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Craig Crawford's new book. Perfect for those students setting out in life. Politics of Life: Attack the Messenger: THE POLITICS OF LIFE 25 Rules for Survival in a Brutal and Manipulative World By Craig Crawford Being nice and polite only gets you so far in the world. Craig Crawford recognizes that the world can be a cruel place, and outlines 25 ways to stick up for yourself and make yourself heard in the politics of daily living. Publishers Weekly says, “Crawford’s tone can be harsh, but the slight flinching reaction one might begin with segues to enjoyment and identification as Crawford presents recognizable real-life scenarios, prompting plenty of ah-ha moments of practical discovery.” Inspired by famed sixteenth century philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli, THE POLITICS OF LIFE: 25 RULES FOR SURVIVAL IN A BRUTAL AND MANIPULATIVE WORLD provides rules that are effective and useful in your business, your personal life and your own “politics” of life. Rules for Survival from THE POLITICS OF LIFE * Love Helps, But Fear Motivates * Popular Lies Beat Unpopular Truth * Never Keep Your Word If Circumstances Change * To Control Others, First Walk in Their Shoes * Victory Can Sometimes Be Concealed in Compromise * A True Enemy Should Be Eliminated, Never Tolerated * Distribute Rewards Slowly to Prolong the Effects * Never Postpone Inevitable Conflict “Craig Crawford, a Washington pundit, has written a fascinating and insightful guidebook on the use of power in public life, and ways to avoid the pitfalls. He shows it takes a little bit of Machiavelli to play the game in politics — and life — and succeed.” – Helen Thomas, Hearst Columnist and Dean, White House Press Corps “Finally, a book that cleverly uses real politics to help people gain ground in their own lives. The ten commandments will get you to heaven, but Craig Crawford’s 25 rules will help you survive the purgatory on earth. Read this — before it’s too late!” – Larry J. Sabato, Director, University of Virginia Center for Politics About the Author: Craig Crawford is a political analyst for NBC/MSNBC/CNBC. He writes a White House column and daily blog for Congressional Quarterly, and he is the author of a previous book, ATTACK THE MESSENGER: HOW POLITICIANS TURN YOU AGAINST THE MEDIA. For further information or to schedule Craig to speak at your next event, please contact Nine Speakers, Inc. at 202-328-6861 or ninespeakers@usa.net. Publishers Weekly on The Politics of Life “Washington journalist and author Craig Crawford (Attack the Messenger) gives Machiavelli a user-friendly 21st century update with this guide to life’s struggles for the unwary, the good-natured and the ‘never met a man I didn’t like’ gang. Though his perception of the world and his cautionary stance can be glum, Crawford’s wisdom, for the most part, is unarguable. A veteran of the barracuda business world, he regales readers with Art of War-like rules from the get-go: ‘Life is a Filthy Battle,’ ‘A True Enemy Should Be Eliminated, Never Tolerated’ and ‘Never Postpone the Inevitable Conflict’ among them. The author maintains that people often follow Machiavelli’s militant advice without considering the philosopher’s admonitions for balance: ‘People get their way simply by asserting something…with believable-sounding support,’ whether or not it’s true, ‘manipulating people…not unlike training dogs.’ To buck up for the fight, Crawford encourages ‘a positive outlook on pain will help you ease the harm that you must occasionally do to another…cast the experience on character-building.’ Though his advice isn’t groundbreaking, Crawford is adept in his use of anecdotes to illustrate tough truths in a logical framework, providing excellent advice for launching endeavors, moving in a positive direction, surviving the scoundrels and embracing life. Crawford’s tone can be harsh, but the slight flinching reaction one might begin with segues to enjoyment and identification as Crawford presents recognizable real-life scenarios, prompting plenty of ah-ha moments of practical discovery.” – Publishers Weekly

Tonight's Special Comment

The entire government has failed us on Iraq A Special Comment about the Democrats’ deal with President Bush to continue financing this unspeakable war in Iraq—and to do so on his terms: This is, in fact, a comment about… betrayal. Few men or women elected in our history—whether executive or legislative, state or national—have been sent into office with a mandate more obvious, nor instructions more clear: Get us out of Iraq. See the video here: As always you can use the comment section to send a well deserved 'atta boy' to Keith.

Keith Olbermann receives first annual Molly Ivins Award

Olbermann Garners Alt-Weeklies 'Molly Ivins Award' NEW YORK, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies(AAN) announced today that MSNBC news anchor Keith Olbermann is the winner of its first annual Molly Ivins Award. Olbermann's achievement will be recognized in a ceremony to be held this afternoon in New York City. The award was recently named in honor of Ms. Ivins, who served as co- editor of AAN member Texas Observer early in her muckraking career, and who died of breast cancer on January 31, at the age of 62. It is intended to recognize a journalist or media figure who's reporting or commentary has had a profound impact on the public's understanding of vital national issues, and who's work embodies the spirit of Ivins' courageous legacy. Describing her own style of writing, Molly Ivins once wrote, "Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful." "That's the sort of journalism we recognize today, that which holds those in power accountable in the court of public opinion," said AAN President and Memphis Flyer Publisher Kenneth Neill. Keith Olbermann speaks truth to power with wit and style, just as Molly did. "I'm utterly honored," said Olbermann, "largely because I'd still like to be Molly Ivins when I grow up." As always use the comment section to thank Keith for a job well done.