It is impossible to tell which of the two dispositions we find in men is more harmful in a republic, that which seeks to maintain an established position or that which has none but seeks to acquire it.

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.

You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.

The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.

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

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.

I am invariably of the politics of the people at whose table I sit, or beneath whose roof I sleep.

The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.

A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.

You should never have your best trousers on when you go out to fight for freedom and truth.

I say violence is necessary. It is as American as cherry pie.

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