The book captures issues related to presidential succession and inability that have been a consistent feature in the nation’s history. The current president and last president were the oldest presidents to date at the times of their inaugurations, and there has been extensive discussion—both during and after their terms—about their fitness to serve. Focus on presidential capacity is likely to continue for at least the rest of the current administration, including around questions of how to reform the current constitutional and statutory succession procedures.

Rebecca Lubot approaches the discussion in a scholarly and even-handed manner that does not take a partisan side. Readers and scholars will turn to this book to understand issues regarding succession and inability as they emerge. The summary of recent events involving the Twenty-Fifth Amendment and presidential capacity will be crucial reference material.

A continued focus on reforming democratic institutions also exists. This book tells the story of how this kind of reform was accomplished, thereby providing valuable lessons for future reform efforts.

Further, with the development of the atomic bomb came a concomitant increase in presidential power and a strong desire for stability at the top echelon of the United States government at all times. The role of nuclear weapons in international affairs shows no signs of abating and questions will continue to arise about the competence of the leaders who wield nuclear launch authority and the protections against abuses by those leaders. The understanding of that history that readers will glean from this book will shed light on the consolidation of presidential power occurring now.

Keeping a Finger on the Button: Presidential Continuity and the Nuclear Age offers solutions to the gaps in the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, which are useful not only in continued reform of the presidential succession system, but potentially in averting a nuclear Armageddon.