"I think President Bush tried to step up on Social Security even though the polls showed that was unpopular. He has not been successful and backed off, but I admire people who take on big problems"

Donna Shalala is praising President Bush for his attempt to take on the problem of Social Security, despite the fact that it was unpopular with the general public. She acknowledges that he was not successful in his efforts, however still admires him for handling such a huge problem. This quote talks to the guts of President Bush to take on a challenging concern, even when it was not popular. It also talks to the value of dealing with huge problems, even when it is challenging and unpopular. Donna Shalala is encouraging leaders to take on big issues, even when it is not popular, and to not be dissuaded by failure. This quote is a suggestion that leaders need to not hesitate to handle tough issues, even when it is unpopular.