Revealed: what really went on during Bush's 'missing hours'

Telegraph - UK ^ | 12/16/01 | William Langley

[Quilla]

This is about half of the entire article. Although it appears to be a complete account, the tone doesn't sit well with me. Click the link above for complete article.

[bulldog905]

I thought GWB came off very well in the article.

What was it about the tone that bothered you?

The Telegraph is a solidly conservative paper, that is a friend of the United States.

[marvlus]

I agree with you. I wonder if there isn't some fiction to this story, as well.

[billhilly]

Whoever did this isn't going to like having me as President."

[Quilla]

Maybe I'm too over-protective of our President, but several things bothered me.

This comment about Powell:

On the eight-hour flight back, he told reporters that he would be contacting world leaders in the days to come. But it would be 10 hours before he was able to speak directly to his own leader, President Bush.

Also, this:

No one is sure where the story reported at this time of a "credible terrorist threat" to Air Force One came from. What can be safely said is that it served the White House's immediate purposes, even though it was completely untrue.

I'm thinking I read somewhere that there was indeed a credible threat to Air Force One. I could be wrong and like I said, I'm over-protective. My defensive stance may be due to Jennings' ludicrous comments that day.

[backhoe]

Then he called Mr Cheney on a secure line to the PEOPS and spoke in a similar vein. "Somebody's going to pay for this," Mr Bush coldly told the Vice President. "We are going to take care of them. Whoever did this isn't going to like having me as President."

Sounds OK to me....

[bulldog905]

I see where you are coming from.

If there was an imminent nuclear attack on our nation, the last place I would like our commander in chief to be, would be Washington, D.C.

Aside from that one part (which is still in dispute, despite what the article says) I thought GWB came out as firm, decisive, and as a leader up to running the country in a time of national emergency.

[Delta 21]

I realise I'm the Commander in Chief and the country has just come under attack."

Imagine the thought process of "President" Gore at this time. What a shuddering thought!!

You can bet there was probly at least an hour spent in humble praise of GOD, asking for the strength and wisdom to carry out "what we're all paid for".

GOD BLESS PRESIDENT BUSH.

Delta 21

[Quilla]

Amen!

[Caipirabob]

"I guess we're at war," he said as the plane readied for take off. While his aides looked at him open-mouthed, he added: "This is what we're paid for, boys."

This man is going to become a legend. His quiet, earthy, homegrown dignity is like a fresh breeze following the stench of eight years of Bubbah C.

I can't even comprehend how fortunate we are to have GW instead of Al "Whines like a little girl" Gore.

[sit-rep]

The tone is as any tone from any news source. The ones who do not know(anything) will always specutlate, assuming they do.

Don't let it eat at you...just consider the source. I for one cant imagine any other scenario. What was W supposed to do? Land in the FO and run out of Airforce One with an M-4?

Don't sweat it.

SR

[okiedust]

I thought the article on balance was good, but I do see what you mean about the inference that the president didn't return to Washington was because he was afraid. It's part of the story of that day, however, because the press made it so, and must be mentioned. I just wish it were mentioned in the context, of say: "The press, never friendly to the president raised questions early on as to the president's whereabouts. This was an unecessary and ill timed distraction at a time of severe crisis." No that would be a fair description of the medias part in the events of the day, can't have that can we?

Otherwise, he appears to be strong and unafraid and it comes over in the article.

regards

[cardinal4]

I can't even comprehend how fortunate we are to have GW instead of Al "Whines like a little girl" Gore.

Amen,brother

[Quilla]

A fair description from the media - what a novel ideal. Had this attack occurred under Clinton's watch, I'm certain the press would have acted in a similar 'fair' manner. Imagine the following:

Actual story:

Bill Clinton, after arriving at a local Florida high school, spotted a particularly attractive possible conquest in the audience. He dispatched a secret service agent to get the pertinent information on the young lady and he was informed that she was one Diane West, a teacher's aide. Mr. Clinton has his minions invite the young lady for a tour of Air Force One where she was quickly whisked. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Clinton was notified of the attacks on America, all pandamonium ensued, and the president was spirited away, to destinations unknown. Ms. West was still aboard the aircraft.

Reported story:

Bill Clinton heads West.

[sneakypete]

This man is going to become a legend.

You are right. No doubt he will be known to future generations as "Franklin Roosevelt,part-2". Who knows what he is going to come up with that tops his "Office of Reich Security",or his "Patriot's Act"?

[nothingnew]

ouch.

FMCDH

[Go Gordon]

From Barksdale, Mr Bush spoke again to Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, and also to Charles Schumer, a New York senator.

I wonder why he didn't call the other NY Senator. :0)

[JBBooks]

Thanks for the post. Great reading!

It infuriates me when I hear anyone insinuate any degree of cowardice or lack of leadership regarding the President's movements that day.

It is clear our first goal is to protect the President, Vice-President and other top officials during a national attack. Nothing would further the terrorists aims more than to be able to eliminate the top level of our government early on.

The President, and those sworn to protect him, did EXACTLY as they should have during the early hours of this crisis. Our government survived intact and that enabled us to strike back as soon as we did.

By the way, the President's quote of "Whoever did this isn't going to like having me as President." is now on my screen saver.

[usconservative]

Then he called Mr Cheney on a secure line to the PEOPS and spoke in a similar vein. "Somebody's going to pay for this," Mr Bush coldly told the Vice President. "We are going to take care of them. Whoever did this isn't going to like having me as President."

Spot on Mr. President. But the American people *love* you.

Lets Roll!!