To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

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

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

The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects.

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

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

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever made.

The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all.

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

All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.

In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.

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.

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.