"I don't think at my age... you can start ruling people out in politics"
About this Quote
The subtext is transactional without sounding grubby. Clarke frames flexibility as maturity, implying that absolutists are either naïve or performing for the cameras. It’s a way of sanctioning pragmatism while inoculating himself against accusations of inconsistency: if you’ve seen enough leadership contests, cabinet reshuffles, and party schisms, you learn that grudges are a luxury and certainty is often a pose.
Context matters because Clarke’s brand has long been the “grown-up” Conservative: socially liberal-ish, economically orthodox, institutionally minded, skeptical of ideological crusades. The line fits that persona and the era of fractured party identities (especially around Europe), when drawing bright lines could strand you on the wrong side of history by next week’s news cycle.
There’s also a softer, more personal note: age as a reminder that politics is finite, and legacy is negotiated. Keeping doors open is not just a tactic; it’s a way to remain relevant when the room keeps changing.
Quote Details
| Topic | Aging |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Clarke, Kenneth. (2026, January 17). I don't think at my age... you can start ruling people out in politics. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-dont-think-at-my-age-you-can-start-ruling-78822/
Chicago Style
Clarke, Kenneth. "I don't think at my age... you can start ruling people out in politics." FixQuotes. January 17, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-dont-think-at-my-age-you-can-start-ruling-78822/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"I don't think at my age... you can start ruling people out in politics." FixQuotes, 17 Jan. 2026, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-dont-think-at-my-age-you-can-start-ruling-78822/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.






