Meaning: The quote "Clinton's hands remain incredibly clean, don't they, and Tony Blair's smile remains as wide as ever. I view these guises with profound contempt." is a scathing critique by the renowned playwright Harold Pinter. In this quote, Pinter is expressing his disdain for the perceived duplicity and insincerity of political figures, specifically Bill Clinton and Tony Blair, who were prominent leaders during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Harold Pinter was known for his incisive and politically charged works, and this quote exemplifies his willingness to confront and criticize those in positions of power. Pinter's use of the word "guises" suggests that he sees the public personas of Clinton and Blair as deceptive facades, concealing the true nature of their actions and policies.

The mention of Clinton's "incredibly clean" hands and Blair's unwavering smile can be interpreted as a commentary on their ability to maintain a positive public image despite their involvement in controversial and contentious political decisions. Pinter's reference to their cleanliness and smile could be seen as a metaphor for their ability to evade accountability and present a facade of innocence and charm to the public.

The phrase "I view these guises with profound contempt" reveals Pinter's deep-seated contempt and disillusionment with the political theater and the personas adopted by these leaders. Pinter's use of the word "contempt" underscores the intensity of his feelings towards the perceived hypocrisy and dishonesty displayed by these figures.

It is important to consider the context in which this quote was made. During the time when Pinter made this statement, both Clinton and Blair were embroiled in controversial political decisions, including the intervention in the Balkans and the Iraq War. Pinter's critique may have been fueled by his dissatisfaction with the actions of these leaders and the perceived gap between their public image and the consequences of their policies.

Pinter's words also reflect a broader skepticism towards political rhetoric and the manipulation of public perception by those in power. His critique can be seen as a call for greater transparency and authenticity in political leadership, challenging the tendency of leaders to present a sanitized and sanitized image to the public.

In conclusion, Harold Pinter's quote serves as a powerful indictment of the perceived hypocrisy and deceit of political leaders such as Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. Through his words, Pinter exposes the artifice and disingenuousness he perceives in the public personas of these figures, expressing his profound contempt for their guises. This quote encapsulates Pinter's willingness to confront and challenge those in power and serves as a reminder of the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions and the authenticity of their public personas.