A presidential speechwriter, top aide to Speaker Tip O’Neill, and Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Examiner, Matthews has worked in the halls of power, writing from an insider’s perspective about politics and politicians. His books include Hardball: How Politics is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game and Life’s a Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success. Matthews’ latest book, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, a collection of interviews with those who knew him best, debuts Fall 2011.