Why has President Bush's demeanor changed so dramatically? Until this week, even after the tragic events, he projected an air of almost boundless confidence and even (arguably, depending on perception) arrogance.

Hyperlink: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,3-2001320701,00.html FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2001 Bush vows to triumph in century's 'first war' FROM ROLAND WATSON IN WASHINGTON PRESIDENT BUSH’S eyes filled with tears, his voice wavered and his upper lip trembled as he vowed yesterday to lead the world to victory over terrorism in the “first 21st-century war”. Declaring his resolve “steady and strong”, he said that the focus of his presidency would be diverted into a sustained campaign to “root out and to whip terrorism”.

In some of the most dramatic scenes witnessed publicly from the Oval Office, Mr Bush then brought his televised address to an abrupt halt, appearing to be on the verge of breaking down. He choked after being asked what kind of prayers he was making, and where his heart was.

“I don’t think about myself right now, I think about the families and children,” he said before turning away. Gathering himself after a pause, Mr Bush continued: “I’m a loving guy and I’m also someone, however, who’s just got a job to do, and I intend to do it, and this is a terrible moment.”

With his upper lip beginning to tremble and a quaver in his voice, he said: “But this country will not relent until we have saved ourselves and others from the terrible tragedy that came upon America.”

The exchanges with reporters followed a staged show of unity with New York’s leaders during which Mr Bush said that he would visit the city tomorrow. After criticism that he had kept a low profile since Tuesday, White House officials arranged the televised telephone conversation with Rudolph Giuliani, the Mayor of New York, and George Pataki, the Governor of New York state.

Mr Bush stood, hand in pocket and apparently relaxed, occasionally turning to look out of the windows over the South Lawn as he praised the efforts of rescue workers and talked about the “quiet anger” felt across America. Declaring that his country was now involved in the first war of the 21st century, he said: “The nation must understand this is now the focus of my Administration. We’re very much engaged in domestic policy, of course.

But now that war has been declared on us, we will lead the world to victory.”

Mr Bush spoke as he was given $20 billion (£13.6 million) by Congress to begin the fightback after Tuesday’s attacks. Leaders of the two parties were crafting a package that would give a broad scope for how the money should be spent. The Pentagon said a large slice of the money would be used to bring the Armed Forces “to the highest level of preparedness”.

Paul Wolfowitz, an Administration official, said the US military was working towards a sustained attack on terrorism, “not a single strike”. The $20 billion will be spent on investigating and pursuing those behind the suicide hijackers, tightening security throughout the US aviation system and the rescue effort.

Despite congressional balking at writing an open cheque, there was no quibbling about its size. Tom Daschle, the Democrat leader of the Senate, said that the money represented an emergency down payment and that Congress would be prepared to release more money in the coming months.

The decision effectively ensures that the Government will dip into the nation’s pension trust fund, something that Mr Bush had vowed not to do. Copyright 2001 Times Newspapers Ltd, Fair Use for Educational and Research Purposes Only

-- Robert Riggs (rxr.999@worldnet.att.net), September 14, 2001

Answers

We still don't know who did this, do we?

-- (perry@ofuzzy1.com), September 14, 2001.