Ryan:  You're right.  Often lies have a purpose..and it's seldom benign.  Sure, you say "no that dress doesn't make your butt look fat."..and that's relatively harmless.  But, more often lies are selfishly motivated, self-serving and manipulative.  I spent my teaching/counseling career working with kids who were "professional" liars as teenagers.  They lied to achieve goals....to avoid responsibility.....to impress others....etc.  "Frankly, they acted and lied very much like many adults do as well....and yes, as many politicians do.  Say one thing to get elected.....knowing all the time, you can't ever do it even if you're elected.  and pile on all the lies regarding personal issues.  I fear Diongenes would have a tough time finding that "honest, truthful man" in today's political world.  Gracho Marx quipped "I'd never join a club which would accept me as a member."  I'd add, the people who'd make the best polticians won't ever be politicians. ...and that's no lie...  regards, Gary