...politicians, like journalists, are pretty hard people to like. The only other group I’ve ever dealt with who struck me as being essentially meaner than politicians are tight ends in pro football. There is not much difference in basic temperament between a good tight end and a successful politician. They will both go down in the pit and do whatever has to be done—then come up smiling, and occasionally licking blood off their teeth.

Thompson, Hunter S.. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 (p. 68). Simon & Schuster. Kindle Edition.