re: #504 Stupid is as stupid does

Mr. President, we cannot allow a Mineshaft Gap!!!

The issue being played for laughs (which are a lot less funny with a bit of serious consideration) is why Dr. Strangelove has had staying power.

“Fail Safe” is arguably more scary since I believe that advisors like the Walter Mathau character actually exist. And then you get to the devil’s alternative decision offered to the POTUS in that movie. Project that decision on the various GOP candidates - what spectrum of results do you think you would get.*

* - And the decision the POTUS (played by Henry Fonda) makes in the movie is essentially total political and historical suicide. Which is a telling indication of the difference between politician and statesman.

I also understand that this is melodrama. So things are heavily played up and fictional. Though you can look on it as a somewhat interesting thought experiment.