Air Force One: Presidential Perk Par Excellence
As determined by the U.S. Constitution, a person has to be (1) a natural born citizen of the United Sates, and (2) at least 35 years old in order to be president. Since the founding of the country in the 1700s, only men have been elected president. With the successful campaigns of a number of prominent female politicians for higher office across the land (i.e. U.S. Senator, governor, etc.), there’s more talk than ever of a woman finally becoming head of the U.S. government.
No matter who wins the election in 2008, she or he will enjoy a wide range of presidential perks which are the envy of politiical leaders around the globe. For example, the president, along with immediate family members, will occupy the White House during the term of office (which, by law, is four years). A stately building, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the White House is well-staffed and provides many amenities and comforts for its occupants. Additionally, the president’s famous Oval Office is located in the west wing of the building.
However, living in the White House is just one of many perks the president enjoys. Another is the use of an airplane known as Air Force One. In this day and age of extensive media coverage of a president’s comings and goings, Air Force One serves to reinforce the image of the U.S. president as a powerful figure in global politics. Think of how many times you’ve seen it on TV sitting on a runway somewhere as the president prepares to depart on or return from a trip somewhere around the country or the world.
The plane itself, currently, a Boeing jumbo jet, is an imposing symbol of presidential authority. Bearing the seal of the president on its exterior, which has a blue color scheme, it provides an eye-catching backdrop for runway receiving lines upon arrival at any destination.
Since the end of WWII and the resulting assumption by the United States of a greater role in global politics, U.S. presidents have found it necessary to travel more often to various countries abroad. Further, given the advent of summit diplomacy, there have been even further requirements for presidential travel beyond U.S. borders. Air Florce One is always at the ready, capable of taking the president anywhere in comfort.
Technically speaking, any aircraft on which the president is aboard is identified as Air Force One. Usually, however, he is actually aboard one of of two Boeing jets which provide him currently with air transportation. While one plane is in use, the other is being serviced. They alternate in meeting the president’s schedule for air travel.
Not surprisingly, the interior of the plane is designed to satisfy the needs of the president, as well as those of the contingent of family members and aides who travel with him. And, given the realities of the post-September 11th world in which we live, the plane is designed to serve as a command center in case of a national emergency.
In many ways, having excluvsive use of Air Force One during a 4-year term in office ranks as one of the most coveted perks of the U.S. presidency.
