Says dumb
A head of state in a cockpit is a risk no one would allow. The film sells it with a speech, but it is a bad idea in every other way.
Why did the President fly a fighter jet in the final battle?
Independence Day
Independence Day (1996)
At 2:11:40
Verdict: Guilty. 61% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: President Whitmore is established as a former fighter pilot, and the film uses it as the story's morale moment.
Guilty
61% dumb39% explained
1,400 votes
Dumbness rating
7.1/ 10(1,400 ratings)Plot armorLazy trope
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What happens in this scene
President Whitmore, a former fighter pilot, flies with the squadron in the final attack on the aliens. He leads the pilots in the final strike. The film treats it as a rousing moment.
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Reviews 2
Says explained
The film sets up that he is a former pilot and that he feels guilt about his decisions. It is a morale scene more than a tactical one.
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Actually, it’s explained
President Whitmore is established as a former fighter pilot, and the film uses it as the story's morale moment.
- DumbScenesStaff12 months ago
President Whitmore is established as a former fighter pilot, and the film uses it as the story's morale moment.
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Quick Fix
Fixes are written by people. The smallest change, in 200 characters or fewer, that would have fixed the scene. AI is used only for duplicate detection, length and moderation.
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Keep him on the ground with a headset, calling shots to the squadron. The speech stays and the country stays governed.
Would this fix it?70% say yes
late_to_credits2 months ago
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Also asked as
- Why was the President in the cockpit?
- Would a President really fly into battle?