Chris Matthews Politics

“How in a functioning democracy could this figure have climbed over dozens of appealing, able and engaging men to make war and shape peace?” (Matthews 25-26). In this rhetorical question, Chris Matthews forces the reader to understand the realities of politics and government. According to Matthews, to find success in politics one must play a game to earn votes, rather than actually perform the sole duties of government. The reflection, caused by the rhetorical question at hand, allows the audience to understand and visualize the fact that government is a game with no rules, which means outsiders with no experience or qualifications are able to achieve as much success in government as career politicians. In fact, this question gives implies

a principle that many government officials, leaders, and members cannot just simply serve their constituents, but must also bolster their careers and identities in politics.
“People saw their hard-won benefits and options being siphoned off to fund the health needs of all comers…. [P]eople were eager and quick to refuse [Hillary’s offer]” (Matthews 61). In this excerpt, Chris Matthews relates how the American voters refused, then First Lady, Hillary Clinton’s proposition for a single payer, universal health care system. Matthews gives insight to the anger and frustration the American voters created due to way in which Ms. Clinton explained and revealed her bill to them. Matthews relates that Ms. Clinton did not speak directly to the middle-class voters but rather to the ones who would have most obviously benefited from a universal health care coverage system, the working class. This relates to the reader that the American voter is fickle and makes emotionally based decisions. The fact that voters rejected a system, already proven to work and flourish accross globe, allows the reader to understand how American voters are unique in the way they reject logic because of emotions, such as anger and frustration. The middle class did not understand they would benefit just as much as others as Hillary Clinton failed to directly reach out to them and settle their unfounded fears and concerns, according to Matthews. In fact, this excerpt also gives insight as to why identity politics in the United States is so prevalent, as it is necessary to ensure all groups believe they are receiving total attention from a political party or campaign to achieve political success.
“Washington produces just two things; the paper currency we all use and the political currency that politicians use” (Matthews 78).

In this quote, Chris Matthews details the intangible nature of the work that takes place in government as deals and agreements are what allow decisions and policies to be enacted. In fact, Matthew discusses in two later chapters the importance of deals in government as they allow bonds and alliances to be created amongst lawmakers and parties. To be successful in government, according to the Matthew’s premise, one must do more than create and vote for bills. One must make connections, create alliances, form friendships, and organize a posse in order to produce effective, successful results in the government. However, this quote also reveals another characteristic of Washington D.C., which is the fact that politics and government is a game. One does not simply earn the votes and credentials by doing the right thing, one must also take part in the skillful art of creating deals and connections to create a pathway to government positions of

influence.
“When someone makes an unfair attack, the onus is the victim to set the record straight” (Matthews 125). In this quote, Chris Matthews reveals the unfair realties of political attacks or smear campaigns. Rather than just doing the right thing, and not spreading lies about a political opponent, politicians often resort to fabricating stories and slander to diminish the reputation of their opponents. Chris Matthews relates to the reader that the victim of an erroneous or false accusation is responsible for debunking or clarifying the attack. In fact, Matthews gives insight to the fact that the attacker often is able to create uncertainty among voters for a victim, regardless of that attack or accusation was true. This wholly explains the unfair aspect of politics. In addition, it explains the fact that serving in politics is a game, rather than being a simple or duty or task to perform.
“In a democratic society, leaders wield a different sort of authority: they become powerful by appearing powerful” (Matthews 193).

Chris Matthews’ ultimate observation about government reveals that politics is often superficial. Matthews explains that a power figure in government may essentially have the same expertise as a senator’s intern, but it is his or her appearance that determines his or her powers and abilities. This is a powerful message to the audience as it explains that the way they present themselves, whether it be confident or timid, will significantly affect their power and status in society. Those who act as though they are confident, focused, and forceful, will be able to earn that distinction. This is what allows politicians to craft their political identities which they can use to their advantage when drafting bills, finding votes, and creating alliances, according to Matthews. In a sense, the audience is able to understand that the American voter is persuaded by the character of the politician they support, as that is who they believe will be representing them in

government.
Hardball, by Chris Matthews, effectively explains why and how politics is a game played by experts. To begin with, Matthews’ purpose for writing this novel is to explain why and how the government of the United States operates the way it does. His knowledge and experience working with the media and government allows him to provide an informed analysis of that events that have taken place in Washington D.C. which in turns assists the audience in understanding the workings of their government. According to Matthews, government participation is essentially a performance, as the way one acts is just as important as what one knows. Matthews relentlessly offers insight to the audience regarding the performance skills they must adopt in order to achieve political success. Specifically, Matthews’ teachings on skillful persuasion techniques and on how to deal with opposition allows the audience to not only understand how politicians have been able to achieve political success, with laws, bills, and power, it also allows them to appreciate the realities of politics, that involve theatrics, tips, and tricks.
From this novel, the reader is able to understand why and how government officials must do much more just simply serve and represent their voters. In order to achieve political success, politicians must create connections, persuade members to form an alliance for joint interests, and always cater to the constituents who voted for them. Ultimately, that main takeaway from this novel is that politics is an intricate framework of relationships that must be fully understood in order to amount any results.
Chris Matthews’ extensive knowledge of important political figures lends itself to the greatest strength of his novel. The clear, informative insight Matthews provides alongside with his relevant examples that prove his theories true are what support the effectiveness of the novel. Because Matthews explains how an important politician figure employ the techniques discussed throughout the novel, the audience is able to fully able understand and apply the principle in their own lives. For example, when Matthews reveals that Ronald Reagan was able to turn the pressure on Congress to improve his MX weapons strategy, the audience is able to entirely comprehend the political art of eloquence used for persuasion. However, at the same time, the novel fails at detailing the actual processes of government, other than the deal making, politics aspect. If Matthews had explained the successes, as in passing bills, granting funding, and the election process, the readers would have been able to understand the significance and importance of finding success to a better degree. In a sense, Matthews is unable to explain the question as to why politicians want to succeed or what their personals interests would entail, as in their agendas.
Throughout the novel, Chris Matthews takes an objective stance on government and politics. When discussing political failures, such as Hillary Clinton’s universal health care plan, he does so by solely analyzing the facts at hand, instead of creating an ad hominin argument. He does the same when analyzing a president’s claim to fame, by primarily referencing the facts that explain why events happened the way they did. For this reason, the novel offers clear, unbiased information that truly assists the audience’s understanding of politics and government.
This novel’s insightful information, backed by unbiased evidence, lends itself to being a highly recommend novel for all. Because of the cleverly selected evidence, the audience is able to understand the principles that Matthews discusses and ow to apply them in their own lives. In addition, the novel also presents deeper insight and analysis regarding the American political establishment that has allowed the game of politics to develop. The novel’s high level information, presented in a clear, understandable style, is thoroughly helpful and insight for all audiences.