Meaning: Donna Shalala, a prominent public servant and former Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton, made this statement in the context of presidential leadership and decision-making. Shalala's quote reflects on the complex relationship between public opinion, political leadership, and policy-making, particularly in the context of President Clinton's approach to the tobacco issue during his presidency.

Shalala's assertion that "presidents are looking at polls, but they are also stepping up on issues" captures the nuanced nature of presidential decision-making. On one hand, presidents are undoubtedly attuned to public opinion as reflected in polls and surveys. Public sentiment and approval ratings play a significant role in shaping political strategies and influencing policy priorities. However, Shalala suggests that effective leadership goes beyond simply reacting to polls; it involves "stepping up on issues," taking a proactive stance, and shaping public opinion through decisive action and advocacy.

The specific example cited by Shalala, President Clinton's approach to the tobacco issue, offers a compelling illustration of this dynamic. During Clinton's presidency, the tobacco industry faced increasing scrutiny and calls for regulation due to growing awareness of the health risks associated with smoking. As a key public health issue, tobacco regulation presented a complex and contentious policy challenge for the administration.

Shalala contends that President Clinton "stepped up on tobacco" by taking a proactive and assertive stance on the issue. Rather than simply reacting to prevailing public opinion or industry pressures, Clinton chose to shape the polls and public discourse on tobacco through his leadership and policy actions. This approach reflects Shalala's broader argument about the role of presidents in actively influencing public opinion and driving policy agendas, even in the face of entrenched interests and public sentiment.

The phrase "shaped the polls on the tobacco issue" underscores the notion that effective leadership involves more than just following or responding to public opinion. It implies a deliberate effort to shift public perception, mobilize support for policy initiatives, and drive meaningful change. In the case of tobacco regulation, President Clinton's administration pursued a multifaceted approach that included legislative proposals, public awareness campaigns, and regulatory measures aimed at curbing smoking and addressing the public health impact of tobacco use.

Shalala's perspective on presidential leadership and the interplay between polls and policy is particularly relevant in the broader context of democratic governance and political decision-making. While public opinion is an important factor in shaping policy priorities and political strategies, effective leaders are called upon to demonstrate vision, courage, and the ability to mobilize public support for initiatives that may initially face resistance or skepticism.

In conclusion, Donna Shalala's quote encapsulates the complex dynamic between public opinion, presidential leadership, and policy-making. By highlighting President Clinton's proactive approach to the tobacco issue, Shalala underscores the importance of shaping public opinion and "stepping up on issues" as essential elements of effective leadership. This perspective invites a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities inherent in presidential decision-making and the broader dynamics of democratic governance.