"Potential Explosive Device"

[Driller]

So the Secret Service intercepts several "Potential Explosive Devices".

What in the world is that? Seems to me it is either an explosive device or it is not.

Does "potential" mean if might have worked if it was assembled differently? Looking for enlightenment.

[Ytmsn]

What I'm trying to figure out is how they got ALL of them on the same day, delivered to several different addresses, using the USPS? Seriously? I can't get a letter delivered within a week across town. Did the bomber use tracking numbers? Something isn't right about this whole deal. I'm just glad no one was hurt.