Tra Summer Assignment

Quote Chapter 1: Though he spent a decade I the House of Representatives, Johnson did not become a powerhouse until reaching the Senate. It is easier to retail a hundred senators than 435 congressmen. (pg 26) Chapter 2: “…the Florida Senator was observing a basing political tenet first published y Machiavelli in 1513. Machiavelli warned future politicians in The Prince, to stay close to the people they are ruling. If the politician is “present, in person, he can discover disorders in the bud and prevent them from developing.” (pg 51) Chapter 3: “In the world where prejudice remains all too real, where many doors to opportunity remained locked from the inside, Geraldine Ferraro and Bill Gray dared to knock, proving that not every door was bolted. They made the other guy say no. they proved that when it comes to gaining power, the best hardball is the willingness to ask. Chapter 4: “The scandal hurt Reagan more than it might have another leader for the simple reason that this was one time that he didn’t dance with the conservative partner that had brung him.” (pg 80) Chapter 5: The more you meet and listen to the other side, the more you learn what they’re thinking, what they’re feeling about you and your side as will as about theirs... The astute politician always

Personal response Johnson’s ability to “schmooze” his way to power flourished when he had the opportunity to get to know people. it was easier to do in the senate with less people than the house. His communication skills made it easier for him to spread his ideas which ultimately made him a “powerhouse.” Lawton Chiles wisely stays connected to the place he “rules.” Unlike most, he gets to know the people and problems in his state. For this reason the people find him real and continue to vote for him.

Reflective response Politicians who have the skills to communicate have a better chance of spreading their ideas. The relationships they build within the government will only aid them in gaining power.

Ferraro and Gray did what many wouldn’t have done. They threw their pride aside and asked for help because no one can go through the rough world of politics alone.

In politics, one cannot rise to power alone, even Hitler and Stalin needed help. Success comes to those who ask for money or support. Presidential candidates would get nowhere without the help of their party. They would be moneyless and without support if they don’t ask for help.

In the case of the Iranian arms affair, Reagan made the classic mistake of flip flopping. He wasn’t loyal to his conservatism and it cost him.

Politicians must stay true to their party. Those who switch views generally lose popularity. Remaining loyal will never cost a politician. Nobody trusts a traitor and and it is hard to build a good reputaion again. In the dirty business of politics, the best way to get ahead is to know what the other side is up to. By keeping tabs on their enemies politicians can figure out what they are doing and plan their next

This chapter also seems to coincide with chapter one in the case of communication. Not only do politicians have to communicate well with members of their party but also with members form other parties.

A president/ politician must know the people he is governing. The president can’t rule America from China or Brazil. To know the problems of the people he must live among the people. if a politician from Alaska works too much in Washington, then the people of that state will feel as though he thinks he can do more from Washington.