> Anyway, doesn't it seem like this kick ass stuff is new? that whatever
> characteristics presidents had in the past wasn't exactly an ability to
> personally kick ass. I mean, grover cleveland? Fillmore? t roosevelt? they
> all looked like they might be able to roll over someone, but not kick ass.
Recall that shot of Obama in the surf? It's never been about personally being able to pound somebody, it's a question of proper chest thumping. Reagan did it in his avuncular way, Bush I in his own um style, Carter IIRC did not.
-- Andy