- Integrity and honesty: Cleveland was known for his strong sense of integrity and honesty. He was unwavering in his commitment to these principles, even when it was politically inconvenient.
- Political courage: Cleveland was not afraid to take unpopular positions if he believed they were right. He often stood up to powerful interests, even when it meant risking his political career.
- Commitment to civil service reform: Cleveland was a strong advocate for civil service reform. He believed that appointments to government positions should be based on merit, not political patronage.
- Fiscal conservatism: Cleveland was a fiscal conservative who believed in sound financial management. He was opposed to deficit spending and advocated for balanced budgets.
- Political experience: Cleveland had a wealth of political experience, both as mayor of Buffalo and as governor of New York. This experience gave him a deep understanding of how government worked and how to get things done.