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

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.

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

A real leader is somebody who can help us overcome the limitations of our own individual laziness and selfishness and weakness and fear and get us to do better, harder things than we can get ourselves to do on our own.

My people and I have come to an agreement that satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

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

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

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.

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.

I am no courtesan, nor moderator, nor tribune, nor defender of the people: I am myself the people.

People revere the Constitution yet know so little about it—and that goes for some of my fellow senators.

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

There is nothing more tyrannical than a strong popular feeling among a democratic people.