I can't recall the President's exact words but it was something to the effect: "I'm not going to fire off cruise missiles at an empty tent in the desert just to hit a camel in the arse."
Therein is the difference between the two administrations.
Summary of eRumor:
The message says that after the terrorist attacks on America, President Bush was asked why it was taking so long to take action against the terrorists. Bush is said to have replied, "When I take action I'm not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt."
The Truth:
According to Newsweek reporter Howard Fineman, this is true. In the 9/24/01 issue, Fineman says this statement was made in the Oval Office at the White House during a meeting with the president and four U.S. Senators.
Fineman says Mr. Bush briefed them on plans for action against the terrorists and said, "“When I take action, I’m not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It’s going to be decisive.”
**Little known fact: the senator who asked the question "What are you going to do about what has happened at the World Trade Center" was Hillary Clinton.
(Just imagine her head exploding when he said that.)