Everyone lies for his allies. It's more important to say the right thing than to do it. If you're clever enough you can get away with anything. There is one rule for the strong and another for the weak. Little lies are disgusting, but big ones show skill.
New wrong is always justified to cover up old wrong.
All statesmen are crooked, and it doesn't matter. Exposing a crime is more serious than committing it. Serving one's client means helping him not to come clean. Slandering one's opponents is just good tactics. Confession has nothing to do with making amends.