"Man in the Arena"

The New York Times > Washington > Campaign 2004 > For the President, Special Setup Is Planned at Convention: "'We wanted the president to be closer to people and surrounded by people,' Mark McKinnon, Mr. Bush's chief media adviser, said. 'It sort of reflected his strength and character as the man in the arena.'"

"Man in the arena" is an old Nixon phrase. I am kind of shocked they would use it.