The Hardball Truth of Success
BY LUCRETIA VOIGT CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Chris Matthews has had a front row seat to the heavyweight political slugfests fought during the past 30 years. From presidential speechwriter under President Jimmy Carter, to top aide to Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, Jr., to Washington Bureau Chief of the San Francisco Examiner, he has watched as politicians have come and gone, soared and faltered, been victorious or suffered a total knock-out. His vantage point has allowed him to observe the commonalities among successful politicians on each side of the issues, and the fatal mistakes that can end a career.

Chris Matthews

As host of "Hardball" with Chris Matthews on MSNBC and "The Chris Matthews Show," Matthews' guest list is always on the cutting edge of the current political main event. His style is fast and energetic, and while he is controversial, he somehow manages to remain respectful of his guests. "I like these people, and I think that's what separates me from some of the other people who are doing this," he intimates when asked about the popularity of his political talk show. "They [the politicians] are risk takers, more than journalists are. Critics have it easy once they have a nook or pocket. I try to be appreciative of these people." He doesn't pull punches, however, but digs deep for answers, stating facts and quotes at a moment's notice from his vaults of knowledge.

"I love to be able to ask a question of someone who has never asked it of themselves," he states when relaying a story. "I was over at the Pentagon with Rumsfeld, and I asked him 'Did the President ever ask you if we should go into Iraq?' He gets this quizzical look on his face and says, 'Actually, he never did ask.' I like asking the surprising questions."

In his new book "Life's a Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation and Success", Matthews shares his insights on the most successful politicians in recent history and the qualities that have pushed them to the top. He credits listening and asking as the two most fascinating characteristics shared by successful people in general, not just politicians.

"It's very powerful to understand this thing. It's not giving great political speeches, it's taking an interest in people. It's so powerful. It's almost everything in human relations."

As an example in the book he tells the story of a young Rhodes Scholar named Bill Clinton who encountered a friend bemoaning his inability to get a certain young lady to notice him. Bill Clinton's advice? Listen to her.

Matthews also points out that the ability to ask for help is essential on the road to success. "People like to be asked for help, because they then have an investment in you. You have to have confidence in asking, because you're asking for investors, and people need to make investments. For example, look at the whole Obama thing - people want to invest in something. They don't want to just pay in cash."

In typical Matthews fashion, he traces this truth back to Machiavelli, the 15th century Italian diplomat and philosopher. "If someone does you a favor, they are going to do you more favors. Politicians understand this. It goes all the way to Machiavelli and the principality of those under siege. It's the dynamic of the secretary who works for and is loyal to the same boss for 30 years."

Matthews has obviously been taking good notes, and his own success speaks to this truth. On July 31 of this year, "Hardball with Chris Matthews" celebrated its 10th anniversary, a benchmark reached by few politicians and even fewer political talk shows. So even though he is famous for interrupting, he obviously

has learned a thing or two about listening. I

- Chris Matthews will be appearing at the Unitarian Church, 11 Orange Street, on Saturday, October 6 from 5-6:15 p.m. Sponsored by the Nantucket Atheneum, tickets are available at the library for $15. Immediately following the talk, Matthews will be signing copies of his book at Mitchell's Book Corner, 54 Main Street.