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

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

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