Watchmen: Chapter X - page 2

PAGE 2

Panel 1:  The metal object under President Nixon’s arm, which is chained to his wrist, is known as the nuclear football.  Represented as a case with a football shape, in this image, the “nuclear football” is a briefcase the President of the United States is to use to authorize a nuclear attack when he, or she, is away from a fixed command center, such as when the President is on Air Force One.

Panel 6:  Vice President Ford became known as an awkward President thanks to a regular skit performed by Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live.  An accomplished athlete, Ford’s reputation as a klutz was motivated by unfortunate instances caught on tape, such as when he stumbled down the steps of Air Force One in Austria, similar to what is depicted here