Capital’s finite—they assume demand to leverage
Gerson, 12/17 (Michael, 12/17/10, Washington Post, “When it comes to politics, Obama's ego keeps getting in the way,” http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/16/AR2010121604039.html)
In some areas - such as education reform or the tax deal - Obama's governing practice is better than his political skills. But these skills matter precisely because political capital is limited. The early pursuit of ambitious health-care reform was a political mistake, as former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel internally argued. But every president has the right to spend his popularity on what he regards as matters of principle. Political risks, taken out of conviction with open eyes, are an admirable element of leadership.
Yet political errors made out of pique or poor planning undermine the possibility of achievement. Rather than being spent, popularity is squandered - something the Obama administration has often done.
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