What makes a great politician?

[AussieMick]

What are the strengths that make a politician great?
It would be useful if people could give 1 or 2 or ... even 5 strengths.


I suggest that you dont restrict yourself to Lincoln. Thats why I put this thread in Other. Maybe we could in another thread identify his strengths ... and weaknesses or rate him against the identified 'great' politician's strengths.