Life's a Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me about Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success

During his decades in Washington, MSNBC newsmagazine host Matthews has collected plenty of insight into the ""fine art"" of ""getting people to do what you want them to."" While fondly recounting his climb from Capitol Hill police officer to presidential speechwriter for Jimmy Carter to Washington bureau chief for the San Francisco Examiner and beyond, Matthews presents a ladder-climbing narrative meant to inform and inspire. Admonishing readers that no one wants to hear your ideas unless you force them to, Matthews shows readers how to get into the game (any game) and face the risks involved: ""The more failure you can accept, the greater your chance of success."" Examining political figures from Bill Clinton (""the best politician I've ever seen) to Zell Miller (who famously challenged Matthews to a duel on national television), Matthews reveals how ""the ability to deal with people"" is paramount. Divided (without explanation) into the sections indicated in his subtitle, Matthews provides anecdotes and analysis, as well as a useful (if not exactly surprising) ""Bottom Line"" at the end of each chapter (""To win the contest, you first have to be a contestant,"" ""rivalry is as normal as friendship,"" etc.). Fans will find Matthews's honest approach and hard-nosed rhetoric intact, and those turned off by the Hardball host's loudmouth on-air style may find his print incarnation an insightful, erudite alternative.