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.

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

Politics is the art of the possible.

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

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

He may be a patriot for Austria, but the question is whether he is a patriot for me.

Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The most hateful torment for men is to have knowledge of everything but power over nothing.

Every country has the government it deserves.

O citizens, first acquire wealth; you can practice virtue afterward.

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

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