Democracy is even worse: if people chose their leaders, we'd have very few republicans in office!

They seem so full of information that is gleaned from conspiracy sites and Fox News that they believe their own lies. The safest way is to assume they are wrong and disbelieve.

Even republicans like Jeff Flake who are retiring.

They are compromised, whether financially, politically, and/or ethically -- and literally cannot afford to tell the truth. Well, maybe after death but they won't be subject to cross-examination by then.

They all remind me of Claude Rains in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Now it is a given that whatever a Republican says it is probably BS.

comments leak to the public.

They will NEVER change.

And Steve Schmidt?

I do not trust Republicans to tell the truth if it suits them to lie. Everything said by a republican must be verified. Your opinion might differ from mine.

Particularly the ones on television and in Congress (or the administration).

for what reason I don't know. Generally, when I see him speak, he's voicing an opinion about something. I listen to him, because his opinions are usually worth hearing. If he makes a statement that is supposed to be factual, I would check it out before accepting it. However, his opinion is his opinion, and he's entitled to hold it, whatever it might be. His opinions about matters of ethical behavior by politicians seem to be on point, most of the time.

... my years spent discussing politics with Republicans online and in person has consistently confirmed that these people will lie. They will lie deliberately, intentionally, shamelessly and without hesitation.

They will lie. Incesssantly, continuously and repetitively. If caught on their lies, they'll just make up new ones or continue to vomit up the same old lies over and over.

They will lie. Always sneering YOU'RE the liar, of course, engaging as always in their never-ending projection. They will take one erroneous comment someone on your side made decades ago and herald that as proof positive your side is 100% liars, constantly ignoring or excusing the waterfall of lies that emanate from their mouths of fingertipd.

Even if they aren't the source of the lies, they'll repeat the lies. Spitefully, nastily and with their thumb pressed to their nose, eyes crossed in a scowl of derision and ridicule as they tell you what they know to be a falsehood (not caring in the least about their honor or dignity since they have none).

They will lie.