I view this October 1992 moment differently than most.
I agree it was a moment that drew questions about whether or not GHWB was just going through the motions of a campaign.
I view it as a sign he had other more profitable and interesting things in mind.
But if Bill Clinton were to control the military and IC three months later, wouldn’t they have to be cut in on the deal?
“1992: George H.W. Bush checks the time”
“George H.W. Bush gets caught by the camera looking at his watch during 1992 presidential debate.”
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2012/10/01/debate-fun-bush-checks-watch.cnn
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hBrW2Pz9Iiw