Here's the theory: a two-bit mook is sent by Al Qaeda to do a dastardly deed. He winds up neutering himself. Literally.Authorities respond appropriately; the president (as this president is wont to to) presides over the federal response. His senior aides speak for him, letting reporters know that he's videoconferencing regularly, that he's ordering a review of terrorist watch lists, that he's discoursing with his secretary of Homeland Security.But an in-person Obama statement isn't needed; Indeed, a message expressing command, control, outrage and anger might elevate the importance of the deed
This is what I admire about President Obama. As much as some of his laid-back, seemingly passive style drives me insane on issues I care about (ahem, health care) it's the opposite reaction hereabouts to his tone on our 24/7 "breaking news!" world. The President did this exactly in key, panicked no one, and gave the incident the level of response it deserved. Yeah, the TSA seems to be going overboard in its response (no standing during the last hour of flight, no electronics, closed toilets etc.) but at least the executive branch did no ideological posing. And you know who had to hate that? Al Qaeda's PR team.
