Ask A Genius 688: Horse-Kick Proof Watch
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Rick Rosner
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2022/01/16
[Recording Start]
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Let’s hear your take on this topic. Could you provide some background?
Rick Rosner: Sure. You mentioned buying a shock-proof watch today, jokingly saying it could protect you from a horse kick at your job with horses. This reminds me of an incident with Teddy Roosevelt. Before one of his speeches, he was shot by an assassin. Something in his pocket, possibly a book or a watch, slowed the bullet down. Though it entered his body, Roosevelt assessed it wasn’t immediately life-threatening. He famously continued and delivered an 84-minute speech before seeking medical attention. It’s a well-known story.
Jacobsen: He even said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot but it takes more than that to kill a bull moose.” He was incredibly bold.
Rosner: Exactly. Roosevelt was one of the most remarkably tough and daring presidents we’ve had. His decision to give a speech while injured exemplifies that.
Jacobsen: He was truly an extraordinary president.
Rosner: History is full of presidents with similar boldness. Trump, for instance, was perhaps our craziest president in terms of incompetence, malevolence, deceit, and subversion of democratic principles. But others like Teddy Roosevelt were known for their fearless, alpha-male persona. Roosevelt loved activities like safaris and famously led the charge up San Juan Hill. Abraham Lincoln, another example, was a strong man and an accomplished wrestler. He even once threw a heckler from his audience during a political campaign.
JFK, too, was a war hero with his exploits during World War II. These presidents were more than just political figures; they had physical prowess and courage. However, we’ve also had presidents with less admirable traits, like slave owners.
Jacobsen: What’s the broader point here?
Rosner: The point is that among our presidents, there’s a stark contrast between the physically brave and the cowardly. Trump, for instance, showed physical cowardice, such as in the incident with an eagle during a Time magazine photoshoot. In contrast, other presidents like George Bush Sr., a World War II pilot, displayed notable bravery. Trump’s son, however, has a less stellar military record, suspected of avoiding his duties. The stories of these presidents range from heroism to cowardice, offering a fascinating glimpse into presidential history. Let’s move on to another topic now.
[Recording End]
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