiders in the beltway. Read more

Published on Dec 29 2002 by Robert Clemens

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the TOP 10 Books I have Ever Read
This is an EXCELLENT book! If you are looking for a good primer on the art of politics, look no further. Read more

Published on Nov 5 2002 by D. Drews

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative
Despite the harshness of some of these reviews, I enjoyed Hardball, and found it to be very informative. One critic labeled Matthews "right wing". Read more

Published on Sep 7 2002 by Jay Hardaway

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