2012-2013 Presidential election period national security considerations and options

"Security-related implications are of concern in the lead-up to a Presidential election. These concerns are present when it is known there will be a change of Administration or in cases where the sitting president is running for re-election against an opponent vying for the office. A prospective presidential transition period -- ranging from candidate's campaign-related activities through placement of new Administration personnel -- is a unique time in American politics and holds the promise of opportunity as well as a real or perceived vulnerability to the nation's security interests. On a given day the outgoing Administration has the ability to change the policies of a nation and possibly affect the international security environment, yet the following day the President and the national security leadership team may be replaced by a new set of leaders who could have very different strategy and policy goals. This political dynamic, coupled with the inherent uncertainty accompanying a presidential transfer of power, may provide an opportunity for those who wish to harm U.S. security interests. Unlike other man-made incidents that may occur with little warning, the presidential election period offers a broadly defined time frame in which an enemy of the United States may decide to undertake an incident of national security significance to manipulate the electoral process or change the nation's foreign and domestic policies."

"2012-2013 Presidential election period national security considerations and options"