Everybody thought Barack Obama was going to [inspire people] when he came to Washington, but, you know, the Senate seems like the place where smart people go to die.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stewart suggests that political institutions like the Senate may dull the idealism of smart politicians.
- In plain terms
- Politics can wear down even intelligent leaders.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of institutional cynicism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can institutions change or do they change people?
Another view
Not all politicians lose their ideals.
More from Jon Stewart
For those of you who are keeping score at home, I just want to make something very clear: Martin Scorsese, zero Oscars. Three 6 Mafia, one.
Permalink to quote #37 Here's the way I look at it. President Bush has uranium-tipped bunker busters and I have puns. I think he'll be OK.
Permalink to quote #39 Tonight is the night we celebrate excellence in film, with me, the fourth male lead from Death to Smoochy. Rent it.
Permalink to quote #36
Related quotes
Politics, when it is an art and a service, not an exploitation, is about acting for an ideal through realities.
Charles de GaulleCharles de Gaulle quote #11 The scrupulous and the just, the noble, humane, and devoted natures; the unselfish and the intelligent may begin a movement - but it passes away from them. The…
Joseph ConradJoseph Conrad quote #67 Of late I have not given so free and full a power unto (Cromwell) as formerly I did, because I heard that he used his power so as in honour I could not avow hi…
Oliver CromwellOliver Cromwell quote #81