Prince or Pollster?

Niccolò Machiavelli, expert, it seems, on all things political, is having a revival of late. He has received the attention of two current courtiers: Michael A. Ledeen, former advisor to President Reagan; and Dick Morris, the political consultant whose most notorious former client is the sitting president. Both have written books that evoke Machiavelli—at least on their covers.

Ledeen’s book is actually about Machiavelli, whose precepts he explains to a new generation. Morris’s book is all about Bill Clinton, and not incidentally about himself. Ledeen and Machiavelli care about governing, while Morris and Clinton care for campaigns. Ledeen cares about genuine strength, as measured in morale and in armies. Morris cares for its appearance, as measured in polls. To Ledeen, and to Machiavelli, the role of the leader is to secure the long-term interests of the state and its people.

About the Author

Noemie Emery

Noemie Emery has also written for the Washington Examiner and The Weekly Standard.

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Niccolò Machiavelli, expert, it seems, on all things political, is having a revival of late. He has received the attention of two current courtiers: Michael A. Ledeen, former advisor to President Reagan; and Dick Morris, the political consultant whose most notorious former client is the sitting president. Both have written books that evoke Machiavelli—at least on their covers.

Ledeen’s book is actually about Machiavelli, whose precepts he explains to a new generation. Morris’s book is all about Bill Clinton, and not incidentally about himself. Ledeen and Machiavelli care about governing, while Morris and Clinton care for campaigns. Ledeen cares about genuine strength, as measured in morale and in armies. Morris cares for its appearance, as measured in polls. To Ledeen, and to Machiavelli, the role of the leader is to secure the long-term interests of the state and its people.