It doesn't have a lot of practical value but it can have enormous psychological effect. Look at the time Bush spends on working out. He's our exercise-buff-in-chief. Meanwhile, the heavy lifting in running the country is done by Cheney, Rummy, and their minions. The robust presence Bush is often able to project is a lot of what gets him elected.

I've met some martial arts champions who have amazing chi, or life force. Many scoff at the notion but I've experienced it. A true martial arts master never goes looking for a fight, unlike many two bit, slightly learned practitioners, instead they can usually forestall a fight with the strength of their presence. The Obi-Wan Kinobi scene where he bends the troopers to his will is not entirely sci-fi.

Putin projects a clearer sort of thinking than Bush, IMO, in the category of who would you want to have your back in a fight. The average person picks up on this. Main reason why Mondale didn't have a prayer of a chance against Reagan.

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Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K