But he was human, and he lived in Washington, and, like every politician in Washington — even one whose watchword was integrity — he made compromises.
Localism has become one of the watchwords of this coalition government.
Discretion is one of his watchwords – another reason he has risen so far in a world endlessly paranoid about leaks.
One of his watchwords (and another of his English puns) was: "The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement".
Selflessness has been one of the watchwords, which has been epitomised by those who have not played the number of minutes that they might have liked.
"Stability" was one of the watchwords of the 2000s in Russia, supposed to convey a sense of calm after the upheavals of the 1990s.
Legacy is one of his watchwords.
Caution is the watchword, and one good indication is Chia Tek Yew's appointment book.
With its high-level cover-ups, Deep Throats and adherence to the watchwords "Trust no one," "The X-Files" tapped into still-fresh memories of Iran-contra and Watergate, not to mention Ruby Ridge and Waco.
