A top politico was asked.....

[GabbyLoggon]

Would you rather be hated in government or
popular in opposition?

Mr Ginger alexander answered.."hated in government."

I suppose power is the motive for politicians taking the hatred

[Chil1234]

Rather than 'power' (which is rather nebulous) I think it's more about 'making a difference' that means they suffer the brickbats. You don't get to change the way things happen by being in opposition whether you're popular or not and however passionately you believe it is right. And being in a position to make decisions means - almost by definition - you can't please everyone. I have no idea who 'Mr Ginger' is supposed to be.

[jkklpu]

Being in opposition is an awful lot easier than being in govt. I think this is a pretty mature answer from Danny A, esp given the insurrection going on inside his Parliamentary party over tuition fees.

[HecTheHallsWithBoughsOfHolly]

Politicians care about 'making a difference'

hahahahahaha

You are so innocent.

Politicians care about getting power and then about keeping it. If they cared about making a difference, then a LOT more could have and would have been done by now.

Politicians are in it for the perks and the power and the cushy jobs in big business afterwards.

And care more about pleasing our real leaders (powerful multi-nationals and the USA...) than about doing anything for us proles!

They want to make a difference. Bless your innocent heart.

[Chil1234]

And I'd agree with you if it weren't for the fact that the current crop of politicians appear to be doing everything but currying favour and keeping power. If someone was genuinely only concerned with the perks and the cushy jobs then they would 'do a Berlusconi' i.e. throw a good party whilst watching their country and economy burn around them... rather than chance being voted out for doing something bold but unpopular.

Cynicism has its place, but the facts are far more interesting.