"Paul J. Adam" wrote:

In message , Ed Rasimus
writes
It brings to mind the wild-eyed cop, Riggs, played by Mel Gibson in
the Lethal Weapon series. While the criminals take advantage of the
rationality of the politically correct law-enforcement officer, an
encounter with Riggs, can often result in more dire consequences.

Wasn't Nixon alleged to use this gambit, of appearing to be irrational
in order to make his actions harder to predict and the consequences of
error potentially worse?

I'm running on very hazy memory and can't find a source, so would
welcome correction or clarification.

Yes, the Madman principle. Kissinger played the stable role.

Guy