"The White House has prepared more than a dozen contingency plans to help guide President-elect Barack Obama if an international crisis erupts in the opening days of his administration, part of an elaborate operation devised to smooth the first transition of power since Sept. 11, 2001." —New York Times

Bush Contingency Plans

  • Terror attack: fly around nation aimlessly for hours, look scared in brief television appearance. Days later, stand on rubble, invade Iraq.
  • Major natural disaster: have wacky guitar-playing photo-op. Days later, have really concerned-looking face photo-op.
  • Financial crisis: let Barack Obama handle it.