My next door neighbor had a fund-raiser this morning for presidential candidate Barack Obama. About 200 people showed up to give him money (the speeding Suburban at right carries the arriving senator).
The place was abuzz with excited people, and also lots of security: police, highway patrol, and secret service personnel. They were all very courteous and professional.
I had a chance to talk with one agent, and ask him the question I'd always had in the back of my mind ever since I saw the 1993 Clint Eastwood/John Malkovich film In the Line of Fire. This was the question I asked:
"When you were applying for the Secret Service, did they ask you if you would be willing to take a bullet?"
And he said, "No, they don't ask that question." So there you have it!
For some reason I find that a major disappointment. Glad you were able to pin down an answer though.
Posted by: Dean Fuhrman | 17 January 2008 at 07:20 PM
Dean: All the security people were friendly and professional. But this was hardly a hostile locale. It was the end of a suburban cul-de-sac.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 18 January 2008 at 09:55 AM
It's only after a lot of training that someone can answer that question. Anyone who can answer that question merely on a job application is naive, crazy or suicidal.
Posted by: CJ | 19 January 2008 at 11:34 AM
CJ: You're probably right. What I should have asked him was: "At any time during your training right up to the point of being administered the oath were you ever asked, 'Would you be willing to take a bullet for the person you were guarding?'"
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 19 January 2008 at 03:51 PM
Roger: Having a little background in this area, I will add that the 'pop' concept of taking a bullet (jumping in front of the target) is a borderline nonsensical ie - focusing on the bullet. The idea is to protect the subject or take out the attacker. Oh and if a secret service agent "takes a bullet" for the president - what about the second bullet, and the third? ; )
Posted by: CJ | 20 January 2008 at 01:22 PM
CJ: What you say makes sense. Big gulf between the "pop" view and what's actually going on!
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 21 January 2008 at 08:33 AM