[Pokey78]

Ping.

[LibKill]

"It is a god's burden to bear. Unfortunately it must be bourne by a man."

Thankfully we have GWB to bear this burden. It will take everything he has got. And he will give it.

[Cicero]

Good article. Extraordinary, in fact, for the Times and for this particular writer.

Frankly, it doesn't much matter whether they want to think Bush grew into the job. If that's the story they need in order to reassure themselves they they badly misunderstood the man, just as long as they recognize his capabilities now, that's what counts. The longer this war goes on, the harder it will be for them to pretend that Bush has gone back to being stupid again after it's over. I'm still seeing the stupid jokes from liberals, but they are getting scarcer every day.

[katherineisgreat]

God bless our President.
I am so thankful that he is President.
I can sleep without worrying about some new leftist idea.
I think Bush's integrity is making the average American regret Clinton and realize what a clown he was. (I could go on) And its so obvious the toll it has taken on him, and it makes me worried but over all, very very grateful.

[self_reliant]

What with the reports that Cheney is being kept at a distance because of the possibility of a suitcase nuke or dirty bomb, I constantly wonder whether the danger to Laura and others who surround him must not be weighing on him heavily.

[SirChas]

President Bush has already proved himself not only as a great leader, but also as a great man under enormous pressure. History will show him as one of the best.

It's funny to think that only a year ago all of the mess in Florida was going on.

[patriciaruth]

Thanks, pokey.

Ping for the rest.

[McGavin999]

The burden of sending American military into harms way must be horrendous. You know that he cares about each and every man who is over there, about to go over there, may someday have to go over there. You can see it on his face when he addresses the troops.

He is exactly the kind of leader our military deserves, and I am grateful that he's the CiC.

[MoJo2001]

My friends, I think back at last year at this time. I believed that it was so crucial and I know most of you did as well that George W. Bush take his rightfully elected position in the executive seat. However, little of us would have known that this tragedy has shown many that fought so hard last year as being very wise. I commend all of those in the Free Republic, TomG, Butterfly, OkieGirl, BigWaveBetty, christine11, and many others that stood firm in belief when even naysayers on our side were ready to give up. God has protected this wonderful land and I believe that since September 11th has continued to do so without any of us really knowing. God has put the correct man in the White House and May God be blessed by his humble servant that I proudly call my President. God Bless everyone!!

[smoothsailing]

Good Man Good Plan Go W.

[CrossCheck]

An excellent article, R. Berke or not. Who in their right mind would like to trade places with GW. Daschle, Leahy, et al look small in comparison. It's times like these when all Americans should have compassion for the occupant of the Oval Office. Compare GW's actions to Jimmy Carter's paralysis when he was confronted by crisis (Klintoon was an 8 year carnival sideshow and doesn't figure into Presidential comparisons). Stay strong GW.

[Doe Eyes]

I am very suspicious of a communist rag like the New York Times. Why are they publishing this? Build the President up to tear him down later? This sort of thing really worries me.

[Slapper]

A sense of humour is vital, even in times such as these. If we stop laughing, it is then that our enemy has won.

[cactusSharp]

this is about the sorriest example of me tooism and look at the comments...This rag of a fishwrap still has its rewrite history soundbites,with allusions to maturation,jocular comments and Jimmy Carter. If for one second this liberal socialist paper and writer could find even a slight tinge in the armor that is W,that is what would be in this stories place this very second. After all ,a paper,just like a whore,has to get by doesn't she ?

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

I saw the President today and his hair is indeed turning markedly grayer. And the lines in his forhead have deepened. But it is clear that his inner joy and peace have grown, not flown. I know Laura's inner strength, beauty, and calm have helped him so much. For such a time as this - President George W. Bush was born. May God continue to give him the strength and protection he needs. No man could bear this burden alone. Thank God that He has given America this President his wife, his parents, his children, and many millions who love him and are praying for him and for all our leaders at this time. Together we will not fail, nor falter, Mr. President. We will not let you. And you will not let us.

[Verginius Rufus]

Berke is a twit, but if he can manage to write a mostly favorable article about President Bush, I'll take it. One of the reasons Lincoln was a more effective President than Jefferson Davis was that he had an excellent sense of humor whereas Davis was thin-skinned.

Gore nearly succeeded in stealing the election by throwing out military votes; he started his campaign in January 2000, during a debate with Bill Bradley, asserting that he would require the Joint Chiefs to agree that gays could serve openly in the military. He had to back down a bit on that issue but he clearly saw military effectiveness as less important than social engineering or pandering to political interest groups. We were luckier than we could realize at the time when Gore conceded a year ago.

[BlessedBeGod]

Mr. Bush's advisers insisted that he was quite engaged in the day-to- day war operations. But they conceded that he was not by nature as hands-on as presidents like Jimmy Carter, who during the Iranian hostage crisis was involved with such details as the number of helicopters needed for a rescue mission.

Thank God -- a president who doesn't micro-manage. What a concept!

[BlessedBeGod]

I'm grateful to God that GWB has a wonderful wife and two wonderful parents to support him through all of this.

And the fact that his father used to be president, vice-president, head of the CIA, and an ambassador means that he can go to his father and his father truly understands what his son is going through.

[VA Advogado]

"But somebody described him as the least neurotic person on the planet, and I think that's true.

Unlike that thing that previously occupied the White House.

[GretchenEE]

"My personal view is that complexity in a leader is not a helpful thing," Representative Blunt said, "and certainly not a helpful thing in a crisis."

Interesting observation -- I believe Blunt is referring to the Truman-like quality of W, as stated by Gov. Rowland, "What you see is what you get." Keeps his aides and advisors from trying to have to figure out what he wants.

somebody described him as the least neurotic person on the planet, and I think that's true. In terms of the big picture he has a sense of buoyancy, of calm, of focus, which comes in handy in a situation like this where it can be very easy to get confused and scared."

How reassuring!

owf, thx for the flag.