Hardball By Chris Matthews: Summary

The presidential election in 2016 has definitely been one to remember. A woman won a nomination and Donald Trump became the presidential nominee for the United States of America. Chris Matthews, who is a political commentator, wrote a book titled Hardball: How Politics is Played Told by One Who Knows the Game. This book lists several maxims, or rule of conduct, that he believes politicians use the most. A few of them seem obvious, like positioning or keeping your enemies in front of you. However, others seem confusing until you understand that all politicians are the same, despite what they are telling you. The third maxim is his book, but the first one I chose to analyze, is the concept that “it is better to receive than to give.” Matthews begins this chapter with a quote from Benjamin Franklin reading “if you want to make a friend, let someone do you a favor.” He explains this maxim, and quote, with the example of Ross Perot. Ross Perot became nationally recognized as a major contender for president, becoming one of the first third-party candidates to make it onto the debate stage. How did a person never before in government run for president? He asked for help. Matthews writes “The best way to win a supporter

He compares politics to the streets in this chapter, going after a virtue important in both: loyalty. One thing is certain, in both worlds, is that no one trusts a traitor. His prime example is, of course, George Bush, who promised “no new taxes”. However, he was forced to go back on the promise that he could not keep. The phrase “dance with the one that brung ya” comes from Ronald Reagan, who used the term to describe how he sticks with his followers, through thick and thin. This has become the goal of all politicians: to show the people that got them into office that they will stick with them, no matter what. Matthews also believes that there are two parts to dancing with the ones who brought