[ican'tbelieveit]

And it is not likely that most of the people who are affected will have the opportunity to hear or see him speak. Or even know he is going to speak.

[Peach]

Good point.

CNN reporting that both Canadian and US officials have reached a concensus that the cause of the power outage is likely a lightening strike.

[Republican Red]

And if he didn't speak he'd be criticized for being insensitive to the needs of the country. Left/Media would attack him for being too busy with fundraisers and vacation to take the time out to comfort the nation.

Times have changed since 9/11. I've been following this thread from the beginning. There are some real tin-foil-hat theories out there. I think it is quite proper and necesary to tell the nation (not just those affceted) what is going on - even if it is "everything is ok".