<Li> The reality that all figures in the current line of succession work and reside in the vicinity of Washington, D.C. In the event of a nuclear, chemical, or biological attack, it is possible that everyone on the list would be killed or incapacitated . </Li> <Li> Doubt that congressional leaders are eligible to act as president . </Li> <Li> A concern about the wisdom of including the President pro tempore in the line of succession as the "largely honorific post traditionally held by the longest - serving Senator of the majority party". For example, from January 20, 2001, to June 6, 2001, the President pro tempore was then - 98 - year - old Strom Thurmond of South Carolina . </Li> <Li> A concern that the current line of succession can force the presidency to abruptly switch parties mid-term, as the president, Speaker, and the President pro tempore are not necessarily of the same party as each other . </Li>

Who becomes vice president if he dies in office