Hardball: how politics is played as told by those who know it by Christopher Matthews compares politics to a game played by individuals who try to obtain and maintain the power. Matthews defines hardball as “clean, aggressive Machiavellian politics. It is the discipline of acquiring and maintaining power, useful for any profession or business, but practiced more openly and shamelessly in the world of public affairs" (13). Matthews offers maxims to explain tactics and truths that improve a person's position in the game of politics. These maxims include “It is better to receive than to give,” “Keep your enemies in front of you,” and “Hang a lantern on your problem.” These three maxims have proven effective in bringing success to those who have used the tactic. The game of hardball is about maintaining a good reputation among your peers and the public. A successful politician can build alliances. It is absolutely impossible for someone to get to the top without any help. Instead of getting help, a person might make a mistake by “limiting their horizons to missions they can accomplish alone” (15). These people ultimately lose the game. Matthews describes one way to make an alliance with the maxim “It is better to receive than to give.” While confidence is a good thing, too much pride can end in disaster. One way to avoid appearing overconfident is to ask for help. During the 1978 general election, Jimmy Carter asked for help from those who had lost on election night. This was wise because they were looking for work and wanted to be needed. Vows and alliances can be made simply for a feeling of inclusion in the process. A politician asking for help is "offering the chance to join the political action, to be part of its success"... in the center of the card... the duals have won the game and come to power. Basically, these people cared about what is deserved for the good of the people. Unfortunately, politics is often viewed negatively due to the association with tyranny and abuse of power. Hardball: How Politics is Played by One Who Knows the Game doesn't help alleviate this view due to its tone of ruthlessness. Ambition, which is often viewed negatively, is a key resource for success for those who want to make a name for themselves. Hopefully one day people won't be so cynical about what politics means. The real and true goal of politics is to generate leaders in government who make decisions based on the opinions of the people for the benefit of the people. Works Cited Matthew, Christopher. Hardball: How Politics is Played by Those Who Know the Game New York, NY: HarperPerennial, 1988. Print.