Chris Matthews is like no other TV interviewer. Life’s a Campaign is like no other book on success.
Famous for demanding the t... read full description
Famous for demanding the t... read full description
reviews
Dec 27, 2007
Rachel
rated it: 
This book was alright: it was occasionally interesting and a welcome distraction while I did my time on the elliptical machine, but overall it was just an innocuous piece of fluff and an ego trip for Chris Matthews. I'm glad I was able to borrow a copy rather than pay for one. Matthews' recipe for success and playing well with others is neither groundbreaking nor insightful. A reader could save himself some time by flipping directly to the "Bottom Line" summaries at the end of each cha
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Jan 03, 2009
Pris
rated it: 
You Can't Win Unless You're In The Game, October 18, 2007
I am of two minds about 'Life's A Campaign' and the man who wrote it Chris Matthews. This is the same man who is known for non-stop, very loud talking. Yet, here he is giving advice on how to succeed in life. His advice he gleaned from the politicians he has met. Does Chris Matthews take his own advice? Well, he says he does.
He says " To get ahead in life you can learn a lot from those who get along for a liv More...
Nov 11, 2009
Phil
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I skimmed this book last night, out of shear curiosity. John Stewart demoralized Matthews on The Daily Show some months back, belittling him for writing a how-to on running one's life based on something as treacherous and conceited as a political campaign. As smart and conscientious as Stewart is, or appears to be, I don't think he gives everyone a fair shake. The truth of the matter is that, at worst, this book is a collection of Chris' name-dropping and "bits of wisdom" that he feels
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Feb 03, 2011
Vince
rated it: 
Have you ever asked yourself: Why are politicians so successful? How do they get people to like, support, and vote for them year after year? How did they get to the top of where they want to be? Chris Matthews answers these questions–and many more!–in “Life’s a Campaign.” He outlines his observations of people from the likes of Tip O’neill and Ronald Reagon, all the way to Newt Gingrich and Nancy Polosi, to name seminal leaders of from both sides of the aisle.
Essentially he writes t More...
Essentially he writes t More...
Jan 28, 2008
Margot
rated it: 
This would be a nice gift for a young person coming to Washington or an intern you want to reward. It is fun to learn life lessons in politics and business from Chris Matthews' colorful antedotes. I thought the most valuable one was the importance of listening. He makes the point that people are more flattered by being listened to than anything else. His funny story is that Bill Clinton advised a fellow Rhodes Scholar that the way to impress girls was to listen to them. Note later Hillary's
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Mar 15, 2009
Angie
rated it:
Outstanding book! Chris keeps it very interesting with his insider's tour of Washington and his sensible wisdom and great quotes. Favorite moments include:
"Few things are as dangerous as impulse. Nothing is more reckless than an off the cuff reply or more durable than its aftermath."
"Nothing serves a reputation so well as early proof of physical courage."
"A gentleman, it is said, is someone who doesn't offend anyone unintentionally." This sou More...
"Few things are as dangerous as impulse. Nothing is more reckless than an off the cuff reply or more durable than its aftermath."
"Nothing serves a reputation so well as early proof of physical courage."
"A gentleman, it is said, is someone who doesn't offend anyone unintentionally." This sou More...
Jan 19, 2009
Jake
rated it:
This is sort of a political self help book. Lots of odd advice on how to have a career in politics. I'm not sure how useful any of it is but its neat to hear the behind the scenes stories about Tip O'neil and other liberal luminaries.
Feb 12, 2009
Steve
rated it:
Also enjoyed this via audiobook. Matthews is an America-loving patriot who deeply appreciates the political process and values hard work.
A good read for anyone, regardless of political affiliation.
A good read for anyone, regardless of political affiliation.
May 29, 2009
mark
rated it:
In Chris Matthews' current book, "Life's a Campaign," he gushes over politicians and what we can all learn about life from them. The Pol's message: do whatever it takes to win. Life is a zero sum game, a fight to the death. Steal, cheat, back-stab, and then lie about it all. Machiavelli had it right. This is a discordant book and I hope, and it does look like, that most people "reject & denounce" the politicians model. What is congresses approval rating? It's in the teens. Wh
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May 06, 2010
Converse
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Interesting: a sort of self-improvement guide based on the author's experiences as a poltical aid, columnist, and political talk show host.
Apr 18, 2009
Simon
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I read most of it at the six hour party I went to for Jackson and the rest at night. It was okay, but little new. At least it was a fast read.
Jun 14, 2009
James
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Personally, I enjoy Chris Matthews aside from the political tendencies.
Mar 06, 2008
Dave
rated it:
Let me admit it, I am a self improvement fiend. I want to attempt to maximize everything I can about myself. It is a character flaw that I have, I am not going to apologize for it.
With that, I have to admit that the points outlined in this book would be fantastic if they were used by everyone.
I think something that we lose in the world today is the ability to communicate our way to our goals and politicians need the force of hundreds, thousands and millions to get w More...
With that, I have to admit that the points outlined in this book would be fantastic if they were used by everyone.
I think something that we lose in the world today is the ability to communicate our way to our goals and politicians need the force of hundreds, thousands and millions to get w More...
Nov 12, 2008
Karen
rated it:
The book is organized around traits that help people succeed as a politician: friendship, loyalty, staying true to self, self-confidence, setting the bar low, asking for votes, etc. I could have done without that. The real value of the book for me involved all the little political tidbits that come from the author, who's been in the game a long time. The book actually made me like him more than I do on tv: I often get frustrated with him that he won't let his guests talk and that he doesn't a
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Mar 17, 2008
Travis
rated it:
For political junkies only :)
Chris Matthews knows everything there is to know about American politics in the last 40 years. This book is a list of lessons learned from the best (and worst) politicians in American history illuminated by anecdotes from years of experience on the hill and in the white house.
Great stories. Quick, entertaining read. Liked it a lot, but wouldn't recommend it for everyone.
Chris Matthews knows everything there is to know about American politics in the last 40 years. This book is a list of lessons learned from the best (and worst) politicians in American history illuminated by anecdotes from years of experience on the hill and in the white house.
Great stories. Quick, entertaining read. Liked it a lot, but wouldn't recommend it for everyone.
Mar 22, 2010
Jon
rated it:
Wow, I think the insight in this book and Mathews' previous classic, "Hardball", will serve me well in school and in the career field.
Dale Carnegie step aside! Whereas Carnegie cut and pasted principles found from numerous walks of life in his epoch work, Chris Mathews shows how he got ahead in a tangible setting in which he has been an influential participant, the world of politics.
Dale Carnegie step aside! Whereas Carnegie cut and pasted principles found from numerous walks of life in his epoch work, Chris Mathews shows how he got ahead in a tangible setting in which he has been an influential participant, the world of politics.
Aug 21, 2008
Colleen
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. Matthews describes what people can do to be successful in their pursuits. The book is filled with great stories of his time working for House Speaker Tip O'Neill as well as numerous other political insights. If you are a politico you'll enjoy this quick and easy read. And maybe pick up a pointer or 2!
Aug 12, 2009
Ryan
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I liked this book a lot. Great stories about Tip O'Neil, Nancy Pelosi, and Ronald Reagan which drive home the book's main point that to make it to the top of the political world, you have to be fastidiously loyal, have boundless amounts of energy, and know when to be nice and when to be mean. Well worth the read.
Nov 02, 2008
Ladiibbug
rated it:
Non-Fiction
Being a big Chris Matthews & "Hardball" fan, I enjoyed this book. A quick read, pleasant and informative, but not requiring a lot of brain power to read.
The title pretty much sums up the ideas CM covers. Lots of insightful & fun anecdotes for those interested in politics.
Being a big Chris Matthews & "Hardball" fan, I enjoyed this book. A quick read, pleasant and informative, but not requiring a lot of brain power to read.
The title pretty much sums up the ideas CM covers. Lots of insightful & fun anecdotes for those interested in politics.
Feb 18, 2008
Elizabeth
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Jon Stewart gave Chris Matthews a really hard time for writing a Machiavellian book, and Matthews got mad. This is a book about manipulating/influencing people. That said, I thought Matthews had some good points, and if you're interested in politics it's a worthwhile read.
Oct 29, 2007
I'm inclined to agree with Jon Stewart that this book is a recipe for sadness. (I also find Matthews well nigh insufferable to listen to, let alone read.) But I'm going to give it a try. (Definitely will be borrowing and not buying this one!)
Feb 26, 2008
Ethan
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No-brainer lessons learned from politicians. Sad that this is how it works, but good to learn the game. "This book is packed with well-practiced hows. Your very personal mission is to supply the whys."
Dec 27, 2007
Ginny
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I found this very interesting with many stories of Washington DC politics - from Chris Matthews - events he witnessed and lived through. I actually listened to this as a "book on CD".
Oct 10, 2007
Colleen
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Quick read -- his enthusiasm for the subject comes across pretty clearly. Reminds me of being the political junkie in high school......
Nov 25, 2007
Poung
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It's a disappointment to me. I like Chris Matthews' show, however, this book is not that interest and not that much insights.
Oct 05, 2008
Nicko
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Interesting read. Inside perspective on Washington dealings and backroom chess match, between media and the Hill.
Feb 22, 2008
Andrea
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An enjoyable read with some interesting insights, but overall a lot more shallow than I had hoped.
Jan 17, 2008
Lauren
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Good biographical sketch of Chris's life, but the "political" advice is pretty much common sense.
May 17, 2008
Chrystal
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Not great, but interesting. I like Chris Matthews. But I much prefer his TV personality.
Sep 02, 2011
Janet
rated it:
I thoughts this was far too much about Matthews and not enough about the subject.
