It's based on both my personal exposure to this mindset, and its reflection/promotion in certain media/online outlets. A lot of people in my experience want the prez to be "tough," someone they can pretend would take out a Putin or a Chavez or whoever. It's part of living in an apolitical culture. And it isn't necessarily a right wing concept. I've been hearing from liberals about how Palin is too stupid and weak to "stand up" to "our enemies." She's getting macho-baited by those who believe that Obama/Biden can "handle" the Putins of this world. So it's nothing that's fixed, but it is apparent.
Dennis