Support System Quote by Garrett M. Graff
““the National Program Office called the Presidential Successor Support System, or PS3 for short. The five preselected PS3 teams each consisted of veteran officials who could fill almost every top job in government. Under PS3, which traced its roots to the Carter administration and had no clear constitutional grounding, respected former officials like Howard H. Baker Jr., the onetime Senate Republican leader, former CIA director Richard Helms, former United Nations ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, and former cabinet secretary James Schlesinger””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Threat Matrix” by Garrett M. Graff, 2015
Describes a secret succession plan (PS3) that pre‑selected officials to assume top government roles without clear constitutional basis.
In simple terms: A hidden plan to replace leaders with vetted officials.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the importance of transparent succession.
Themes
government
continuity
secrecy
politics
constitution
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- historical research
- government reform
Key Concepts
succession planning
institutional trust
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does secrecy affect trust in government?
- What safeguards should exist for succession?
A Different Perspective
The plan lacked democratic legitimacy and public oversight.
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