Politics Quotes

Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.

I care not who forms the government of a country, so long as I control the purse strings.

Do you not know, my son, with how little wisdom the world is governed?

I have noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.

Spying on the prime minister of Israel and Congress has nothing to do with national security - only politics.

I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible.

Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable, the art of the next best.

Socialism is a wonderful idea. It is only as a reality that it has been disastrous. Among people of every race, color, and creed, all around the world, socialism has led to hunger in countries that used to have surplus food to export.... Nevertheless, for many of those who deal primarily in ideas, socialism remains an attractive idea -- in fact, seductive. Its every failure is explained away as due to the inadequacies of particular leaders.

The power which a multiple millionaire, who may be my neighbor and perhaps my employer, has over me is very much less than that which the smallest "functionaire" possesses who wields the coercive power of the state, and on whose desecration it depends whether and how I am allowed to live or to work.

I think politicians and movie actors … are similar in more ways than they’re different. There is an egocentric quality about both; there is a very sensitive awareness of the public attitude, because you live or die on public favor or disfavor. There is the desire for publicity and for acclaim, because, again, that’s part of your life... And in a strange and bizarre way, when movie actors come to Washington, they’re absolutely fascinated by the politicians. And when the politicians go to Hollywood, they’re absolutely fascinated by the movie stars. It’s a kind of reciprocity of affection by people who both recognize in a sense they’re in the same racket.

The art of governing mankind by deceiving them.

People always suffer for what governments have done.

[John] Foster Dulles is the only case I know of a bull who carries his china shop with him.

Politics is such a torment that I would advise everyone I love not to mix with it.

Freedom and equality are sworn and everlasting enemies, and when one prevails the other dies.

I was born and grew up in China during the 1960s.

I hate to say it but I was glad when they shot him. I don’t believe in terrorism or assassination but he could have become the American dictator.

In youth one believes in democracy, later on, one has to accept it.

Politicians are actors, too, don't you think? Usually, if you like people and you're outgoing, not a shy little thing, you can do pretty well in politics.

Britain is no longer in the politics of the pendulum, but of the ratchet.

Sir, pay no attention to the people who say the glass is half empty, because 32% means it's 2/3 empty. There's still some liquid in that glass is my point, but I wouldn't drink it. The last third is usually backwash. (Said to President Bush at the White House Correspondents Dinner)

Military men are just dumb stupid animals to be used as pawns in foreign policy.

Be not surprised that I am turned politician. The whole town is immersed in politics.

I read the paper every day and the Bible every day; that way I know what both sides are up to.

It is society which, fashioning us in its image, fills us with religious, political, and moral beliefs that control our actions.