It's part of the job description, and right now Bush is failing miserably in that department.
I totally agree with this comment and the comments leading up to it.
"However, we sometimes want and expect our President to offer comforting words."
This ain't the time. There ARE no "comforting" words to be said at this point, other than to list the things that are being done. The president is doing that.
Frankly I think you need to get a grip.
Where are the adults here? Far too many here looking for their mommy/daddy and wanting Presidential lip biting. I prefer action myself. The only way he could have done this better would have been to shove the LA politicians out of the way last w/e.