It has also played hardball in court, which hasn't helped its image.
They have played hardball with their hand, no question about it.
But there are other issues down the road that could cause more problems if the Republicans play hardball.
He didn't like having to play hardball with a woman, but she wasn't leaving him much choice.
But the election is many months away, and the Republicans will play hardball.
"Playing hardball is not going to make everybody happy, and sometimes you just have to."
She'd seen him speak his mind and play hardball when necessary.
He wanted back in, and was ready to play hardball.
The man knows how to play hardball, no question about that either.
These people play hardball on ice, but it seems to pay off.