Ideally, clout will not only come from prominence and name recognition, but rather from a solid set of relevant experiences.
Wouldn't we have more clout banding together not only to support research into prevention, detection and cure but also to counter the exorbitant expense of treatment?
Mr Cameron's clout is limited: not only is Britain outside the euro but, according to Brussels sources, eurozone leaders are increasingly irritated by what they call the PM's "lecturing" from the sidelines.
According to numismatic historian Walter Breen, "Apparently, this was the first time that a coin collector ever wielded enough political clout to influence not only the Bureau of the Mint, but Congress as well".
But those in the Midwest will have particular clout, as they must not only redesign districts but eliminate some.
Andrew Wheat, research director for Texans for Public Justice, a nonprofit group that tracks campaign finance and has researched Mr. Perry's donations, said in an interview that Mr. Perry's financial clout had made him not only the single biggest donor in Texas in the last decade, but an increasing national presence as well.
Yet despite an outcry, the policeman has so far been punished with nothing worse than paid leave.Picture the differenceTo have real clout, video evidence needs not only clarity and impact but also provable authenticity, notes Sam Gregory of Witness, a human-rights group that promotes the use of video.
Now Mr. Malone has lost not only his clout, but his financial mystique.
He added, "Al Hubbard not only has clout with the vast network of Governor Daniels' supporters, but also carries weight with policy makers and thought leaders nationally".
