Power Dynamics Debater Gifts

Trump tries to subdue the world with the EU

Horse statue throws off rider.

'That is so unfair! He had dinner at the captains table LAST week!'

'Ruddy customers have NO idea of the costs power companies have to cover!'

"Can I savor this for a few moments? The ball's never been in my court before!"

'Manager. . . Commander. . . Chieftain. . . King!'

'The lads at the office still talk about the day you told the boss what to do with his job...'

Oligarchy

"But can't I be feared and loved?"

'Will you kindly remind the rest of the staff that I'm the managing director - not the Godfather!'

"Based on the feedback from advisers whom I haven't beheaded, all of my ideas are great."

Turkish Democracy

"You know who's tougher than all your little superheroes? The fossil fuel industry."

"It's Swamp & Swallow - they're making an offer we can't refuse!"

Compression

'He doesn't like people walking in - try crawling.'

Nails pinning down the hammer that usually strikes them.

'I delegate, then I follow up.'

"Maybe the unseen hand of the market will change the diaper."

Big Shot/Bigger Shot.

"I may be incompetent. But, if you fire me there'll be no one who knows less about this company than you."

"But I won't bore you with the all too familiar story of a dictator's rise to absolute power,"

"O.K., if you put it that way."

'We used to be a patriarchy, but lately we've been more goddess-centric.'

'As chairman, that's my opinion. I propose we table any motion to further discuss this matter. All those in favor say 'aye'. All those opposed say 'bye'.'

"Objection! Pummelling the witness."

'I have power - but it's not the kind that's easy to abuse.'

'I've never had to butter up the boss. I've always been the boss.'

'Jones, I don't like you because it's so hard to find something to blame you for!'

Desk sign: 'Brown-nose'.

Donald Trump

"Does the N.R.A. know about this?"

"Yes, Robert. Reasonable people can have different interpretations of things, but not this thing."

"Of course, that's just my opinion. If you want my professional opinion it will cost you."

Would anybody else like to ask a question before the stewards get to them?