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Home Front
Bush: "I'm with ya!"
2001-09-14
  • Ushered into the Oval Office, the quartet of senators expected only a brief, pro forma sit-down with a harried president. It was, after all, day three of the New World. The New York Democrats wanted $20 billion for their devastated city but doubted he'd commit to so large a number. The Republicans from Virginia, home to the Pentagon and the military elite, wanted to hear fighting words from the commander in chief but assumed the session was a photo op in the most nightmarishly momentous week since Pearl Harbor.

    THEY ALL GOT more than they bargained for. The meeting didn't last minutes, but half an hour. The president, relaxed and in control, drew Sen. Hillary Clinton into a warm, familial exchange. He treated Sen. Charles Schumer like a long-lost fraternity brother. As for their aid request, "I'm with ya," the president said eagerly—and it was approved by Congress the next day. The Virginians got promises of aid, too, and the warlike words all four senators yearned for. "When I take action," he said, "I'm not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It's going to be decisive." (By Howard Fineman NEWSWEEK)
    • Posted by:Fred Pruitt

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