Obama, McCain: Pop Quiz, Hot Shots

As I drove into work today, my thoughts wandered through the Proustian myriad of baseball games and long naps that is the dog days of summer. Filtered, as they are, by the writer in me, I landed on August 6, 2001. I don't remember what I was doing that day, but I can guess. I had just accepted a job offer, and was waiting to commence my employment by attending orientation on September 10 and 11, in Newark, NJ. In the interim, I probably watched a lot of "Jerry Springer."

President Bush, as we all know, was vacationing in Crawford, Texas, and getting ready to deliver an address on restricting embryonic stem cell research. He was also probably recovering from the writer's cramp he got from preparing a signing statement on August 3, renewing ILSA. Some highlights:
... we are strengthening our efforts with other countries, whose cooperation is essential to pursuing the most effective approaches to solving the problems of proliferation and terrorism...

With respect to Iran, we continue to have serious concerns over its support for terrorism, opposition to the Middle East peace process, and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.
And, with terrorism fresh in his mind, there was that now-famous President's Daily Brief, "Bin Ladin Determined to Strike in US." Bush's response was to tell the briefer, "All right. You've covered your ass, now."

I think we can all agree that President Bush's reaction to the PDB was, at the least, inadequate. However, with the see-sawing arguments about our security during this election, experience vs. judgment, I would like to know what John McCain and Barack Obama would have done if either of them had received this memo.

It sounds like a softball, but I think an answer to that question would tell us a lot about the candidates.

It has become an accepted truism that, even had this warning been heeded, there is little chance the attacks of September 11, 2001, could have been stopped. Part of that acceptance is due to the fact that to believe otherwise would be sickening beyond measure.

I posed the question to both campaigns. I'll let you know if I get an answer, but in the meantime, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. What steps would you want your next president to take in that situation?

Recent Comments

(Page 1 of 1)
New Users

Current Users

Add your comments:

Latest Elections News Headlines

    No current headlines. Please try again later.

    Political Machine Photo Galleries

    Candidates' Favorite TV Shows
    Democrats Debate in Las Vegas
    Laura's Trip to Middle East
    Political Sex Scandals
    The Not-So Traditional 2008 Candidates
    Al Gore's Ups and Downs
    Spokespersons!
    Candidate Spouses

    Politics Video

    Security And Politics In Iraq

    Security And Politics In Iraq

    As the security situation improves In Iraq, there is still the question of political progress (September 5)
    Supporters: 'Palin Has a Record of Achievement'

    Supporters: 'Palin Has a Record of Achievement'

    Women supporting Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's vice presidential pick, gathered in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday to call for an end to 'sexism' in politics. (Sept. 3)
    Obama: No Time for 'small' Politics

    Obama: No Time for 'small' Politics

    At a campaign event in Michigan, presidential nominee Barack Obama said with Hurricane Gustav eyeing the Gulf Coast, there is no time for 'small' politics. (September 1)
    A Trip of the Political Side of the State Fair

    A Trip of the Political Side of the State Fair

    The Minnesota State Fair is not only a marching ground for the school band, but a place for old school retail politics. The AP's John Mone takes a look at how elections are won at this great American gathering. (Aug. 31)
    Mo Rocca 180 - More Than Just Joe Biden!!!

    Mo Rocca 180 - More Than Just Joe Biden!!!

    Mo Rocca 180 - More Than Just Joe Biden!!!
    « See More Politics Video
    Register to Vote with Declare Yourself

    Declare Yourself is a campaign that encourages young Americans to register and vote.

    REGISTER TO VOTE NOW AT:
    www.declareyourself.org