[eastforker]

I understand succession, but could a mad man in the hot seat destroy civilization on a whim?

[MineralMan]

"I understand succession, but could a mad man in the hot seat destroy civilization on a whim?"

Nope. Ain't gonna happen. Even the President is not going to be able to just "push the button." Before such an event could take place, the threat would have to be real, nuclear, and imminent.

It would take an actual nuclear attack to trigger the use of nuclear weapons by the USA, and that attack would have to be demonstrably coming from a particular source.

It's unlikely that we'll ever have a "madman" in office as President. Look at what has happened to Dean, after what was really just a silly demonstration. He's not a "madman," just a bit poor in judgment regarding the appropriate behavior following losing the Iowa caucus.

Our system of checks and balances includes national elections. A "madman" would find it almost impossible to gain election to the Presidency.

I'm not sure what premise you're working under, but it ain't gonna happen.

[Cobra64]

I understand succession, but could a mad man in the hot seat destroy civilization on a whim?

Answer: Howard Dean.