I hear you. Ironically, though, the impression that our government can survive a nuclear exchange is what has kept us out of one for six decades. We have invested a lot of money and continue to throw money at nuclear survivability long after the end of the Cold War. Anyone been to Offutt recently and seen the big new ditch they are digging?
Air Force one is what it is for many reasons. I think only the Saudis have a sweeter exec transport, and I am guessing it doesn't have many of the bells and whistles that make af1 what it is.
I would hate to see the final price tag on the new af1 after all the gold plating and requirements creep that are going to go into that thing. They couldn't even manufacture a new presidential helo without going grossly over budget and getting the program yanked.