Herbst talks about the similar views of Robert McNamara and Richard Nixon on the use of an anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system in strategic defense by the United States. He cites McNamara‘s belief that the U.S. is incapable of nuclear superiority, and thus must employ an ABM to defend itself. An ABM system would enable defense against China, and protection for U.S. domestic military forces (i.e., Minuteman missiles).

Contrary to this view, Percy argues that we wasted billions of dollars on obsolete defense strategies, and that mutual deterrence between the Soviet Union and the U.S. already exists. He stresses that before a deployment of an ABM is chosen, U.S.-Soviet talks should occur. Percy believes that tax dollars would be better spent on other areas of military research, or perhaps better schools and urban development.