The Power Game: How Washington Really Works

Smith, the author of The Power Game: How Washington Really Works, discusses the nature of power in American politics. He defines power as “access,” or “how far into the center of power or the people of power you can get.” Smith goes on to discuss who has power in Washington. He talks of the power of the media and interest groups, and the effects that they have upon the national agenda. Smith concludes by arguing that power shifts in Washington. Such “power floats” usually occur after “power earthquakes,” or when there is a radical shift in power either from one institution to another, or within an institution. close