of strike that Putin is now threatening in the Ukraine. He obviously plans rigged elections, and then can use that as cover for using a limited nuclear strike for anyone counter-attacking in those regions rather than losing the war there. If the US has subs nearby that can send in a similar limited response strike (minimal warning time as well), there is an option that helps avoid the ICBM's which when launched would risk WWIII as Russia weighs it's options while they are in flight. Putin KNOWS that the US won't send in ICBM's over this, he doesn't know the same about a lesser quick strike with an equal weapon to that which he used.
I agree that this is not something I would ever want used, but Putin has to be held in check with power and thret. I do agree that with Biden, the whole thing is likely pointless because Putin already knows that he won't do anything. But with a strong future president, it would hold his hand.
This is not stupid. it is a view held by many, and you know it. A spectrum of varying degeees of nuclear response for a spectrum of threats.