" This is a classic ploy familiar to revolutionary leaders throughout history: the failure of the revolution proves the need to radicalize it. This is why, for decades now, Americans have been spectators at the dark comedy of Republicans running for office successfully against “the government”—and then, once in power, running for reelection on the promise to bring down “the government” they themselves control. "

― Mark Lilla , The Once and Future Liberal: After Identity Politics