space-weapons
Explanation
The Joke
A person stands at a podium, apparently giving a policy presentation, and rattles off a long, detailed, and entirely correct list of reasons why space-based weapons are impractical: lasers require too much chemical fuel per shot, rockets in orbit cannot aim quickly enough, too many satellites would be needed, missiles are actually better launched from the ground, and deflecting asteroids is expensive, risky, easy to detect, and would probably kill everyone. After this thorough and accurate technical demolition, the audience member (or perhaps a general) simply responds, "I don't wanna!" The bottom caption reads, "This is why I shouldn't be president."
The comic depicts the frustrating disconnect between rational policy analysis and emotional decision-making in politics. No matter how comprehensive and correct the technical argument against a pet project may be, it can be overridden by someone in power who simply does not want to hear it. The self-aware caption suggests the speaker knows their own childish stubbornness disqualifies them from leadership.
The Humor
The humor lies in the whiplash between the extremely detailed, competent technical analysis and the petulant, childlike response. The speaker has clearly done their homework and presents an airtight case, but the decision-maker's response -- "I don't wanna!" -- renders all of that expertise irrelevant. The self-deprecating caption adds another layer: the speaker acknowledges that even they would make irrational decisions if given power, despite knowing better. It is a commentary on how space weapons (like Reagan's "Star Wars" SDI program) capture the imagination regardless of their practicality.
References
The comic likely alludes to various real-world proposals for space-based weapons systems, including Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI, nicknamed "Star Wars") from the 1980s, and ongoing debates about space militarization. The specific technical objections mentioned in the comic are all genuine criticisms that have been raised by defense analysts and physicists.