September 1, 2025

Politicians neither love nor hate. Interest, not sentiment, directs them.

Lord Chesterfield (1694–1773), English politician and writer, Letter, 1748, Jay p.83

Do you like the taste of crow? Ask yourself how often you have placed yourself in unalterable opposition to political colleagues—due to some petty prejudice—when you might have needed their support at a later date? Not very clever, right?

Votes are carried by majorities, and not necessarily majorities composed of members of your own party or faction, of long-time friends, or of moral paragons. Sometimes you need the support of a few absolute shits to carry you to victory.