“ Each man had come to know the other's caricature as a lie. ”
Staffers tend to mimic their bosses, to take their key from them.
~ Chris Matthews
The author defines professionalism as exemplified by his subjects in their mutual unwillingness to take expected opposition personally. They would not allow grudges to get in the way of more important business.
He was making the inevitable pivot from critic to manager.
He was experienced enough to spot the downside of doing the right thing.
