"The politician is an acrobat. He keeps his balance by saying the opposite of what he does"

This quote by Maurice Barres speaks with the duplicity of politicians. It recommends that politicians are skilled at saying something and doing another. They have the ability to keep their balance, or their power, by saying the opposite of what they do. This indicates that political leaders are skilled at manipulating language to their benefit, and that they have the ability to trick the public by saying something and doing another. This quote likewise indicates that politicians are adept at browsing the political landscape, which they are able to stay in power by stating something and doing another. This quote talks to the power of language and the capability of politicians to use it to their benefit. It likewise speaks to the value of holding politicians responsible for their actions and not simply their words.