President to Address Nation from Oval Office This Afternoon, Condolences to Israel PM

CBS News ^ | February 1, 2003 | John Roberts at the Whitehouse

[ewing]

President Bush will address the nation from the Oval Office on the Columbia tragedy, after calling the Prime Minister of Israel to give his condolences.

There have already been mid level diplomatic exchanges of sorrow between the two nations.

[ewing]

Also can serve as a live press conference thread if need be.

[areafiftyone]

They are showing the motorcade going into the George Wasington Parkway.

[homeschool mama]

**Also can serve as a live press conference thread if need be.

Thank you.

[KantianBurke]

Bush will say the right things regarding today's events and how our country should handle this tragedy. That said...

I sincerely hope Bush closes up his speech on an uplifting note by declaring that the US will be back in space soon, will have lofty timed goals such as a mission to Mars as well as a redoubled determination to go off into the stars. Something tangible for people to grit their teeth and work towards! Ensure this wasnt invain

[Freeper Lady]

Yes,

Ad astra per aspera.

[McGavin999]

You are exactly right. When you are doing dangerous things to advance mankind, things are going to happen, sometimes wonderous things, sometimes tragic things. It's all part of being in the front. It's safer to be among the herd, safe and dull, but when you are on the edge things are going to happen. We mourn these seven souls, but we should also celebrate the fact that we have people like this who are willing to risk it all for a glimpse of the unknown.

They are in God's hands now.

[rs79bm]

What time?

[homeschool mama]

It is an act of consideration and respect to contact Sharon with condolences. After that, he will offer condolences to the USA as a whole, on national television. I see nothing wrong with that.

[homeschool mama]

Well put...thanks.

[jwfiv]

I say, ol' chap, that's rather snotty of you.

You might think about keeping those arrows in your quiver while all our hearts are full of sorrow.

[KantianBurke]

Ad astra per aspera

pardon? Forgive me as I'm quite ignorant of Latin

[BohDaThone]

To the stars (astra), through adversity (aspera).

[Petronski]

Regarding your photo: it should be done.

[The Iguana]

There's a reason why Soyuz flights are so cheap.

I'd rather not risk my life on one.

The Soviets had quite a few mishaps with their program - they just weren't publicized.

That said, I hope this gives a new impetus to development of the next generation orbiter program. These shuttles aren't getting any younger - and much of the basic technology an design is as old as I am.

[Catspaw]

As usual, your hatred towards Israel seems to be the only thing that drives your comment on this tragedy. Had you noticed, you would've realized that there were seven astronauts on board. Six were American citizens. One was an Israeli. Did you expect the president to call Yassir Arafat?

[Bogey78O]

I have the shuttle flying manual I got from Space Camp as a kid. These things looked like something that you'd play old Atari games on.

We can and will do better after this.

[3D-JOY]

That just seems silly!

Would you have had him call himself to give his condolences to Americans first?