A master of Machiavellian power was Henry Kissinger. Kissinger managed to survive the many bloodlettings that went on the Nixon White House not because he was the best diplomat ... there were other fine negotiators ... and not because the two men got along so well ... they didn't. Nor did they entirely share their beliefs and politics, Kissinger survived because he entrenched himself in so many areas of the political structure that to do away with him would lead to chaos. Power like Michaelangelo's was intensive, depending on one skill, his ability as an artist ... Kissinger's was extensive. He got himself involved in so many aspects and departments of the admin that his involvement became an ace card in his hand. It also made him many allies. Machiavelli would be proud! &;-)