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Home Front
Bush's timing off?
2001-09-15
  • YOU may recall that George W. Bush was nearly six months into his presidency before he decided that New York City was worth a few hours of his time. He arrived in July, not sounding too thrilled. Someone asked how he liked the city. "It's a beautiful day," Mr. Bush replied. You didn't get an impression that he was about to volunteer his services for the next batch of "I H New York" commercials.

    No one would have been surprised if that was the last time we saw this president. Who could really blame him? When you lose the state by about 25 percentage points in the last election, and the city by even more, you are not likely to beg your travel office to book you a return trip.

    Now we know what it takes to get Mr. Bush back, nothing less than the most devastating terrorist attack in American history.

    Don't misunderstand. It was necessary and important that the president came yesterday. The tireless, valorous rescue workers standing on the rain-soaked muck that used to be the World Trade Center were heartened by his visit. So were many other New Yorkers, maybe most.

    But more than a few said they felt that Mr. Bush's timing was off. In the home of the New York minute — which means, what, 32 seconds? — some wanted to know why it took him so long. (NYT By CLYDE HABERMAN)
    • Posted by:Fred Pruitt

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