Cynical Quotes About Politics and Politicians

Notable quotes about politics and politicians serve as definitions of the words. These quotes represent the public's image of the political system and good and bad politicians. Most of the quotes selected here are those that are cynical and often "cutting." The word "politics" comes from the classical Greek root form "politic," which means meaning "city," "citizen," "civic." Both the words "politics" and "politicians" have acquired negative connotations, often strongly so. For example, Greek philosophers like Plato described politics as "nothing but corruption."

Modern politics in the US highlights the public and personal aspects of politicians' lives. And, it is often scandals that are the downfall of politicians, even though they may not leave their office until the end of their term. When a skilled politician occupies an office, he or she can increase its credibility. However, not every politician will be able to form alliances or make the best policies of the position. Only some will not be without influence. However, success is rarely constant. Political winds shift and alliances change. Hence, the term of office of any politician may be marked by periods of greater and lesser success. The following cynical quotes give examples of the disdain for politics and how the lesser successes of politicians are often viewed.

One of the key problems today is that politics is such a disgrace, good people don't go into government.-Donald Trump

One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. -Plato

Politics is war without bloodshed, while war is politics with bloodshed.-Mao Tse-Tung

The trouble with this country is that there are too many politicians who believe, with a conviction based on experience, that you can fool all of the people all of the time.-Franklin P. Adams

Practical politics consists in ignoring facts.-Henry Brooks Adams

The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning.- Theodor Wiesengrund Adorno