The office of president is a bastardized thing, half royalty and half democracy, that nobody knows whether to genuflect or spit.

Summary

This quote highlights the complex and ambiguous nature of the presidency. It suggests that the position of president embodies conflicting elements of both royalty and democracy, making it difficult for people to determine how to perceive and treat it. The phrase "half royalty" reflects the elevated status and power associated with the office, while "half democracy" alludes to the idea that the president serves as a symbol of the people's will. The last part of the quote implies that there is uncertainty and mixed feelings towards the presidency, as people are unsure whether to show deference or contempt towards it.