Bellicose presidents

We hear, yet again, wisdom and moderation from US Senator John McCain, this time defending freedom of news media.

Have others noticed that presidents with combat experience – Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Bush Snr – dealt with crises with common sense, moderation and firmness while those whose earlier careers kept them well away from the mud, blood and bullets – Reagan, Bush Jnr and Trump – are the most bellicose and impetuous?

Had he not been teamed with the clearly witless Sarah Palin, McCain would have made a safe hand on the national helm and the nuclear trigger.

R Lea Clough Swannanoa