Some of the intelligence came from Club Gitmo

[TheExtraPoint]

Maybe my perspective is skewed by what I think of Obama and what I think he believes but put that aside why go today lay wreath? I can see doing it on the anniversary or something, but why today? Seriously why today?

I think because this is an extremely significant moment in history, especially for the families of those who perished on 9/11. It's also significant for the volunteers who sacrificed so much on that date, and for really the nation as a whole. It's also an opportunity to reinforce to all of those people the fact that what transpired on September 11th is as much a part of our lives on May 5th as it is on the anniversary itself.

If you're asking what is his motivation, personally I think it's to honor the fallen, not get more votes. I don't believe that an American president laying a wreath at ground zero is the type of ground-breaking stuff that makes a person more electable. Quite the contrary, I think it's pretty much expected, or should be.

He'll be re-elected or not on the basis of his merits. This is a small part of that bigger picture, and speaks more to him on a human level (where I think he best resonates) rather than on a political one.

I'd imagine we will have to agree to disagree on his intentions?

[NCRAVEN]

We'll just have to agree to disagree here. HE has never gone there before, never. Killing Osama is somehow a good reason to go? Not buying it, if he randomly has gone there in the past because that day has deeply affected him, than I could see this being another day. But I don't see how killing Osama and laying a wreath to remember the victims go together.

[TheExtraPoint]

Now Obama directs the military and CIA to find Osama and they do. He makes maybe one of the most gutsiest decisions in contemporary times. He something went wrong, his presidency would be over. If you worry about politicking, take a moment to think about that decision.

If would have been the "proof" needed to validate that "inexperienced, soft on defense" company line. We would never hear the end of it. But since a black, Muslim, Foreign, Anti-Christ, fraudulent academic, communist America-hating President like Obama was the president who (in part) accomplished it, it will no doubt quickly fade from the minds of Republicans. On to the next gripe.

And that's the nature of discourse in this country. What is perceived as right or wrong corresponds almost infallibly with one's party affiliation.

The reality of being president is that this is just one drop in the bucket of responsibility. Combating the threats this nation faces is a serious burden, and those threats remain even after OBL's death. He was a horrendous man, but by no means a failure given his agenda. Quite the contrary.

It went flawlessly and less than 24 hours later. People are criticizing him. Take a moment to think back to 9-11-01 and how you would have felt if "W" got Osama shortly therafter.

Probably quite similar to the way I feel today. Sad to know a man like OBL could ever exist, happy to know that he no longer does, and grateful to any and all who brought about his demise.

How we feel is all about how we see. Sometimes we need to work on how we see.

Very well said.

[NCRAVEN]

And that's the nature of discourse in this country. What is perceived as right or wrong corresponds almost infallibly with one's party affiliation.

No truer words have ever been spoken. Which goes to say the praises of Obama can be equally... unfair(for lack of a better word), as the criticism.

[TheExtraPoint]

NC:

I hope you'll devote ten minutes to watching this video (most notably starting at minute 7:00 if you are short on time). Maybe it will encourage you to reconsider your view on the President's visit to ground zero.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540...17969#42917969

[NCRAVEN]

I think this video somehow in a weird way justifies both or points. I can't help but hear how the host talks about that was in "iconic" moment for Bush, like he is somehow suggesting Obama going there today will be an iconic moment in his presidency. And asking the firefighter to compare the visits etc, I can't help but feel this event (death and visit) are being politicized, which is why I respect Bush's decision not to go.

Than I hear the Firefighter talk about how Osama being killed brings a little closure and so forth, I agree the death of Osama does do that. And he appreciated Obama coming there, that's good.

I still have a tough time with Obama going there today. He has never gone before, has he met with 9/11 families before ( I honestly don't know). The host said it wasn't a victory lap, it kinda looked like one to me. Obama said he didn't want to spike the football by showing death photo's than seemingly goes and spikes the football in NY. Was he celebrating Bin Laden's death? cause nothing else happened for him to go lay that wreath 9 /12 years later..

[Galen Sevinne]

I think it is reasonable to say Obama was there because the death of Bin Laden brings some closure for the families and people who found themselves personally affected by 9-11. Obama is now inextricably linked to that circle now. I am sure it was comforting to some of the people there to have him at Ground Zero. He is the leader of our nation and it is the leader's responsibility to be present at such events. It helps people feel supported.

I heard about a dozen people interviewed and each one spoke exactly to that purpose and some spoke about wanting to thank the President.

Ironically I recall over the last year or so many liberals sarcastically addressing the constant criticism of Obama from the right by saying, "Obama could kill Osama and the right would find a reason to complain"

Sadly that that seemingly hyperbolic statement has come true. How sad for this country and its people.

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[NCRAVEN]

He says this complainging about Obama not given a chance by Republicans but previously said

I think it is reasonable to say Obama was there because the death of Bin Laden brings some closure for the families and people who found themselves personally affected by 9-11. Obama is now inextricably linked to that circle now. I am sure it was comforting to some of the people there to have him at Ground Zero. He is the leader of our nation and it is the leader's responsibility to be present at such events. It helps people feel supported.

I heard about a dozen people interviewed and each one spoke exactly to that purpose and some spoke about wanting to thank the President.

Ironically I recall over the last year or so many liberals sarcastically addressing the constant criticism of Obama from the right by saying, "Obama could kill Osama and the right would find a reason to complain"

Sadly that that seemingly hyperbolic statement has come true. How sad for this country and its people.

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This:

Obama did not kill Osama...the fact that ONLY 89% think it was the miltary that killed him is sad. Now I could see how some might think there were CIA operatives pulling the trigger but I am pretty sure we can agree safely that Obama didn't pull the trigger. This is really a poorly worded poll.

Obama came into office and told Panetta to make it his priority to find Osama so they more or less reopened the case. In a short time they found him and presented plans to Obama who made the "executive" decision.

You are worried about 16 hours? I guess you would say he was "dithering" right? I am fine with our President taking the time he needed to make the right decision. You can disagree but guess what? You are wrong and Obama was right as indicated by the results and the rejuvenated spirit of Americans.

I guess the good news is that if it took Obama 16 hours to make the right decisions we can both wonder what the F was Dubbs doing for 7.5 years?

Talk about dithering.

Spare us your BS Galen. You are the most partisan person on here. I've called you a partisan hack before and you've happily admitted to it. If you ever wanna talk issues with respect for others and partisanship aside like THE EP, you'll get treated the same.