Humility in Politics?

NY Governor Eliot Spitzer is embroiled in a major scandal involving possible dirty tricks used to aid the Governor's office in their battles with State Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno.

Realizing that he can't allow this scandal to weaken his still-fresh administration, Spitzer has issued comments making clear he is aware of public concern and will change direction-

"Those of you who know me recognize my core belief that without passion and conviction in politics we are doomed to fail,” said the governor. “What I'd like to reflect on today, and this may come as a surprise to some of you, are the inevitable risks that occur when passion and conviction are not sufficiently tempered by humility. How we manage these risks, it turns out, may be just as critical as the fight itself."...

..."Without vigilance and humility, righteousness can become self-righteousness,” said Spitzer.

“Over the past few weeks, it has become evident that this principle was forgotten. We were fighting so hard for what we believed was right that we let down our guard and allowed our passion to get the best of us. I have accepted responsibility for these failures."

Whatever comes of this scandal, it's refreshing to see a leader acknowledge political reality.