Cheney, Rumsfeld - they were Shakespearean in their attitude of impunity.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation of the quote with bolded keywords:

This quote by Glen Duncan compares the attitude of political figures Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld to a Shakespearean sense of impunity—meaning they acted with a boldness and disregard for consequences that is often found in Shakespeare’s complex, powerful characters. Duncan suggests that Cheney and Rumsfeld displayed a fearless, almost arrogant confidence in their decisions, behaving as if they were above criticism or accountability.

The use of “Shakespearean” implies a dramatic, larger-than-life quality to their behavior, hinting at a mix of ambition, power, and moral ambiguity. This comparison evokes the idea that their impunity was not just political but theatrical, as if they were playing roles in a grand, tragic drama of power and influence.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Duncan’s perspective as a writer and commentator reflecting on the controversial roles Cheney and Rumsfeld played in shaping U.S. policy, particularly during the Iraq War. His choice of literary reference enriches the critique by framing their attitude in a timeless and culturally significant context.

Overall, the quote highlights the attitude of impunity exhibited by these figures, portraying it as both dangerous and theatrical—an unrestrained confidence that shapes history much like the flawed characters in Shakespeare’s plays.