Two historical precedents suggest a way to set sights.
But the type of musing he entertains has a significant difference, for it is not, as that precedent would suggest, either moralistic or subjective.
The Supreme Court's precedents have suggested that 15 to 20 seconds is the appropriate delay.
Absurd as it sounds, historical precedent suggests it could be the key to another term in office.
Recent precedent would suggest Healy, as well.
But there is little if any precedent to suggest how the courts would rule.
Spokesmen for the two corporations similarly express confidence, and precedents suggest they may be right.
If the domestic makers prevail - and precedent suggests they will - the prices of all bicycles are likely to go up in time for Christmas.
The precedents all suggest that true eminence is what matters, and that an eagerness to be of service is not quite enough.
And precedent suggests that federal prosecutors will wait for the outcome of the state proceedings before deciding whether to pursue civil rights charges.