In the hustle and bustle of Washington politics, most Cabinet secretaries begin and end their day largely unnoticed. However, during significant events such as a presidential address to Congress, one of these officials is selected to stay away from the gathering. This unique role, known as the “designated survivor,” ensures continuity of leadership in the unlikely event of a catastrophe that claims the lives of other leaders. The practice, dating back to the Cold War, has inspired many fictional portrayals, including a popular television series.
Serving as a designated survivor is an experience characterized by mixed emotions. On one hand, there’s a heightened sense of responsibility and the possibility of ascending to the presidency under tragic circumstances. On the other, it is a largely routine and uneventful duty, as recalled by past individuals who have filled the role. James Nicholson, President Bush’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs and a designated survivor in 2006, described the experience as a somber reminder of their role in government continuity. He expressed the hope that such a dire situation would never occur, a sentiment shared by many who have held the position.
The Trump administration, like its predecessors, kept the identity of its designated survivor secret until necessary. This practice stems partly from public fascination with the scenario of an ordinary Cabinet member suddenly assuming the presidency. Historian Garrett M. Graff highlighted this phenomenon, noting its roots in the human attraction to danger and transformation. Before the September 11 attacks, designated survivors had more flexibility regarding their location. Cabinet officials like Dan Glickman, President Clinton’s agriculture secretary, often chose personal spots or cities with personal significance when appointed as designated survivors.
While the designated survivor role sounds exhilarating and fraught with drama, the reality is often less so. For instance, Alberto Gonzales, Bush’s Attorney General in 2007, recounted how he was flown to a secure location, accompanied by officials armed with detailed successions plans. Yet, despite the meticulous planning, most of the time was spent on briefings and watching events unfold on television. Gonzales remembered contemplating the enormity of the presidential role and whether he could lead a nation in distress, a heavier burden than typically portrayed in fictional dramas.
The concept of the designated survivor came into sharper focus during the late 20th century when fears of nuclear attacks were prominent. Under administrations such as Carter and Reagan, procedures were established to ensure a line of succession beyond the President and Vice President, should a disaster strike. These protocols continue to be a part of the government’s preparedness plans today, underscoring the ongoing necessity for readiness against unimaginable scenarios.
James Nicholson recounted how being whisked away by helicopter to an undisclosed location left him pondering the enormity of such responsibility. Meanwhile, Dan Glickman laughed at his experience, stating that he was the temporary most powerful man in the world, only to face the mundane struggle of finding a cab in icy New York weather after the duties were done. These incidents illustrate the blend of gravity and normalcy that often surrounds the role of a designated survivor.
Overall, the tradition continues to be a reminder of both the fiery spirit and somber realities that surround leadership in times of potential national crises. Despite the serious nature of the circumstances that might necessitate their rise, those who have taken on the mantle typically find their tenure as designated survivors to be more a facet of preparedness than an immediate threat. They reflect on their brief stints with a mix of humor and the realization of their responsibilities for continuity should fate call upon them to lead.
