Common Sense, Then and Now

Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense. — President Donald Trump’s inaugural address, January 20, 2025 [Emphasis added]

Presidents other than Trump have invoked the appeal of common sense in their inaugural address, though in the case of George W. Bush it carried the message of perpetual war:

We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclu...