I know I said this blog would be more about the movie biz, but I happen to believe that everything in Hollywood is all about politics and everything in Washington is all about theater. And the one man who probably understands this more than most is Barack Obama.
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| Robert Greene's 48 Laws |
There have been countless articles written about the 2008 election along with a crop of books from both left and right wing pundits dissecting Obama's rise to power. I had my own theory, a hypothesis that continues to strengthen over time; I think to understand Obama's strategies and motivations one needs to look no further than Robert Green's bestselling book,
The 48 Laws of Power. In this seemingly mischievous tome published in 2000, Green dissects the history of power and leadership through the centuries into 48 lessons everyone in a management position would be well advised to learn. The book itself has garnered some controversy as well as a big following among not only the upwardly mobile of the corporate world, but famously among the hip-hop community on both the east and west coasts. I happen to be an unabashed fan of this book for its insight into the psyche of leaders, and their followers. It's also no secret that I'm a supporter of Mr. Obama, for his progressive politics, and for his mastery of the game of power.
Of course I have no way of knowing whether Obama has actually read this book--though I would be surprised if he didn't--but I do know that he fully understands and utilizes the principles outlined in it, and does so with expertise.
