The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull.

Whether for good or evil, it is sadly inevitable that all political leadership requires the artifices of theatrical illusion. In the politics of a democracy, the shortest distance between two points is often a crooked line.

The affairs of the world are no more than so much trickery, and a man who toils for money or honor or whatever else in deference to the wishes of others, rather than because his own desire or needs lead him to do so, will always be a fool.

I’m president of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!

Why has the government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint.

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

The U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.

No human life, not even the life of a hermit, is possible without a world which directly or indirectly testifies to the presence of other human beings.

Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

The Revolution is made by man, but man must forge his revolutionary spirit from day to day.

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.

It is a certain sign of a wise government and proceeding, when it can hold men’s hearts by hopes, when it cannot by satisfaction.

Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them.