Chris Matthews Hardball: What Decision Will You Take?

Hardball: What Decision Will You Take?
Using his years of experience within the White House, Chris Matthews wrote Hardball, a book about how politics in the White House is essentially a game. Play it right, be successful. Play it wrong, and your political career could come to an end. Matthew’s outlines various maxims to play the game right, however there are two maxims that are essential to be successful; “Leave no shot unanswered” and “Always Concede on Principle”. A maxim also deemed “essential” in the book is to consider the press the enemy, however this is not necessarily always true. Many times, you can use the press to your advantage.
When in the political forefront, whether that be running for a position or already in the limelight, acknowledging and responding to accusations made against you is essential. When faced with a controversy or attack by the media, it is always good to be prepared to answer
Avoiding the issues at hand can backfire, giving the public a signal that you do have something to hide, raising doubt and suspicion. During Bill Clinton’s Presidency in the 1970’s, Hillary and Bill Clinton started the Whitewater Development Corporation, a business venture that eventually failed. Controversy spread regarding the real estate investments Hillary and Bill Clinton made for Whitewater. In addition to this, in 1978, Hillary Clinton was put in the spotlight regarding possible conflict of interest and disguised bribery regarding a series of trades of cattle futures contract. The Justice Department proceeded to open an investigation regarding the Whitewater scandal which built media pressure on Hillary Clinton. On April 22, 1994, Hillary Clinton held a press conference in the State Dining room of the