This should be alarming, right?

[kandrathe]

You raise a good point, and it deserves serious consideration. American history is long, and it's tempting-but-wrong to get so caught up in the moment (and in bias) that we forget the longer context.

By basic reply is that you are providing a Rogues' Gallery. These are not shining precedents of good presidents doing good things. These are examples of the failures of American institutions, and of the critical importance of checks on presidential authority.
...

One needs only look at Trumps 30 years of scrapes with the press, or his abuse of power as real-estate tycoon. How do you think he'll suddenly morph into a person with presidential mettle? Also, the press also is flawed, and not blameless in this. OMG, BuzzFeed! What's next TMZ?

These BAD character flaws were the first reason I would not vote for a candidate. There were no good choices fielded, thus "none of the above" was the correct choice imho.

There is no prohibition on the press doing their job, nor any laws stating the WH must grant unfettered access... Sheesh. Hitler, Chavez.... You over-react much? ?