By it's very definition, pragmatism is the antithesis of leadership. Pragmatism is the essence of moderation and capitulation to the status quo. Leadership is the constant voice of confidence and reassurance while guiding the mob along the path less traveled.
No better example exist than in our sitting president. A leader in many of his foreign policies decisions and a pragmatist, or worse, a pandering capitulator in his domestic policies.
Schwarzeneggr is neither. His victories were achieved because they were supported by the mob before he was elected and he hasn't compromised his core values since his election, values which were well defined before his election for those who cared to listen.
President has two fronts: domestic and foreign. In order to be successful on one you have to be pragmatic (read: feel secure) on the other. Or you lose both.
The enormity of Iraq task (which is ultimately a modification of arab world) is such that it absolutely requires domestic popularity.