The fortunes of our political leaders, as measured by public perception and standing within their own parties, seem to seesaw almost weekly. Most actions by political leaders are taken in the presence of their inner circles, who are not only supposed to serve them but also are supposed to protect them. From themselves, of course. Within every leader lies the germ of his or her own destruction, waiting for the right conditions to activate. But within every leader's inner circle lies the antidote, if it is used in time and in sufficient doses, which it often is not.
Success is heady stuff.
I'd better do a lot more of that. Only the rules have changed and excessive favors get him in big ethics trouble. Due to their internal makeup and the demands of their position, leaders often drive themselves physically and psychologically, straining their health, their family dynamics, and their friendships. A lot of us in Washington get paid to help our leaders be successful in their roles. This in no way absolves leaders from accountability for their own actions but it does mean that we, too, are accountable.