Politics is the art of the possible.

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.

Written laws are like spiderwebs: they will catch, it is true, the weak and poor but would be torn in pieces by the rich and powerful.

You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.

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

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

There is no method by which men can be both free and equal.

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

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.

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

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

Envy is the basis of democracy.

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