Changes

In elections, the winners gain political capital simply by prevailing.  But in other political contests, it is not always immediately clear whether political capital was gained or lost.  Winning can cause more animosity than what was politically gained, in which case the victor spent political capital rather than acquire it.  Losing can build political capital if the cause was just and sympathies accrue based on the effort.

In elections, the winners gain political capital simply by prevailing.  But in other political contests, it is not always immediately clear whether political capital was gained or lost.  Winning can cause more animosity than what was politically gained, in which case the victor spent political capital rather than acquire it.  Losing can build political capital if the cause was just and sympathies accrue based on the effort.

The term came to prominence when [[President]] [[George W. Bush]] used it numerous times following his victory in the 2004 presidential election.<ref>Schlafly, Phyllis (01-05-2005) [http://www.eagleforum.org/column/2005/jan05/05-01-05.html ''Spending Bush's "Political Capital"'']</ref>

The term came to prominence when [[President]] [[George W. Bush]] used it numerous times following his victory in the 2004 presidential election.<ref>Schlafly, Phyllis (01-05-2005) [http://www.pseagles.com/Spending_Bush%27s_%22Political_Capital%22 ''Spending Bush's "Political Capital"'']</ref>

== Example: Nuclear option by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ==

== Example: Nuclear option by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ==