Alberto Gonzales Recalls Being 2007 Designated Survivor In Case of Catastrophe at State of the Union
• Alberto Gonzales was the "designated survivor" for George W. Bush's 2007 State of the Union address, staying on a plane during the speech
• As designated survivor, Gonzales would become president if there was a catastrophic attack on the Capitol during the address
• Gonzales was briefed and given binders on protocols and procedures in case he had to take over as president
• The tradition of naming a designated survivor started in the 1950s to preserve government continuity
• Labor Secretary Marty Walsh was named the 2023 designated survivor, the 11th in line to the presidency