Peggy Noonan: Back With a Roar

Opinion Journal ^ | 09/13/2002 | Peggy Noonan

[Pokey78]

George W. Bush is back, big time. In fact with a roar.

He seemed to lie low this summer, but Wednesday he re-emerged to lead the nation and stand for all it has been through this year. He spoke of mourning and memory, of our purpose and our plans. He was inspiriting.

[Pokey78]

Pinging the Peggy list!

[Rokke]

I think I'm in love with Peggy Noonan. She is awesome.

[woofie]

Peggy is the best

[Zack Nguyen]

Frankly, I don't know how Bush can stand in front of the U.N. and deliver a well-reasoned speech. The only thing I want to say to the U.N. can't be repeated on family television.

[JulieRNR21]

Did you see him with the families of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, and then with the mourners in New York, at Ground Zero? He was a genuine comfort. A genuine one. He understood it was about them and not him, and in each case he gave the families what they signaled they needed. If they wanted to talk he stopped and talked; when they wanted to hug him and weep, he took them in his arms. He was there to serve, to give and to represent.

Even now, two years after the previous president, it is still a relief--an enormous relief--to have a president who doesn't make every event a sickness-tinged drama in which he simulates emotions he does not feel and draws the cameras with the heat of his need, his persona, his never-sated ego. Smarmy bathos is gone. Thanks again, God.

[McGavin999]

Thanks Pokey, excellent as always.

I think it won't be long until the entire world is falling all over themselves trying to get onboard.

[baseballmom]

We lead, and for the good of the world

They had their chance, they did not lead ... we will.

Peggy's got it just right. Thanks for the ping Pokey.

[wardaddy]

I love Peggy but I could give a rat's ass what the UN thinks. Was Milosevic a bigger threat than Saddam? Hardly and we cleaned him up all to help our beloved Islamic friends. Great.

[I still care]

Mr. Bush believes America is different among nations, invented on the basis of what is, literally, a heavenly idea: God created all men equal, and they must therefore move through the world, through life, with equal rights. We are uniquely blessed, uniquely situated between the oceans, uniquely the natural home of those born elsewhere who yearn to be free. And so we have special responsibilities, and a special role: We lead, and for the good of the world.

This is what I keep trying to explain to the liberals I know, and they don't get it. Thanks to Peggy for explaining it so neatly.

[Fiddlstix]

Bttt

[It's me]

Can I be on the Peggy List? Thanks!

[ThePythonicCow]

Thanks, Pokey. Thanks, Peggy. Thanks, W. And thank-you, God.

[Pokey78]

Sure!

And someone else asked me yesterday to be on the list, but I forgot to add them. Whomever you are, ask again, and I'm sorry.

[Fenris6]

And someone else asked me yesterday...

Me too! Please.

Peggy Noonan is our Athena.

I would give my right arm to be able to write like her.

[SuziQ]

Even now, two years after the previous president, it is still a relief--an enormous relief--to have a president who doesn't make every event a sickness-tinged drama in which he simulates emotions he does not feel and draws the cameras with the heat of his need, his persona, his never-sated ego. Smarmy bathos is gone. Thanks again, God.

AMEN!! Thanks for the ping!

[RJCogburn]

Do I think he "made the case" for U.S. action against Iraq? I think he made a first and serious one but not the final one

That's about right.

[FryingPan101]

Thanks for the Peggy-ping, Pokey. She is awesome.

[Elkiejg]

Oh Julie - you made by cry - again - with this picture. I watched our President and First Lady on 9/11 and what brought me to tears every time was their compassion and caring attitude with the families. So genuine - what a refreshing change that a real human being is in office.

[RWG]

Chris Matthews asked last night if Mr. Bush was "a cowboy." He is not.

I have known cowboys, I know about Mr. Bush, Sir, Mr. Bush is a cowboy and a great one.