In a recent interview, here’s what Bush said about popularity:
Look, I’ve been popular and not so popular. But the thing that matters most in life is not one’s popularity but principles. And I am not going to sacrifice my principles on the altar of political popularity. If you chase popularity, you’ll be a lousy president. If you make decisions based upon sound principles, you’ve done your job.
Well said. And that applies to everything, not just politics.