Politics is the art of persuasion. Discuss.

One point I alluded to in my essay regarding the above: Merely having the ability to persuade others to follow you wholly insufficient. Competence is key.

The only difference between a persuasive incompetent and a non-persuasive one is just the number of people you bring down with you.

Self-serving leadership that somehow benefits the greater good vs leadership for the greater good. I wonder who can tell the difference. And even more, does anyone really care?