Always say less than necessary, Barrack!

Robert Greene wrote an interesting book ten years ago called The 48 laws of Power.  It's a book that outlines certain steps in which one can attain power.  He gives historical examples of the success certain figures in the past had who followed these laws and the consequences for those who did not.  People I know who have read this book are offended by the manipulation involved in following these laws.  To be honest, I do understand what they mean, this book does openly endorse being manipulative.  Mr.Greene simply states that this is the world we live in, like it or not.  Either you learn how to play the game or be run over by the people who do.

Reading through this book again, I cannot help but think that both Barrack Obama's and Hillary Clinton's campaign managers have read it as well.  They both seem to follow many of the laws in this book. 

Tell me if this sounds familiar of Mr. Obama,  (law 45) preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once, (law 37) create compelling spectacles, (law 32) play on people's need to believe to create a cult like following.

Mrs. Clinton definitely follows a few of these as well, (law 7) Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit, (law 25) Re - create yourself, (law 28) enter action with boldness, (law 43) work on the hearts and minds of others.

There is one law that was not observed that might have caused Obama to lose the Pennsylvania primary yesterday.  Law #4 states, "Always say less than necessary."  This law states the more you try to impress people with words, the more regular you appear and less in control.  According to Mr. Greene, when you say less than necessary, you appear greater and more powerful than you really are.  When you are careful about what you say, people will have difficulty understanding you're meaning or intentions.  More importantly thought, the less you say, the less likely you will say something foolish.  

The whole "bitter" controversy hurt Obama.  No matter what the exit polls show or the fact that what he said was one hundred percent correct, Obama would have been better off not saying anything.  This is no doubt difficult, considering that camera's are on Obama 24/7.  Although, that gives him even more reason to be absolutely sure that he's communicating to the public exactly the way he wants to.  

I think Obama already learned from this controversy not to speak off the cuff again.  The question is did he squander an opportunity to win Pennsylvania by talking too much?  If we asked Mr. Greene, I'm sure the answer would be yes.  Looks like in this instance,  the 48 laws of power had it right, Always say less than necessary!