"A politician is an animal which can sit on a fence and yet keep both ears to the ground"

H. L. Mencken’s observation on politicians encapsulates a sharp critique of political behavior, centering on adaptability, ambiguity, and self-interest. The imagery of an animal sitting on a fence symbolizes indecision or deliberate neutrality. Sitting on the fence is a well-known expression for withholding commitment to any single side, often in order to avoid alienating any group or to benefit from waiting to see which way the wind blows before making a decision. It can be a tactical move, protecting personal or political interests by refusing to take a stand until it is clearly advantageous to do so.

Yet, the phrase evolves further, as Mencken attributes the animal with the peculiar ability to “keep both ears to the ground.” Traditionally, keeping an ear to the ground is an idiom signifying attentiveness to subtle signs and emerging trends, being alert to shifts in public opinion, political currents, or potential dangers. The absurd physicality of sitting astride a fence, while keeping both ears attentive to the earth, lampoons the politician’s contortions to maximize their awareness and responsiveness to all possible signals from any direction.

Mencken suggests that the core skill of a politician is not just holding a neutral pose, but also maintaining acute sensitivity to what is happening, whether in public sentiment, party dynamics, or emerging crises , all while maintaining the appearance of non-commitment. This caricature reflects the idea that politicians, as a class, are adept at ambiguity and opportunism, masters of appearing to be with everyone, while committing to none, ever ready to shift stance at the most advantageous moment.

Ultimately, the quote exposes a skeptical view of political character: flexibility is prized over principle, and attentiveness over forthrightness. It mocks the capacity of politicians to perform delicate balancing acts, retaining positions of influence and relevance by refusing to be pinned down, all the while listening for their next cue or chance to gain ground.