1904: Moroccan bandit Raisuli kidnaps 2 Americans for ransom. President Theodore Roosevelt: “This government wants Perdicaris alive or Raisuli dead.” He then sent warships and landed a detail of Marines. We got Mr. Perdicaris and his son back unharmed. Teddy was re-elected.

2023: Hamas kills at least 28 Americans, 15 missing and feared kidnapped. President Biden: “We’re trying like hell to get them back.” The outcome remains in doubt, but Biden’s oratorical deficiencies leave no doubt. A leader vs. a place-holder. Too sad.