Professor Elam

The old adage has it that one avoids poiltics and religion to get a point across. These tend to often be emotional issues, running counter to the audience emotion is a difficult sell.  However after reading the case studies in the grad class I am convinced that the students lack understanding of the sort of infighting and manuverying necessary to win a negotiation. So, regardless of your political views, consider the Obama Clinton impasse.  One is going to win Dem nomination and one is going to lose, which one?  How can Clinton come from behind in delegates to win?

Here is a view of what is being considered.   In any negotiation, when all else fails the rule book becomes very important. Note that she has 50% of the rules committee in this case.  The momentum seems to have slowed a bit for Obama but is it enough for Clinton to take the brass ring?  This article explores the intricacies and plotting involved. 

You never get what you deserve, you only get what you can negotiate.