Why are some able to withstand the political pressure while others do not?

[cally]

I'm just reading Krugman's latest column and again he nails it. (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/25/opinion/25krugman.html?) A few times he's mentioned the intense pressure he gets and the death threats. Frank Rich has also mentioned the same. I'm going to add Kennedy and O'Connor because they have mostly withstood the pressure except for the stolen 2000 selection. Look at the Florida Judge who ruled over and over again about Schiavo. He got kicked out of his church for his stand. I think the 60 Minutes gang has been honest and steadfast.


In contrast look at Matthews, Russert, and NBC News. They've become mouthpieces for the GOP even though Matthews and Russert were once Dems. I can on and on about all the pundits who caved. Most sought power and money over their beliefs.

So what makes a man or woman able to withstand the pressure and stand up against the prevailing powers? I don't know.