Was it Cicero who kept saying ‘Carthage must be destroyed!’?
Close — I think it was Cato who ended that with every speech. Cicero tried to defend a corrupt oligarchy with all manner of ‘high ideals’.
The Roman senators were elected for life and took full advantage, much like career politicians of today. When Romans attempted to call for council [their version of a constitutional amendment or convention], the senators had thugs assassinate key leaders.
So Cicero would be McC’s speechwriter if he were still around? Cato would be backing insurgents.