“Politics ain't beanbag.” When the infamously hardnosed Lyndon Johnson dispensed this advice, he embodied unsentimental political realism. For LBJ, retaining power came first whatever it took to win. But consider an alternative proverb: “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord Acton’s warning casts skepticism on unconstrained quests for control. Critics contend leaders should reject toxic win-at-all-costs mentalities.