He stands up for what he believes in!

[andyfox]

So what? Why do people admire this alleged characteristic in politicians and other leaders? Lenin stood up for what he believed, so does Osama Bin Laden. Isn't what they believe in more important than their forthrightness or lack thereof?

With very few exceptions, an elected politician who is in power could not possibly have stood up for what he believes in, else he would not be in power.