Why is Being a Hero Revelent?

Granted, John McCain is a hero -- a genuine one, not like the way the term is grossly misused to refer to players of sports and the like.

A hero is someone who has risked life and limb for one or more others, with little regard for the self. There really does have to be a real risk, which may indeed result in death. And there has to be a large element of selflessness in it as well.

Ok, that being said, what in this admittedly honorable character trait of being heroic is relevant to holding the office of President of the United States?

Frankly, there would seem to be as many undesirable consequences of a "heroic" presidency as desirable ones. For example, would a "heroic" president willingly sacrifice the lives of fellow countrymen for some higher goal? Even if he sacrificed only himself, would that be a good thing? How many risks would a "heroic" president take? Would he rush an enemy bunker and with his dying breath toss a grenade into it? Would a "heroic" president consult anyone or act alone? How about his temper after having been tortured for years? Wouldn't he get pissed as hell at unpredictable times?

Isn't being a hero a highly individualistic thing....and isn't being a president intrinsically social?

Wouldn't a president have the obligation NOT to act heroically???

Hmmm.....