Yes, Les, you are correct. This is an imaginary scenario, where there is a launch button (probably red) in some underground bunker somewhere that Biden is visiting. His ever present aides must ensure, in this scenario, that Biden does NOT inadvertently push it.
I see from your stack that you are well versed in geo-political issues and I agree, the military top brass will avoid nuclear confrontation at all costs. As for the political leadership, well, they love to bluster.
There is, Ned B., no nuclear launch button and just what the US president is to authorize is one of the more tightly held secrets of state.
_____
Arguably, nothing gets launched that the generals do not approve.
They war game constantly and no country of any significance now looks any longer easy to defeat or otherwise quite impossible for US Forces.
_____
Meanwhile . . . https://les7eb.substack.com/
Yes, Les, you are correct. This is an imaginary scenario, where there is a launch button (probably red) in some underground bunker somewhere that Biden is visiting. His ever present aides must ensure, in this scenario, that Biden does NOT inadvertently push it.
I see from your stack that you are well versed in geo-political issues and I agree, the military top brass will avoid nuclear confrontation at all costs. As for the political leadership, well, they love to bluster.
He'd argue about it, lie that he's done it before, then press it.
Unfortunately, that is a likely scenario.