david brooks said this in the nyt in 2003

Why is politics no longer a clash of value systems, each of which is in some way valid; a competition between basically well-intentioned people who see the world differently?

Why has it become, not even a conflict of interests, but instead a degenerative, brutal struggle for office in which each side with righteous indignation believes only the other is and can be capable of behaving despicably?

sorry dave. even that quaint notion is dead.

politics has become a degenerative, brutal struggle for office in which one side with righteous indignation behaves despicably.

i’m making dinner and having wine
our politics has come to this
it is a sad, sad time