The most striking thing about the politician is how often his politics have been (i)__________ rather than ideological, as he adapts his political positions at any particular moment to the political realities that constrain him. He does not, however, piously (ii)__________ political principles only to betray them in practice. Rather, he attempts in subtle ways to balance his political self-interest with a (iii) __________, viewing himself as an instrument of some unchanging higher purpose.
Blank (I) Blank (ii) Blank (iii)
A. quixotic D. brandish G. profound cynicism
B. self-righteous E. flout H. deeply felt moral code
C. strategic F. follow I. thoroughgoing pragmatism
Answer: C,D,H
My questions:
1- Why strategic? strategic means long-term plan. Also, I understand that we need a word that is opposite to idealogical, which means ideals and concepts.
2- What is the evidence for D? Brandish means to threaten someone.
Resource: OG 3rd edition