If there was a protocol, it almost certainly would include a quick removal of the President to a safe location.
Although it does not disqualify Bush from consideration for election as President, it was a damning moment. Most, if not all, people would have left, if only because of a strong sense of curiosity. Men of action would be demanding information. Leaders would realize a number of things, including: am I endangering these kids as a potential target? what if this is a coordinated attack that requires quick decisions, such as shooting down passenger jets? I need to get to a secure location where I can get information, communicate with command, and potentially communicate with the nation.
Bush failed on all of the above. Since I doubt that the 'plan' would be for Bush to sit tight, I come to the conclusion that he froze in the headlights. Fortunately for the nation, it did not matter, but it could have. |
