Designated Survivor is a political thriller that captivated audiences with its high-stakes drama and its portrayal of life in the White House. The show follows Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes the President of the United States after an attack on the Capitol. With its gripping plot and complex characters, many viewers have wondered: how accurate is Designated Survivor when it comes to depicting the inner workings of the U.S. government and the role of the president?
In this article, we will delve into the accuracy of Designated Survivor, examining the political processes, presidential duties, and security protocols portrayed in the show. While the series takes creative liberties to build drama and suspense, it is essential to assess how much of it aligns with reality. From the portrayal of the U.S. government’s hierarchy to the security challenges faced by the president, we’ll break down the key elements and compare them with real-life practices. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how Designated Survivor measures up to the true workings of American politics.
The Premise of Designated Survivor
The Role of the Designated Survivor
The concept of a “Designated Survivor” is rooted in real-life security measures. In the United States, during large events such as the State of the Union address or the Presidential Inauguration, one member of the Cabinet is designated to be kept away from the event. This individual’s role is to remain in a secure location so they can step in as President if a catastrophic event, such as an attack on the Capitol, eliminates all those in the presidential line of succession. This practice is a vital part of continuity of government procedures.
In Designated Survivor, Tom Kirkman is the designated survivor during a State of the Union address. When an attack wipes out the entire government leadership, he unexpectedly becomes the President. This initial plot point aligns with the real procedure of having a designated survivor in place.
However, the show’s portrayal of Kirkman’s immediate transition from a low-ranking official to the highest office in the land has drawn mixed reactions. While the sudden rise to power is possible under the constitutional framework, Designated Survivor often emphasizes the emotional and psychological challenges of someone thrust into such an overwhelming position. In reality, the processes of presidential succession are less personal and more procedural.
Presidential Succession and Cabinet Roles
One of the more controversial aspects of Designated Survivor is its portrayal of the U.S. cabinet and the president’s decision-making process. In the show, Kirkman’s advisors, including the Vice President, National Security Advisor, and various cabinet members, play crucial roles in guiding him through the complexities of the presidency.
In reality, the U.S. Cabinet is composed of the heads of federal executive departments such as Defense, State, and Treasury, as well as other key positions. While Designated Survivor takes some creative liberties with the hierarchy and the influence of certain cabinet members, the core structure is relatively accurate. The show, however, tends to exaggerate the level of personal conflict and tension within the Cabinet, highlighting the dramatic clash of personalities over policy decisions.
The White House and Its Security
The Role of the Secret Service
The Secret Service is portrayed as a crucial element of presidential security in Designated Survivor. In the show, the president and his family are constantly under the protection of highly trained agents. This is true to life, as the Secret Service is tasked with ensuring the safety of the President and other high-ranking officials.
In real life, Secret Service agents undergo extensive training and follow strict protocols to protect the President. The depiction of agents responding to security threats, whether physical or cyber-based, is relatively accurate, though the show sometimes embellishes the danger levels for dramatic effect. For example, in Designated Survivor, the constant threat of assassination adds tension to the narrative. While real-world threats to the President are always present, the level of suspense and immediacy portrayed is heightened for the sake of the plot.
White House Security Protocols
One of the more unrealistic aspects of Designated Survivor is the portrayal of how easily the White House and other government facilities can be breached. The show sometimes suggests that major security flaws exist within these institutions, which could be exploited by external forces. In reality, the White House is one of the most secure buildings in the world, and there are multiple layers of protection in place, including perimeter security, highly trained agents, and advanced surveillance systems.
While the show may occasionally depict breaches in security for plot purposes, real-world security protocols are far more stringent, and any attempt to infiltrate these locations would be met with a swift and overwhelming response.
Political Realism vs. Dramatic License
Handling National Crises
A recurring theme in Designated Survivor is Kirkman’s struggle to manage national crises, from terrorist attacks to political scandals. The show portrays the intense pressure faced by the President during these situations, and in many ways, it accurately captures the emotional toll of the job. However, the way these events unfold often leans more towards sensationalism than reality.
For instance, the speed and intensity with which issues are resolved in Designated Survivor are often unrealistic. In reality, political crises can take weeks or months to address, requiring extensive cooperation between multiple branches of government. The fast-paced resolution of issues in the show, where decisions are made in a matter of hours, is a dramatic simplification.
The Influence of Politics and Media
Another aspect of the show that is both accurate and exaggerated is the influence of politics and media on presidential decisions. In Designated Survivor, Kirkman faces constant pressure from political factions and the media, which plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy. While the portrayal of political maneuvering and media manipulation is grounded in reality, the show often amplifies these elements for dramatic effect.
In real life, media pressure and political opposition are constant challenges for any President. However, the level of scandal and public controversy seen in Designated Survivor is somewhat exaggerated for entertainment purposes. The behind-the-scenes machinations that occur in Washington are often more subtle and less sensational than what is depicted on screen.
The Role of the President’s Family
In Designated Survivor, the personal lives of the president and his family are intertwined with the political drama. Kirkman’s wife and children play significant roles in the show, sometimes influencing his decisions and sometimes becoming embroiled in political scandals. While the President’s family certainly holds emotional weight in real life, their involvement in policy decisions is far more limited.
The personal lives of U.S. Presidents are often the subject of public scrutiny, and their families can be affected by their political careers. However, Designated Survivor often amplifies the role of the First Family in ways that are not always representative of the day-to-day realities of governing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Designated Survivor offers an exciting and intense portrayal of political life, but it does take some liberties with the accuracy of its depiction of U.S. government processes. While the core concepts, such as the role of the Designated Survivor, Cabinet positions, and the security measures surrounding the President, are based in reality, the show frequently exaggerates events for dramatic effect.
While the portrayal of the pressures and crises that come with the presidency is compelling and grounded in some reality, it is important to remember that Designated Survivor is, at its core, a work of fiction. The characters, plot twists, and high-stakes scenarios are designed to captivate and entertain, rather than provide a completely accurate picture of life in the White House. So, while the show may inspire some viewers to take a closer look at the real workings of government, it is not a completely accurate representation of the day-to-day challenges faced by the President of the United States.
