Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has shared his expectations for President Biden’s State of the Union address during an interview on ‘Your World.’ Panetta highlighted the importance of the designated survivor, a cabinet member who is kept away from Washington, D.C. during the speech to ensure continuity in the presidency in the event of a catastrophic incident. This precautionary measure, dating back to the Cold War, aims to protect someone in line for presidential succession.
The identity of the designated survivor is typically kept secret until the speech begins. Last year, former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh fulfilled this role, becoming the first labor secretary in U.S. history to be designated. Walsh reflected on the responsibility and the historical significance of the position, stating, “God forbid something were to happen, but there’s a quick second you think about that.”
In 2022, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo served as the designated survivor, while in 2021, no official designated survivor was appointed due to the absence of cabinet members caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rules stipulate that the designated survivor must be a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and have been a resident of the U.S. for the past 14 years.
The practice of having a designated survivor dates back to the 1950s, but the government only began publicly identifying the individual by name in 1981. It has since been employed during the State of the Union, inaugurations, and other presidential speeches to joint sessions of Congress.
President Biden’s State of the Union address is scheduled to take place on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET in the House chamber of the Capitol Building. The event holds significant importance as it allows the president to communicate his administration’s achievements, goals, and vision for the future.
Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. You can follow him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and share tips via email at [email protected]. Stay updated on the latest developments from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
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