What makes a great politician?

[AussieMick]

Yes, I think Lincoln's humility is the main (there are others) quality that puts him above other great politicians. Some politicians have tried to convey an aura of humility but Lincoln didnt need to try ... he just had it.

I think if you try to gauge the greatness of this man, I suggest you measure him against , say, 3 other great politicians. Churchill? A great wartime leader. But he was by no means humble and certainly had no humility. As a peacetime politician he was fairly average (and thats being kind). FDR ? Sorry but (as I have said before) he was too trusting of Stalin. Humility, yes he had (I think) that to a considerable degree. Washington ... actually I think he was both a great politician and also a very good wartime leader. He did though I think lack humility ... due no doubt to the time and his upbringing.

(Oh, and Stalin? Bonaparte ? Mao? Politicians such as these obviously "achieved" much in their own eyes. But Humility? They had zero. And therefore do not qualify as great.)

So, Lincoln stands heads and shoulders way above three of the greatest politicians I can think of.