Today, I think the attitude is that governing is not necessarily good politics, and the result is that it's much more partisan and much more divided.

The quote by Leon Panetta, "Today, I think the attitude is that governing is not necessarily good politics, and the result is that it's much more partisan and much more divided," reflects on the current state of political culture and governance. Panetta suggests that the modern political mindset often prioritizes winning elections or party dominance over effective governing and problem-solving. This attitude has led to increased partisanship and division within political institutions, making it harder to find common ground and address pressing issues collaboratively.

The origin of this quote comes from Panetta’s extensive career as a public servant, including his roles as Secretary of Defense and Director of the CIA. Drawing from his firsthand experience in government, Panetta offers a critique of how politics today can sometimes undermine the very purpose of governance. His insight points to a growing trend where political success is measured more by partisan victories than by tangible results for the public.

This quote underscores the challenges facing democratic systems where political actors may prioritize ideological battles over cooperation. Panetta’s observation serves as a warning about the dangers of excessive partisanship, which can stall policymaking and erode public trust. It encourages reflection on how to restore a focus on governance that benefits society as a whole.

In summary, Leon Panetta’s quote highlights the deterioration of bipartisan cooperation in contemporary politics. It calls attention to the need for shifting attitudes away from political gamesmanship toward effective and inclusive governing that addresses the real needs of the people.