Those of us who watched the 1995 film ‘The American President’ will recall how Michael Douglas, in the lead role, refused to respond to attacks by his political opponent, played by Richard Dreyfuss.

Douglas' character felt that he should not have to dignify the accusations of his attacker. However, when his presidency, as well as his family and personal life, were on the line, he abandoned his 'elegant silence' and began to aggressively fight back.