A couple of questions about the US / Russia hotline…
First, various sources state that it was first used by the US on the day of Kennedy’s assassination. However, nowhere I’ve found says what message might have been sent. Does anyone know? (I assume is was, “Hey, our president was just shot, did you do it?”, but I’d like an actual GQ answer…)
Second, is it still tested hourly in now? Various places say that it was, but none I’ve found says whether it still is.
And FWIW, it was not an actual telephone (red or any other color) – it was a teletype line with the communications in writing.
A lot of American military forces went on alert when Kennedy was shot. I assume somebody thought it would be a good idea to tell the Soviets why there was all this unexpected military activity less they jump to conclusions.
Is it really still needed now? I thought the president could just DM Putin on Twitter?
Suppose Vlad twitter-blocks Donnie ?