[gridlock]

As CIC, Bush commands Naval Aviators to make carrier traps every day of the week. It is not unreasonable that he should bear some of the same risk. Besides, a carrier trap on an aircraft carrier in a Viking is probably safer than pre-flight inspection on a Delta Dagger, which Tom Wolfe famously described as a brick with fins.

Dangerous? Yes.
Publicity Stunt? I guess. I would call it a dramatic gesture.
Stupid? No way. This is what we pay the man for.

BTW, can you imagine being the Naval Aviator who drew this assignment? After being frowned on by fighter jocks for you whole career, now you get to fly Navy One!

[Textide]

As CIC, Bush commands Naval Aviators to make carrier traps every day of the week. It is not unreasonable that he should bear some of the same risk.

I agree. This is a way for him to show respect to the men and women who do this daily. Short of coming under enemy fire, I can think of few more dangerous situations.

If it's a pubblicity stunt, it's aimed to impress the Armed Forces. That's OK by me.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Your mentioning the aviator's pride, when flying the CIC is very appropriate. I remember seeing footage of the National Guard aviators who escorted Airforce 1, on September 11th. They were not told the details about their mission, just informed that when they encountered what they were seeking, they would know it, and that they would be protecting "one of their own". I can imagine they felt the same sense of pride in their service to their President.

[TheRightGuy]

Dangerous? Yes.
Publicity Stunt? I guess. I would call it a dramatic gesture.
Stupid? No way. This is what we pay the man for.

And besides, he'll look a helluva lot bettter than Dukakis in a tank.