"In our time political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible"

George Orwell's quote is a commentary on the state of politics in his time. He is suggesting that political speech and composing are often used to safeguard the unfair and indefensible. He is indicating that politicians are more interested in protecting their own interests than with doing what is right. This is a criticism of the political system and its lack of responsibility. It is a suggestion that politicians ought to be held to a higher requirement and that their words and actions should be inspected. It is likewise a caution that if we allow politicians to get away with defending the indefensible, then we are allowing them to get away with anything.