Quote Originally Posted by wufwugy View Post
You're probably right. There is probably SOMETHING we don't see; Trump wouldn't just take Bannon out like this if the only concern was the book.

But yes, his strategy involves counter-punching anybody who attacks him, and if that person's attack gains any traction whatsoever, Trump goes scorched earth against that person.
This word implies it is planned and calculated; I think it's more visceral than that. Calculated moves don't necessarily repeat themselves every time (though they can), a strategist is generally more flexible and chooses their battles.