DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003) - full transcript
Scheduled to air shortly before the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks, DC 9/11 takes an inside look at the Bush Administration, beginning with the day of the attacks, and following the President's journey to Ground Zero, culminating with his now famous national address nine days after the attacks. The film covers the many difficult decisions and tasks faced by the President and his staff as they were challenged by the possibility of the "first war of the 21st Century." Eschewing their own feelings and healing process, the President and his team instead tended to the needs of a wounded country. Based on real life accounts the docudrama will interweave actual footage from these haunting events.
[jet engine roaring]
>> Goodness gracious.
[chuckles]
Must be something here I'm just
not communicating.
>> No, Mr. Secretary.
We understand how much you want
to revamp the Department of
Defense.
You've made that very clear.
I guess we're not communicating
our problem.
Lack of available funds.
Both political parties are
committed to a Social Security
lockbox.
>> Well, Social Security is
a wonderful thing, Congressman,
but without national security,
it won't be much use.
>> That's, uh-- That's pretty
dramatic.
>> No doubt.
But be clear, gentlemen.
We've got North Koreans
launching missiles.
We had an attack on the World
Trade Center in 1993.
Then the USS Cole, the East
African Embassy bombings, the
Khobar Towers.
There's a war going on out
there.
Now, it's in slow motion, but
it's real.
And there's no reason to believe
that the people responsible for
these events have decided to
take up new careers.
There's bound to be more.
>> More?
Can you be specific?
>> [chuckling]
Not at this moment.
But mark my words, there'll be
something.
Yeah.
An event.
And we-- you and I-- don't want
to be on the wrong side of that
event.
Our military must be
transformed, made ready for this
new world, or we'll be very much
on the wrong side, Social
Security lockbox or not.
>> ♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh...
♪ Ooh... ooh... ooh...
♪♪
[children laughing and
chattering]
>> Thing is, you don't pronounce
that "E," but there's a reason
it's there.
So, Cindy, can you say that
word?
[pager buzzing]
>> Game.
>> No, so everyone can hear it.
>> Game.
>> Yeah, see?
[chuckling]
Bunch of good readers here, huh?
>> Yeah.
>> A second plane has hit the
second tower.
America is under attack.
>> Say that word for me?
>> Game.
>> Guess you know why that E's
at the end of that word.
It all begins with reading.
I think you've all done a
terrific job.
>> Mr. President, are you
aware--
>> We're gonna talk about that
later.
Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
[reporters chattering]
>> I would imagine, uh, what we
just saw was a twin engine--
It appeared to be a twin-engine
jetliner.
>> This is clearly deliberate.
>> A chilling, chilling horrible
scene that we just saw.
...the World Trade Center
the very soul and the very
heart of our nation, Joe.
>> A twin-engine jet...
>> Al Qaeda?
>> Is it true?
>> ...people work in these
buildings each and every day.
It happened right at 9:00 A.M.
A good number of those folks
were already at their desks.
[chatter]
...the plane slamming into the
second building.
Look at it.
It's coming in from the side,
coming low, hitting the building
about in the middle.
Folks, uh, you see the pictures.
It looks like Hollywood, but
this is real.
[sirens wailing]
>> Roger that.
That's been confirmed, ma'am.
Both towers.
We understand Senator Kennedy is
standing by.
>> Well, the hearing will of
course be postponed.
We can testify about education
initiatives another day.
But we'll continue
on to the Hill.
>> Postponement notwithstanding?
>> Absolutely.
This is a day to stay orderly.
We'll appear with Senator
Kennedy and...
and explain to the press.
It'll be good to see him on a
day like this.
He knows so much about...
national loss.
>> Mr. President.
>> ...of the police and the fire
department and the emergency
technicians are headed to...
>> Rummy?
>> Yes, Mr. President?
>> Hike alert status-- Delta.
>> That's military, CIA,
foreign, domestic, everything.
And if you haven't gone to
DEFCON 3, you ought to.
>> Done.
But there's still 6,000 civilian
aircraft in the air.
>> Norm Mineta will ground 'em.
In the meantime, I want you to
get your boys up there.
We'll pass on the word.
[chatter]
>> As you can see, this is a
story of enor-- of enormous
magnitude.
[phone rings]
>> Vice?
>> Your current, Mr. President.
>> We are at war.
Is the Counterterrorism Task
Force up and running?
>> Yes, and we're checking all
flights in progress.
>> Mineta's gonna ground the
whole civil aviation fleet.
>> In the works.
>> Okay, you just keep Rummy up
to speed on that.
You let me know how that order
progresses.
I want you to brief
congressional leadership.
I'm gonna make a statement, and
then I will call you from Air
Force One.
>> Is Karen with you?
>> Nah.
She stayed home.
Last night was her wedding
anniversary.
>> There's a makeshift studio
setting up next door.
>> You ready?
You up to speed?
>> Those are two separate
things, Andy.
I know we're at war, but face
it, we are in a scramble mode.
[chatter]
Ladies and gentlemen, this is
a... difficult moment for
America.
Today we've had...
a national tragedy.
Two airplanes have crashed into
the World Trade Center in an
apparent terrorist attack on our
country.
Now, we're gonna hunt down and
find those folks who committed
this act.
Terrorism against our nation
will not stand.
Now if you'll all join me in a
moment of silence.
May God bless the victims, their
families, and America.
Thank you very much.
>> Yes, Annie.
Yes.
No, no, I must speak with him.
[loud explosion, rumbling]
[horns honking, sirens wailing]
[indistinct shouting]
[siren blaring]
[explosion]
[woman shrieks]
[siren wails]
>> Come on!
>> I'm really sorry, Miss
Hughes, but we can't establish
contact with Air Force One.
>> Thank you.
>> ...a blast, an explosion.
We looked up...
>> [sighs] Madness.
The world's gone mad.
>> Sir, you need to see this.
>> Hawkeye Two and Hawkeye
Three, assume escort positions
on Angel.
Hawkeye One.
>> Okay, wilco.
>> Hawkeye Three, wilco.
>> Hey.
They got our backs.
>> ...flying the plane that
crashed on the other side of the
Pentagon...
>> All right, we're at war.
That much we know.
>> ...just, uh, west of the
Pentagon, one eyewitness
claiming that he saw a U.S.
Air 737...
>> Whoever did this isn't gonna
like me as president.
They're gonna pay for this.
>> Vice President, line three,
sir.
>> Hey, Vice.
>> There have been threats
against nuclear plants, a
reported car bomb at the Lincoln
Memorial, stories coming in of
snipers all across the country.
>> All-out war?
>> They're evacuating the
Capitol and the Supreme Court.
>> You hold down the fort, Vice.
We're on our way.
Get full security on Laura and
my girls.
>> Right.
>> I need Mueller.
He's only had six days on the
job, but the rubber's hit the
road.
And I need Condi to...
>> Mr. President, we've received
a threat against this aircraft.
>> Air Force One?
A credible threat?
>> Very much credible, sir.
They used today's code word.
The Angel is next.
>> Coordinate with Governor
Pataki because the National
Guard is--
>> Sorry, Mr. Vice President.
We've had three threats on the
White House.
>> To be expected.
>> Supported by a credible
threat on Air Force One.
>> How credible?
>> They had today's code name.
Angel.
[phone rings]
>> And just overhead a moment
ago, something I have never...
>> Yes, Mr. President.
>> Condi, we have gone to DEFCON
Delta.
I don't want that misunderstood.
>> I've already spoken with
President Putin.
He understands.
All he needs to know is that--
>> Miss Rice.
>> He'll stand his forces down.
I'll confirm when it's done.
Right now, I believe we are
evacuating.
>> Need to go now, please.
Outside as quickly as possible.
>> Where are we going?
>> Downstairs, sir.
>> Where downstairs?
>> Very downstairs, sir.
[sirens wailing]
>> No!
[woman shrieks]
>> Oh, my God!
[shouting and screaming]
>> [coughing and gasping]
>> We're continuing on to
Washington.
This is a war.
People can't have an AWOL
president.
>> But, sir, the Pentagon's been
hit.
There are still three planes
unaccounted for.
The White House is not a secure
location.
>> Camp David.
We'll take this down at Andrews.
>> Mr. President, reports of a
rogue aircraft hitting
Camp David.
>> John, thank you.
We are awaiting to hear when the
president will land and exactly
where and when he might have
something to say about all of
this.
>> You're breaking up.
Hello?
Hello?
>> Trying to reach Danielle?
>> Yeah, no connection.
She's dropping the kids off at
school.
>> Schools ought to be safe.
>> This is a Jewish day school.
>> Normal pace.
No panic.
>> I can't hear you.
You're breaking up.
>> Mineta gave the order.
The entire civil aviation fleet
should be on the ground by now.
He's on his way.
So is the entire emergency
group.
>> Then, let's get to work.
[siren wailing]
>> It doesn't matter what's
on the schedule.
The annual Congressional
barbecue is not gonna happen on
the lawn today!
>> You'll have to evacuate
the premises, Mr. Henick.
We're emptying the building.
Try to remain calm.
An orderly exit is best for
everyone.
[sirens blaring]
>> No panic.
IDs in plain view.
>> Run! Run!
Hide your IDs!
You may be under attack!
Hide your IDs!
You may be sniper targets.
Let's go!
Move it!
Everybody, move it!
>> Drive on.
>> Clear skies ahead.
>> Intel says six planes still
unaccounted for.
Stories of a fire in the White
House, unconfirmed because it's
evacuated.
>> They're reporting rumors
of a hit on the Supreme Court.
>> Sounds like an attempted
decapitation.
Cut the head off the government.
But vice and staff are in the
PEOC, where no one's gonna get
them, and any further silence
from me, whoever's behind this
is gonna think they've
succeeded, to say nothing of
the rest of the world.
>> All the more reason to keep--
>> All the more reason-- get me
home!
>> The security shield isn't up
around Andrews yet.
>> Well, then, get me to the
closest place I can speak to the
nation.
The American people want to know
where their dang president is!
>> ...Colombia, where, of
course, terrorism is a constant
threat.
Uh, we are, uh-- we're waiting,
as we noted, for further word
from the White House, uh, where
communications are obviously
a problem because everybody's
been evacuated--
>> You can bet they do.
>> ...where and when the
president will land.
>> Barksdale AFB is secure, sir.
But with the reporters and
everything--
>> Ari can secure the Press
Corps.
>> Unidentified aircraft over
south-central Pennsylvania.
Not responding.
18 minutes out and closing.
Request rules of engagement,
sir.
>> The president ordered the
fleet be grounded.
Issue another warning.
If still ignored, assume a
hostile.
Engage and bring to ground.
[beeping]
>> 12 minutes out and closing.
Civilian aircraft.
Do we engage, sir?
>> If unresponsive, take it
down.
[rapid beeping]
>> Eight minutes out and
closing.
Rule of engagement still stands,
sir?
>> Of course it does!
[steady beep]
>> It's gone, sir.
>> Back to work, please.
>> Did we shoot it down?
>> Apparently not.
Some internal failure.
>> We'll find out in time.
We're gonna kick the hell out of
whoever did this.
No slap-on-the-wrist game this
time.
>> Ten-hut!
>> How the hell did it ever come
to this?
[indistinct shouting]
>> Let's go!
Let's go!
>> We are safe and sound at
Barksdale.
Look, I need to speak to the
American people.
>> There's no capacity for
civilian transmission from that
AFB, Mr. President.
>> It has been hours since
they've heard from me.
We got the TV showing 'em we've
been bombed and blasted.
We dang well better show 'em
this government is not in chaos
and that we are functioning
smoothly and that we're gonna
get the bastards.
How long has it been, Ari?
>> Since you spoke in Florida,
almost three and half hours ago.
>> Can you set up a video feed?
>> Yes.
We'll transmit the signal over
secure military lines.
>> The plane that went down
in Pennsylvania, you said it
wasn't us-- internal failure.
Anything more specific?
>> No, sir.
From what's coming in, some
passengers on cell phones
figured out what was happening,
and they took matters into their
own hands.
>> [sighs]
God bless their souls.
God bless 'em.
[sirens blaring, helicopter
rotors whirring]
Freedom itself was attacked this
morning by a faceless coward,
and freedom will be defended.
I want to reassure the American
people that full-- the full
resources of the federal
government are working to assist
local authorities to save lives
and to help the victims of these
attacks.
We have taken all appropri--
appropriate security precautions
to protect the American people.
Make no mistake.
The United States will hunt down
and punish those responsible
for these cowardly acts.
We've been in touch with the
leaders of Congress and with
world leaders to assure them
that we will do whatever is
necessary to--
>> You need to read that, ma'am.
>> ...and Americans.
>> It's a message from the
downed plane.
>> I ask the American people
to join me in saying a thanks to
all the folks who have been
fighting hard...
>> Get me the FBI.
>> The resolve of our great
nation is being tested.
But make no mistake.
We will show the world that we
will pass this test.
God bless.
>> Yes.
All right.
[chatter, phones ringing]
>> Flight Attendant on American
Flight 11, Amy Sweeney,
Mr. President.
She had the presence of mind to
call her head office with the
seat assignments of the
hijackers before...
FBI identified them as follows.
>> What is the degree of doubt?
>> Not much.
This is a very sophisticated
operation.
That made us suspect Al Qaeda to
begin with.
With these positive
identifications, we now have to
use that as the working
assumption.
>> You have to be sure before
you tell the world.
Meantime, I'm coming home.
>> The Secret Service advises
against that, and frankly,
Mr. President...
so do I.
>> We have the threat against
Angel by name.
We have an almost positive fix
on the enemy, and that's--
that's one that we have to take
very seriously.
>> We haven't diverted all the
international flights.
Not all the rumored bomb threats
and sniper reports in the DC
area are clear.
>> The bigger the enemy, the
greater the victory if they can
keep me here and not there.
Where is Laura?
>> Safe with us, sir.
>> Well, then, I can be as well.
>> It's still unsteady back
here, sir.
Very unsteady.
Angel is safe.
We should listen to the pros on
this.
You know we should.
>> They're on our side,
Mr. President.
>> Offutt?
>> Yeah.
>> At least take the safe route
home.
Stop at Offutt 'til we know
that Washington's secure.
>> All right.
For now.
>> Yes, sir.
>> Could you get me Laura?
>> Mayor, what's the situation
right now?
>> The situation is that two
airplanes have attacked
apparently...
>> Got ahold of Giuliani's
office yet?
>> Coming.
>> All right, well, then, let's
get-- let's get-- let's go
north, then.
[TV mutes]
>> All right, say it is
Al Qaeda.
Saying we're going after 'em
could be an empty promise.
But they're mosquitoes.
You got to get the swamps they
live in.
>> Do we know where all those
swamps are?
>> Excuse me.
Uh, Mr. President, the press
is desperate for photographs.
>> Yeah, whatever.
Yeah.
Well, I got to get back to
Washington because I'm not gonna
let those people keep me from
getting home.
>> What if the lull is
deliberate, waiting exactly for
your return?
>> Sir, Pataki and Giuliani.
>> Hi, George.
Hello, Rudy.
Listen, I know-- I know your
hearts are breaking.
Your city is...
oh, it's stinging, but, uh...
if there's anything we can do to
help, you just say the word.
And, guys, I've seen you both on
TV, and you are handling things,
I mean, really, really well.
Just be wary.
Our intel people say you can
expect a second strike.
[camera shutter clicking]
Our thoughts are with you.
Our prayers.
You just-- You hang in there.
>> Come on.
>> [sniffles]
All I can offer-- a few words.
Well, the sooner I get home...
[sighs] Oh, God.
God, I need Karen.
>> We have two themes, Karen.
People need to be reassured.
They also need to know this
won't go unanswered.
Just work a draft.
>> All right.
>> We'll talk as soon as I land
at Offutt.
Dick?
>> Uh, just a minute.
Sir.
>> Thank you.
Mr. President?
>> As soon as I land, I want a
complete National Security
Council meeting.
By then, we have to start
on some firm answers.
>> Yes, sir.
>> Uh, I'm gonna speak to the
nation from Offutt at 4:00.
>> Amy Sweeney's initiative led
directly to names of other
suspected Al Qaeda operatives
on the manifests of all four
aircraft.
We're at 14 so far and still
counting.
All Saudis.
>> Tourists?
Legal residents?
What?
>> Working up those answers now.
>> Well, surely it's not an
official Saudi connection.
>> Unlikely.
One of the hijackers, a Khalid
al-Mihdhar, surfaced on our
screens in Malaysia last year.
>> It would be nice to find one
country to pin this on,
but as you know, Mr. President,
Al Qaeda means "the base."
If this is who we're dealing
with-- and I'm now ready to use
that as the operating
assumption-- then we've got a
subnational conflict on our
hands, a new kind of war.
>> One we'll be fighting on our
home front.
>> Without doubt.
And we're way behind them in
terms of domestic intelligence.
>> Are there any other arrows
that point to this bin Laden?
>> Our people overseas have been
collecting all kinds of chatter
among Al Qaeda operatives
congratulating each other.
They're burning up their cell
phones.
>> Bob, I know you've only had
six days on the job, but what
have your folks been getting?
>> Can't say yet, Mr. President.
We're very constrained when it
comes to domestic intelligence.
We're sifting through it now.
>> Okay, what-- what have they
given George's people over at
CIA?
>> Our computers don't network,
Mr. President.
>> How long has it been since
the last civilian aircraft
landed?
>> A little more than five
hours.
>> Tell Karen forget the 4:00
speech from here.
I'm coming home.
We're gonna talk to the nation
from the Oval Office tonight,
9:00 p.m. Eastern.
>> But the Secret Service
doesn't think it's safe--
>> If some tinhorn terrorist
wants me, tell him to come on
over and get me, all right?
I'll be home.
I'll just be waiting for the
bastard.
>> Mr. President--
>> Try Commander in Chief,
whose present command is take
the president home.
>> We'd better all remember in
the weeks, months, and perhaps
years to come that we work for
the president, the political
head of state, but we also take
orders from the commander in
chief, and his instincts take
precedence, when necessary,
over our opinions.
Now let's get to it.
>> ...one of the fatalities
on the airplanes.
And many other people...
>> Oh!
>> ...who are suffering tonight,
but that of course, uh, you
know, is-- is even more
dismaying.
>> And all of us of course are--
knew Barbara Olson very, very
well, and our hearts and our
condolences go out to her family
and Ted Olson, the solicitor
general.
A very, very sad day, uh,
for the Olsons...
>> First Lady from her secure
location.
>> Are you all right?
>> I'm coming home.
I'll see you in the White House.
>> I spoke with the girls.
They're-- They're safe and well.
>> Thank God for that blessing.
>> We'll be fine.
>> We will be fine.
I have faith.
>> We both do.
I love you.
>> And I love you.
Amen.
No.
Can't talk about war.
Not tonight.
There is enough angst and anger
on the street.
>> But we are gonna have to deal
with it.
>> If you declare war, you have
to be clear who it's on.
>> United States will make no
distinction amongst those who
planned these acts and those who
tolerated and encouraged the
terrorists.
>> Very vague language.
What if that includes a
sovereign state?
>> Preemptive war?
>> Well, if that's what it
takes, I mean, to prevent
another day like this, you're
damn right.
>> Going after terrorists'
allies could mean collateral
damage to civilians.
>> Well, the farther away we get
from today, the less comfortable
the American people are gonna be
about that.
But, uh, no, this declaration
is not for tonight.
>> That's it, then.
>> How much time we got?
>> Less than six minutes.
>> It's gonna need some
tweaking.
>> How much?
>> A little more reassurance
that we stand strong, and the
strike-back factor can wait 'til
we get our breath back as a
nation.
"This is more than an act of
terrorism.
It's an act of war."
Strike the war part.
Tonight's message is about
reassurance.
One step at a time.
>> Right.
>> Think they might want
something a little stronger out
there?
>> Well, we're all still
struggling to get back on our
feet.
How fast we get there is a
judgment call.
>> 30 seconds, Mr. President.
[camera shutters clicking]
15 seconds to air.
>> Stand by.
Here we go.
>> In five, four, three, two...
>> Ladies and gentlemen, the
president of the United States.
>> Today our fellow citizens,
our way of life, our very
freedom came under attack in a
series of deliberate and deadly
terrorist attacks.
Thousands of lives were suddenly
ended by evil, despicable acts
of terror.
The pictures of airplanes...
...justice and peace.
America has stood down enemies
before.
It will do so this time.
[door opens]
None of us will forget this day,
yet we go forward to defend
freedom and all that is good
and just in our world.
>> Good evening, Mr. President.
>> All right, I know we're all
tired.
I just need a quick rundown
before a full Cabinet and full
schedule tomorrow.
John?
>> Still pulling the strands
together.
But I can tell you now there are
real gaps in the I.N.S.
The whole visa system.
That's where I have to start
first thing in the morning.
>> Okay, good.
But there is one thing I know--
they have figured us out.
I mean, they figured out how
to get around whatever systems
we have in place, so I want you
to rethink it, John.
All of it.
This must never happen to the
American people ever again.
Never.
It is time to start thinking in
unconventional ways.
And I'll be ready to listen.
>> Then, I'll be ready with
ideas.
>> Norm?
>> We're still inventorying
the number of aircraft in Canada
and Mexico.
How many and where.
I'll have it by morning.
Meantime, all airports remain
closed.
>> Really happy to see Colin.
Had to be a record getting from
Peru to DC.
>> It was for me.
But we were in good hands with
Condi while I was incommunicado.
>> Your work with President
Putin paid off.
He stood down and never flinched
at the DEFCON Delta.
>> Let's just hope he's on board
for the long haul.
>> I expect so.
He's got his own problem with
the Muslim Chechens and a huge
Muslim population in Central
Asia.
>> How about the rest of the
world?
>> Blair is solid.
He trusts we're not about to
nuke Arabia.
But the usual suspects have the
usual sniffs of distrust.
>> Based on what?
>> Based on we're Americans and
can do what we want and they're
not and can't.
And there's the matter of their
comfort zone with you
personally.
>> By usual suspects, you mean
the Europeans?
>> They're skittish.
They have large Muslim
populations.
>> I'll make the calming calls
first thing in the morning.
I'm used to that with the
Europeans.
>> This can be an opportunity
for us.
We can reach out, especially to
the Russians and Chinese, use
this to improve our relations
with them.
They've also got a large Muslim
population, reason enough on
their own to fear Al Qaeda.
We can make common cause.
>> How to prosecute that cause,
Mr. President?
How much evidence will we want
before we go after Al Qaeda?
>> We're almost there.
>> Have we considered cutting
off the head?
The ruling Taliban was nurtured
by Pakistan's Internal Security
Agency.
Now they are funded and embraced
by UBL and his Al Qaeda.
Afghanistan is the terrorists'
virtual fiefdom.
>> Then, we're gonna start
there.
>> That's easier said than done.
It took six months of Desert
Shield to enable six days of
Desert Storm.
If we're after making faster
headway, we've got to skip a
generation of military thinking,
fight in a new way.
>> That is exactly the kind of
thinking I'm talking about.
That is unconventional.
All right, Rummy, you want to
shake up them generals, huh?
Go ahead, push 'em.
Ask 'em.
Well, why not?
>> Yes, sir, yeah.
Hard, fast, and soon.
>> And that is just a start.
Now, we're not just going after
terrorists.
We're gonna target anyone who
pays 'em, supplies 'em, feeds
'em, or harbors them in any way.
>> That's new policy,
Mr. President.
>> Maybe, but there is no other
way, and we're not gonna let
time slip away.
>> We'll have to make it clear
to Pakistan and Afghanistan that
this is it-- showtime.
>> Please do.
>> You'll need to declare to the
world that this is what we're
gonna do.
That there's a-- a risk to
aiding and abetting our enemies.
>> This will take some selling.
>> [chuckles]
What new policy doesn't?
So, we get our ducks in line.
>> That means NATO and the U.N.
>> The Brits are already
preparing an Article V
resolution from NATO that'll put
them legally and militarily on
our side.
>> I'll report back on the U.N.,
but I don't think al Qaeda
reads the resolutions.
>> All right, how do we tell
Al Qaeda we're denying them
sanctuary?
>> By using every tool of U.S.
power.
Military, diplomatic, financial,
intelligence, cyberscience,
legalisms, money, everything.
>> We're gonna start there first
thing in the morning.
Now, look, you know there's
a whole lot of people out there,
most likely the terrorists
included, millions more around
the world, a whole bunch right
here at home, that think we have
gone soft.
That all we can do is send a few
million-dollar cruise missiles
into an empty tent.
Some of our own right here at
home that think all we can do
is, uh, file a few lawsuits
as a response.
Well, if that was the case, it
isn't any longer.
And we are gonna have to educate
the whole world to that.
Hey, I'm not saying it's easy or
that I know exactly how to go
about that.
Not here, not tonight.
But I know it is what we have to
do, and I intend to tell that to
our own people and the world.
And together, we're gonna make
it stick.
Now, I'll be available all
night.
I will see you and the entire
Cabinet at 7:30 first thing in
the morning.
>> Good night, Mr. President.
>> Sir.
>> Good night, sir.
>> Good night, Mr. President.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> Mr. President.
>> Yeah?
>> I believe that you and the
First Lady are expected to spend
the night in here.
>> Expectations...
can't always match reality.
I'm gonna be upstairs in my own
bed.
♪♪
[dog panting]
[dog whimpers]
[sighs]
Come here.
Come here, you.
>> [chuckling]
>> Good night.
>> You're exhausted?
>> Just beginning to feel it.
Pure adrenaline 'til now.
I ran three hard miles this
morning.
Thought I needed to keep an edge
on what would be an ordinary
day.
>> You wanted the job.
>> Maybe this is why.
>> Mr. President?
Incoming aircraft.
Possible attack.
Come out, sir, now.
>> The only planes in the air
are our fighter cover!
>> Please, sir.
Come out now.
>> I can't see.
My contacts are out.
>> You okay?
>> Yeah, I'm fine.
>> Sorry, Mr. President.
It was a friendly.
One of our own F-16s.
>> Thank God.
>> Told you so, huh?
Sorry, folks.
False alarm.
[assemblage murmuring]
[exhales sharply]
Mr. Prime Minister.
>> Mr. President.
You received my message?
>> Yes.
Yes, and I'm more than grateful.
Well, all Americans are.
We have always been able
to depend on you.
>> And you can continue to.
We're shocked at this horror.
You have our total support with
any retaliation.
>> Yes, we've had a lot
of statements of support.
Uh, but yours is, uh, actually
the first to specify
retaliation.
Our European allies not too
secure with me, are they?
What with the Kyoto and ABM
Treaty.
>> Early days yet.
They'll get used to the Texas
accent.
Have you begun to set a course?
>> Strike back hard.
>> How? Where? When?
>> Well, the when is easy.
I want to move yesterday.
But I'm not gonna pound sand
with million-dollar missiles.
So the where and the how are
what's holding me back.
>> I agree completely.
The present choice is between
rapid response and effective
response.
>> Crushing response.
There's no flashy or meaningless
targets or targets of
opportunity.
I want to inflict pain, bring
enough damage so they understand
there's a new team here.
A fundamental change in our
policy.
>> We can work with you on that.
I have my own intelligence
people gathering all they have
to share with you.
I'll have our Foreign Office
liaise immediately.
We're already all over NATO.
>> Well, once again, I am more
than grateful.
[sighs]
I mean...
here's the thing.
This is gonna take a while--
not forever but a while--
to make sure we use this
military option in a smart way.
But in the meantime, as long as
we build an international
consensus now, while this
outrage is fresh, we will then
have a political and a legal
basis for the military option
when it comes.
>> I hear and believe you.
They will too.
We'll get our staffs on it now,
yes?
>> Immediately.
And thanks, Prime Minister.
>> Thank you, Mr. President.
Good-bye.
[door opens]
[footsteps]
[door shuts]
>> Condi and Tenet are ready.
>> So am I.
We always knew it might come to
this.
>> You said that if it did, it's
how we'd have to earn our pay.
>> And we will.
It's a war.
It's just a different kind
of war.
It's gonna need a new playbook.
I plan to get that moving at
today's Cabinet meeting.
Besides that, we'll need a
smaller, more compact unit.
A war cabinet.
>> Roosevelt's was chaired
by Stimson.
I can chair this exec committee,
report to you daily.
>> I'll be in the chair.
Only the commander in chief can
send Americans into harm's way,
Dick.
No one else.
>> Of course.
>> [sighs]
I'm gonna need you at my side
at all times, consigliere.
Main thrust, Dick, is to protect
the line of succession.
I want to be sure that if they
get me, you are there and you
are ready to step in.
Seamlessly.
Now, let's do it.
We're still scrambling.
The order of the day is focus.
Focus.
This isn't the plane down in
China.
We have no time.
By the end of the day, we must
have focus.
>> Yes, sir, Mr. President.
>> Who's in the crosshair?
>> Usama bin Laden.
From where I sit, the evidence
is conclusive.
Human asset on the ground in
Kandahar reports that the
attacks were, quote, "two years
in the planning."
Another picked up a strand
saying this was, quote, "the
beginning of the wrath."
>> You know, talking like it's
their handwriting doesn't make
it so, George.
I mean, there's no tolerance
for error here.
>> Cell phone traffic in several
areas confirmed that the attacks
were following the doctor's
program, obeying his orders.
>> We're almost certain that
that's Ayman Zawahiri, uh, the
Egyptian doctor we identify as
UBL's number two.
>> And perhaps the real brains
behind Al Qaeda.
And finally, the designation of
zero hour apparently came from
Abu Zubaydah.
>> Zubaydah.
He's the USS Cole planner.
>> Exactly.
>> CIA and FBI have managed to
talk to one another enough to
establish, so far, that at least
three of the hijackers were
trained at Al Qaeda camps in
Afghanistan.
>> Tell ya, those camps, they
cannot be left to fester.
What's the status with your
contacts with tribal leaders in
the south?
>> CIA people move in and out
regularly.
>> Can we intensify our presence
there?
>> It'll be expensive.
>> George, whatever it takes.
>> There might be casualties.
Mr. President, you have to make
the case to the American people.
>> There is no need to instruct
me on my job, Director.
I know my job.
Your job, make sure what
happened yesterday never happens
to the American people ever
again.
>> Yes, Mr. President.
>> Now, can you work me up a
plan?
Thanks.
Uh...
I'll need some time with Karen
before the Cabinet meeting.
Thank you, George.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> Condi.
>> Tom, need your plan for an
immediate military response.
>> As I said, Mr. Secretary,
immediate is what's on the
shelf.
Sea-launched cruise missiles.
>> That sounds like, "You want
it bad, you get it bad."
>> Sir, it's all we have within
96 hours.
>> My goodness, this president
isn't about to sling a few
missiles at a tent and not
follow through.
>> What about follow-through,
sir?
What is the level of political
commitment?
Like Somalia?
Or Beirut?
>> Neither.
The level just spiked.
There's a new game in town.
The president wants decisive
action, and he wants it fast.
In weeks, not months.
>> This is not Desert Storm the
sequel.
>> There'll be a new national
mandate by day's end.
We'll need a new military
doctrine to support it.
>> So, the option we're looking
at is boots on the ground?
>> Whatever it takes to do the
job.
>> Start with the shelf plan.
Add strike aircraft.
>> Team up with the anti-Taliban
warlords.
>> Put Special Forces in there
directing the air strikes.
>> We remain flexible, keep a
small footprint, avoid the
Soviet mistakes.
>> Excellent.
That's the kind of option we're
looking for.
>> JDAMs, UAVs.
>> Exactly.
[shouting, jackhammering]
>> Let's look at the big
picture.
A faceless enemy has declared
war on us.
We're at war.
That's what we have to
communicate to the American
people.
It's about educating 'em.
There's a war.
And that's gonna be the main
focus of this administration
from now on.
>> Yes, sir.
>> There's a faceless enemy,
runs and hides.
Can't hide forever.
Thinks its havens are safe.
Nah, won't be safe forever.
Not the kind of enemy we're used
to.
But if we educate the American
people properly, if we explain
it, we do our job right...
America will adapt.
>> Yes, sir.
>> He did the right thing.
He took the advice of the Secret
Service and went to Offutt
Air Force base.
>> He hid.
He stayed away for hours after
all the planes were accounted
for.
And-- And as for the
cock-and-bull story about Air
Force One being under threat,
give me a break.
>> A cock-and-bull story by who?
[knocking at door]
>> Yeah.
>> The military?
The Secret Service?
>> See the op-ed column?
>> The one about the photograph
of POTUS on the Air Force One
telephone?
>> "Is he demanding that his
real keeper, Cheney, let him go
home?"
[chuckling]
>> Karl, it's to be expected.
>> Is it?
>> Most of them get it.
The Cheney-runs-the-show myth
is always gonna be with some
of them.
But every day, more and more
see what's really going on here.
>> Good.
>> The Congressional delegation
is gathering.
>> Sounds ominous, doesn't it?
But we got to deal with 'em,
so get 'em in the Roosevelt
Room, Andy.
They're gonna want to know what
we know, which is their right,
but this whole policy thing,
we're not fully there yet.
>> This enemy did not attack us
because of our policies.
>> Mm...
So we say.
But there's gonna be the chorus
of it's our fault, beat up the
Israelis, stop using the oil.
>> Terrorists don't hate people
for what they do.
They hate them for what they
are.
>> Modernity, pluralism,
freedom.
These are good things, Condi.
Liberty is God's gift.
It is not negotiable on this
watch, and that is the policy.
>> Morning, Mr. President.
>> Welcome.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Good to see you, John.
>> Great to see you.
>> Senator Byrd.
>> Mr. President.
>> Please be seated.
I want to thank you all
for coming.
Well, I'm glad you're all here.
For the obvious reasons
and the not-so-obvious ones.
It was the enemy's dream for us
to be unable to meet here.
To see this White House in
rubble.
And the Capitol.
But they failed.
So far.
>> So far?
>> This is not an isolated
incident.
Our intelligence community is
sure of that.
And we're gonna have to work
together.
>> Well, you know you can count
on us, Mr. President.
>> Well, I'll need ya.
We'll need each other.
It's gonna be a long struggle.
A month from now, Americans will
be watching football,
World Series, thinking about
Thanksgiving, the holidays, but
you and I, we will have to
continue to wage this war.
>> Against whom, Mr. President?
>> It's a good question, John,
and that's where we begin.
As much as anything, we're
fighting a frame of mind.
>> Though, surely there are
things we can do to reach out.
>> Well, to ordinary people,
sure, but the actual people who
did this?
No, they hate us.
They hate Christianity.
They hate Judaism.
They hate everything that isn't
them.
>> Everything?
They attacked only us.
>> Well, that's because we are
the leader of the pack.
We protect other nations and
have since the advent of the
Cold War.
Now, you all know that.
American people know that.
Time has come when many other
people and nations are gonna
have to choose-- which side are
you on?
>> Strong rhetoric,
Mr. President.
War is a powerful word.
>> Senator, I can't find the
rhetoric powerful enough to
contain the way I feel about
yesterday's events.
Or express the size of the
reaction that these people can
expect from the American people.
>> Well, Mr. President, you can
count on full bipartisan
support.
And I know that we can count on
being full partners in this, uh,
challenge.
>> Oh, yes, you can.
Although, I won't be seeking
a declaration of war from the
Congress.
With a shadowy enemy,
specificity makes that
problematic.
But I will be looking for a
resolution endorsing the use
of force against those who did
this and those who helped
and harbored them.
>> Sir, you may certainly not
expect the kind of blank check
Lyndon Johnson obtained from us
with the Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution.
No, sir.
No more Vietnams.
We, sir, still have a
Constitution.
>> One that I truly revere,
Senator Byrd.
And I want you to be assured, I
will ask nothing from the
Congress for which we first
haven't made a case to the
American people.
This will decidedly not be
Vietnam.
>> Today the president spoke
with Prime Minister Blair, with
Prime Minister Chrétien, with
President Chirac, with
Chancellor Schroeder, President
Jiang of China, and twice with
President Putin.
>> Colin, your report...
really encouraging.
And my own calls uh, to Putin,
the Chinese, French, Germans,
in the wheelhouse.
That is the first part of our
job.
The second is to move past
reassuring the American people
and prepare them for what is
to come.
We want to prepare them without
alarming them.
The best way to do that is to
show them we are on top of this
first battle in what may be
a long war.
Robert?
>> [clears throat]
Well, we've made real progress
in filling out the roster of the
hijackers, nailing down their
whereabouts.
We even know the vehicle they
used to get to Logan.
>> Good as far as it goes, but
what about their support system?
>> We're moving as quickly as we
can, but deliberately because
of the danger of tainting
evidence.
>> Taint it.
The most-- For now, the only
important thing is to make sure
we stop any planned second
strike, stop any accomplices
or terrorists before they can
hit us again.
Or make good their escape and
parade through Kabul as heroes.
If we can't bring them to trial,
so be it.
>> Well, that's different.
>> The president said to think
unconventionally.
>> Mission completed.
But if you taint the evidence,
what'll you do with them?
>> Watch them.
Keep a tail on them for the rest
of their lives, if need be.
Remember, in the end, Capone
went to jail for tax evasion,
not murder.
>> We were a different country
then.
>> And after Tuesday, we're
a different country all over
again.
If we're to make the mission,
the Justice Department-- that's
FBI, INS, all of it-- has to
shift the focus from prosecution
to prevention.
This is a time to be proactive,
not reactive.
>> Well, I understand the logic.
But it's a radical shift in
policy.
I'll put it before the Cabinet.
In the meantime, you continue on
with this preventative plan.
All right, while domestic issues
are being worked on, uh, we're
gonna need some clarity with the
big picture.
>> We've started on the "for us,
against us" message to both
Pakistan and the Taliban, in
general terms so far, but moving
towards a list of demands.
>> Taliban need to understand,
handing over bin Laden won't
do it.
All right?
I mean, this whole Al Qaeda has
to be dismantled, the leaders
handed over, the sheep kicked
out.
Nothing less.
Pakistanis, they need to
understand their role in this.
I am telling you.
>> What should I be asking for,
precisely?
>> Whatever it takes.
>> We need to start as we mean
to go on.
How we define the task going in
will lock in other nations when
they sign on any coalition.
>> Meaning?
>> Meaning, for example, we let
Saddam Hussein off the hook
the last go-round.
The Arab Coalition partners
said they never signed on to
help remove an Arab leader.
So our hands were tied.
This time, the mission should
define the coalition, not the
other way around.
The mission is the destruction
of Al Qaeda.
Hussein isn't germane.
>> He is if we're talking about
terrorism in the broadest sense.
We know he never stopped
developing weapons of mass
destruction, which we know he's
used on his own people.
>> But has never used outside
of Iraq.
>> What about Iran?
>> Al Qaeda lacks weapons.
That's why they used our own
aircraft.
You put Hussein and bin Laden
together...
>> Is that an immediate threat?
>> The enemy is clearly more
than UBL and the Taliban.
If we're including people who
support terrorists, that does
open the door to Iraq, but
unlike bin Laden, we know where
to find them.
>> We start with bin Laden.
That is what the American people
will expect.
Getting him will be a huge blow
for our side.
So let's build a coalition for
that job.
Later, we can shape different
coalitions for different tasks.
I said this is gonna be a long
war.
Things will change.
For our opening campaign, we are
going to need a major military
assault.
>> To start with bin Laden was
the right move.
Good instincts.
>> For the moment, I want a
target the average person can
understand.
Thank you.
Please.
And with what we know, he's the
right starting point.
In time-- not long, but in
time-- we'll get the bigger idea
across.
Condi, what did you think of
John's idea?
>> Sensible but problematic.
When national defense and civil
liberties come into conflict...
>> Yeah.
Saturday, we'll hash it out
then.
Camp David is best.
>> I'll see arrangements are
made.
♪♪
>> This NATO vote is a big boost
to us.
We need to know you are there
with us.
Well, we know you Brits always
are, but some of the others--
>> Well, they'll come to see
this is different.
That NATO's entire history's
always been something of a
one-way street.
This is the first time you've
looked to us for help in facing
down a hostile threat.
>> Everyone's in place in the
Situation Room.
You ready?
>> What, to hear the CIA's
solution to the Taliban?
You better believe it, Vice.
Look, we're two days into this.
The scrambling time is over.
Today we start making
the hard choices.
>> We've been deep in the
Northern Alliance for some time.
They began as a ragtag amalgam
of mobs-- five major groupings,
perhaps two dozen subsets--
led by local warlords who go
back and forth according
to the daily market price.
The one steadying hand that
could pull them all together was
Ahmad Shah Massoud.
Charismatic, Western-educated,
exactly what was needed to whip
the Alliance into a potent
fighting force.
Four days ago, two suicide
bombers posing as journalists
assassinated him.
>> Al Qaeda?
>> Almost certainly.
But we still have some CIA
paramilitary teams operating
in-country.
If we increased those so there
was, let's say, one with each
warlord backed with enough money
to keep them loyal, we can lay
the basis for a wider action.
>> These teams, they'd have
to transform into army special
forces and rangers if they're
to link to conventional
military.
>> If you mean the boots on the
ground that use lasers to guide
ship-launched missiles,
aircraft, Air Force AWACS,
of course.
But those elements will take
time to deploy.
These teams are ready to go.
>> Cofer Black, Mr. President.
I run these teams.
They can bring home the bacon.
And the guy who looks after the
pigs with it.
>> [chuckling]
>> But make no mistake,
Mr. President.
Doing it means people will die.
Americans will die.
My friends and colleagues.
But...
give our teams the mission,
and we'll take these guys out.
And I mean out.
We'll drop a team in here and
here and here and here until
we're as tight as a tortoise to
his shell with every local
leader in the north.
That gives them and their
fighters confidence.
With the Afghans, you have to be
the winning side, or you're
a non-starter.
Then a little cash to keep it
all lubricated.
Now we have a cohesive force for
the soldiers who'll come in
behind us.
We use that force to hit
the caves.
Hit, hit, hit!
Because that's where these A-Q
types live, like worms in the
ground.
Oh, yeah, we'll smoke 'em out.
We'll flush the bastards into
the open air.
And that's bonus time for us,
sir.
Because our local allies have
all kinds of scores to settle.
By the time they're through the
accounting, we won't have a
whole lot to clean up, and then
it's on to the next set of
caves.
It won't be bloodless.
But give us the mission,
and we'll get 'em.
Within a matter of weeks, we'll
have it set up so the military
will face a one-sided rout.
The enemy will have flies
on their eyeballs.
>> You did say unconventional.
>> Well, Joe Hagen and I have
juggled it back and forth, made
allowances for all the policy
and political issues.
It comes down to Monday.
>> Five days off.
The media will howl he's ducking
it, but work here comes first.
>> Karen's for televising
today's phone call to Pataki
and Giuliani, show he's intent
on outreach.
>> The only other day would be
Friday.
>> Friday's a national day
of remembrance.
He's delivering the homily.
To then fly to New York,
it's a lot to ask for one day.
>> Under the best of
circumstances, New York
makes me very uneasy.
>> Well, you're gonna be on the
ground way ahead of the game.
The National Guard's already
in place, and the president's
gonna stay behind police
barricades.
See, the president is gonna
approach Ground Zero this way.
You got fire and police
personnel lining the street,
media at a discreet distance.
Then to the site, always staying
behind your lines, Chief.
Then he gets back in the limo,
drives up the West Side Highway
with Rudy and Governor Pataki,
where he meets with the grieving
families.
>> Crowd control at Ground Zero,
it's still spotty.
>> It's not that.
It's about emotional exposure.
Think about it.
Since this happened, a wall's
come down around him.
The president becomes a nation,
doesn't he?
And we wrap him up in a cocoon.
I mean hell, Chief, your boys
didn't even want him to come
back here to the office.
You wanted to keep him all
cuddled up at Offutt.
So, he became
Commander-in-Chief, took back
control of his destiny, and
since then, he's been pushing,
prodding, listening, studying,
and slowly we regrouped,
and the fog started to lift,
and that's good.
It's good for us,
good for America.
And now this.
>> I don't get it.
What am I missing?
>> On Friday, we lift the wall,
take the defenses away, and send
him to the pulpit of the church.
Then on Monday, to the raw
emotions of rescue workers
and grievers.
Forget about the emotional
stress of discussing policy.
Now comfort tears and pain
as an ordinary man.
And this is a man who feels
very deeply.
He's got a whole load of emotion
of his own.
>> Okay, here's what's
gonna happen.
The president's gonna arrive
when the phone connection is up.
When the call is concluded,
we leave.
No questions.
>> George.
Rudy.
Listen, you all are doing an
amazing job, and uh...
you know our prayers are
with you.
>> He's fighting his emotion.
What happens when we take him
there?
>> We got a few days 'til then.
He'll be fine by Monday.
>> On Friday, after the national
remembrance service, I'm gonna
come out there and visit ya.
>> When he's done,
you get the press out.
>> I wish I could visit under
better circumstances, but, uh,
at least this'll give the three
of us a chance to, you know,
hug and cry with the fine people
of your good area.
[clears throat]
>> Mr. President.
>> Yeah?
>> Could you tell us what you're
thinking?
Your prayers,
where your heart is?
>> I'm not thinking about
myself...
not at this moment.
I'm thinking of all those
people, the families...
all those children.
Hey, look, you know
I'm a loving guy.
But I also am someone with a job
to do, and I intend to do it.
And this is a terrible moment.
But this country will not relent
until it has saved itself
and others from this terrible
tragedy that came upon us.
>> Okay, that's it, everyone.
Thank you.
>> Just have one more question.
[quiet chatter]
>> That put the awful office
speech of 9/11 behind us,
and that is the man the nation
needs to see and understand
at the remembrance service.
So, it's full-out on that
until it's done.
>> I'm still at
the reaction part.
This was begun at a time of
others' choosing but will end
in a way and an hour of ours.
Clumsy, and I am polishing.
>> It's good.
But you can't get there without
going through the grief process
first. How's that?
>> Really good.
>> Good.
Thanks.
>> We can't take on the Taliban
without help from Pakistan.
>> Let's make a wish list.
Everything we ever wanted from
Mr. Musharraf.
>> First, stop all Al Qaeda
agents and personnel at the
border and stop all arms and
logistic shipments through
Pakistan.
No help or aid of any kind
to bin Laden via Pakistan.
>> Or by air drop.
We'll need to police that.
So, second, full overflight and
landing rights.
>> But the region is still
beyond our reach for now.
So, third, access to the
military, air, and naval
installations.
That bottles them up.
But we still need to smoke out
as many as we can.
So, Pakistan has to cut off all
fuel shipments to the Taliban.
>> And stop the flow of
volunteers.
No more allowed to cross
the frontier.
>> Ah, tough to police.
Unless we have access
to their intelligence.
>> Access to intelligence.
>> Good.
Closes Al Qaeda in, quarantines
the Taliban, and makes serious
moves toward starving them out.
But this cannot be our little
secret.
The world has to know
where he stands.
The president has said, "With us
or against us."
So, point six, publicly condemn
the 9/11 attacks and suppress
any internal shows of support
for those who inflicted them.
And seven, if bin Laden is shown
to be implicated in these
attacks and the Taliban refuses
to hand him over and dismantle
Al Qaeda, then Pakistan will
break all diplomatic relations
with Afghanistan and join in the
effort to unseat its government.
>> His own people put that
government in place.
You're asking a hell of a lot.
>> Nothing ventured...
In any event, we need to put the
questions and have Musharraf's
answers by Saturday's meeting
at Camp David.
>> Okay.
>> The president today has made
a series of phone calls to world
leaders.
He has spoken with Prime
Minister Koizumi of Japan, Prime
Minister Berlusconi of Italy,
Lord Robertson of NATO, Crown
Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia,
and President Mubarak of Egypt.
This afternoon he will visit
a local hospital, and later he
will meet with members of
Congress from the Virginia area
to talk about the ongoing
efforts of the federal
government to be of assistance
to the families and victims.
>> How you doing?
>> Fine, sir.
>> How are you?
>> Thank you for coming.
>> Do you have everything you
need?
You hang in there, huh?
>> [sobbing]
♪♪
>> How are you, dear?
What can we do to help?
>> I'm just so grateful
you're here.
>> We wouldn't be anywhere else.
>> I crawled through the flames.
>> Now you're gonna walk right
back through that front door.
>> You will take care of us?
>> You count on it.
[siren wailing]
>> Look, as long as he stays
behind NYPD lines, you guys got
nothing to worry about, okay?
No, no, no, no, no, I don't need
visible National Guardsmen.
Yes, you can have NYPD and FDNY
lining the streets as he
approaches the tents, okay?
Excuse me.
I want DOBs and Social Security
numbers on all the family
members that are gonna be at the
Javits Center, all right?
>> For God's sakes, we're
running out of time.
You got to get a hold of this
thing.
>> Well, I'm trying to, but he
made the decision.
He didn't ask my permission
first, and he is the boss.
>> Look, this is not just about
capturing a few people and
holding them accountable.
It's also about removing
sanctuaries, support systems.
>> Do I hear Iraq?
>> The hawks will always be with
us.
More preparation for Saturday.
>> This is a campaign and not a
single action.
We have to keep after these
people and those who support
them until it stops.
[chatter]
>> Sir! We have questions,
Mr. President.
>> There's been a threat on the
White House, and we're taking it
seriously.
>> Well, this isn't the place to
tell me, Andy.
Not where the press can see.
>> Sir, we need to evacuate you
to the PEOC.
>> [sighs]
And alarm the whole country?
I'm staying here.
>> Mr. President--
>> I'm hungry.
I could splurge on a hamburger
about now.
>> Well, if you're gonna
splurge, you might as well make
it a cheeseburger.
>> Dick.
I may not want to leave...
but you have to.
We can't allow the possibility
of a decapitation.
Karen, let all non-essential
personnel leave early, and make
sure Laura's safe.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And then we're staying on.
>> ...outside Buckingham Palace.
Prince Andrew, second son of
Queen Elizabeth II,
and the U.S. ambassador
William Farish
attended the ceremony.
["The Star-Spangled Banner"
playing]
The military band played the
U.S. national anthem in honor
of the victims of the terrorist
attacks.
>> One result of Tuesday's
tragedy is, as we've been
talking about here, that
patriotism in this country has
surged in the face of an attack
on our way of life and the
liberties we hold dear.
Americans have made it known
their allegiance
will not waver.
>> ♪ And crown thy good
♪ With brotherhood
♪ From sea to shining sea
>> I think I should share the
secretary of state's thoughts
with you.
"Dear Mr. President,
please don't break down."
[laughter]
It is good advice.
I think I got it all
out of my system.
>> Good. On a day like today,
you'll need to.
You got all the emotional
words out of your cathedral
address?
>> Every one.
Thanks.
I believe Secretary Rumsfeld has
prepared a short prayer to begin
the meeting.
>> Lord, we pray now for Thy
guidance, that Thy will be our
will, and that we have the
strength and patience to measure
our lust for action.
Amen.
>> Amen.
>> Amen.
>> I want to assure you all
that the War Cabinet is making
great strides.
We are past the scrambling, and
we're formulating a strong and
steady plan of action,
a plan we will soon be able
to share with the full Cabinet.
But for now, let's just go
around the table and see where
the broader government is.
Transport?
>> Civil aviation fleet slowly
coming back.
We're 16% up and rising but need
to discuss new safety protocols.
>> Beyond today's service,
the president wants, and must,
address the nation.
When and where?
>> And precisely what?
>> Content's still ongoing.
Changes daily, hourly.
For now, let's just stick with
the when and where.
>> Not the Oval Office.
We don't want a repeat of
the 9/11 Awful Office speech.
>> We're way past that first
night.
Besides, we're not looking
for a cocoon.
This needs to be something
that the people can connect to
very directly.
>> The War College is a great
venue.
Provides an audience, offers
an atmosphere of strength.
>> It has to be to a joint
session of Congress.
It's their right.
It's the country's right.
It's politically right.
Our man is always best in front
of a big audience.
That's the way the nation needs
to see him.
At his best.
>> No, Prime Minister,
I understand how difficult it is
for you to sit on your hands.
But this business can have only
one outcome.
The end of terrorism.
For us and for you.
>> What you ask, Mr. President,
is reasonable.
But we don't deal with
reasonable people in this
neighborhood.
>> Which is why we have to clean
it up.
And your restraint, even in the
face of renewed attacks inside
Israel, will help us
in that goal.
>> We have no greater friend.
So, for as long as we can and as
much as we can, we will hold our
hand.
But the world press, they fret
over the so-called Arab street.
Mr. President, I also
have political realities.
A people under attack daily.
But for as long as we can.
>> I can't ask for any more than
that.
>> Shalom, Mr. President.
>> You all right?
>> Yeah.
Today the president has to be
the country.
Permanence, continuity.
No room for W today.
Today has to be the turning
point, or it'll be a terrible
setback to the whole healing
process.
Besides, you did such an amazing
job pulling this whole thing
together in 36 hours.
I better not let you down.
[choir singing indistinctly,
church bells tolling]
We are here in the middle hour
of our grief.
So many have suffered
so great a loss.
>> [sobs]
>> And today we express our
nation's sorrow.
We come before God to pray
for the missing and the dead
and those who loved them.
>> [sobbing]
>> On Tuesday, this country was
attacked with deliberate
and massive cruelty.
We have seen the images of fire
and ashes, and now come the
names, the list of the
casualties we are only
beginning to read.
They are the names of men and
women who began their day at a
desk or in an airport,
busy with life.
They are the names of people who
faced death and who, in their
final moments, called home to
say "Be brave" and "I love you."
Just three days removed from
these events, Americans do
not have the distance of
history, but our responsibility
to history is very clear.
To answer these attacks
and rid the world of evil.
War has been brought against us
by stealth and deceit
and murder.
This nation is peaceful but
fierce when stirred to anger.
This conflict was begun on the
timing and terms of others.
It will end in a way
and at an hour of
our choosing.
[drumming]
♪♪
>> ♪ Mine eyes have seen
♪ The glory of the coming
♪ Of the Lord
♪ He is trampling out
♪ The vintage where the grapes
♪ Of wrath are stored
♪ He hath loosed the faithful
♪ Lightning of his terrible
♪ Swift sword
♪ His truth is
♪ Marching on
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ His truth is
♪ Marching on
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
>> [chanting "U.S.A.!"]
>> ♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
>> Mr. President,
get the bastards!
>> Whatever it takes, you find
them, you make 'em pay!
[chanting continues]
>> He's on the move.
>> I'll be all right, Karl.
Andy, I got to talk to these
people.
>> Uh, camera two, camera three,
follow the president.
Follow the president.
>> Mr. President?
No.
>> This is good.
They need to hear him.
They need to hear their
president!
>> Can someone give him a
megaphone?
>> [chanting "U.S.A.!"]
Kill those -- , George!
You kill them, man.
[chanting continues]
>> Thank you.
I thank you all.
I want you to know
America is on bended knee
for the lives lost here.
>> Can't hear you!
>> Well, I can hear you!
[cheering]
I can hear you, the rest of the
world hears you, and the people
who knocked these buildings down
will hear from all of us soon.
[cheering]
>> [chanting "U.S.A.!"]
>> I want to thank you for your
hard work, thank you for making
the nation proud.
And may God bless America.
[cheering and applause]
[chanting "U.S.A.!"]
>> Mr. President.
>> Hold it.
>> It's all right.
Man has something to say.
I'm listening.
>> I'm here--
I'm here digging for my brother.
I didn't vote for you, sir,
but I want you-- I want you to
find the son of a -- who did
this, and when you do, sir,
I want you to-- I want you to
take care of business, sir.
>> That's right.
>> What has to be done.
>> Hear, hear.
>> I hope you find your brother.
>> Thank you, sir.
[applause]
>> They all have a confirmed
missing, but very few of them
believe that their loved one
won't be found.
Hoping for that one miracle case
to be dug out.
>> Who're you missing here? Oh.
...best we can to find him.
Beautiful mom.
Like you, I can see you have
her eyes.
Hi.
How you doing?
This your mom?
So when your dad comes back...
he'll know you met me.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> You're welcome.
>> Update the Secret Service.
You tell 'em we're gonna be here
a lot longer than the scheduled
half hour.
>> Missing a husband?
>> No. Son.
>> And he's missing?
>> No, lost.
One of the first pulled out.
>> Sorry.
>> I already knew.
I called the precinct.
They said he hadn't been in for
roll call.
They told me to check back in an
hour, but I said, "No need."
If he hadn't called in,
I knew where he was.
Mr. President.
>> Yeah?
>> I would like to present you
with his shield.
I want you to have it.
He'd want you to have it.
To honor all the men and women
who lost their lives down there.
>> Thank you.
>> The president woke at his
usual early hour.
He walked Barney and Spot at
about 5:30 AM.
He went for a run.
He then had intelligence
briefings and security
briefings.
He also called Presidents Aznar
of Spain and Fox of Mexico.
He later recorded his radio
address.
>> One more mile, Mike.
Come on, son.
Morning, Cool Breeze.
>> Morning, Mr. President.
>> Is today the point
of no return?
>> No. Nothing impulsive.
Now, there's gonna be a couple
hundred years of experience
sitting around that table.
Let 'em make their
presentations, debate it out,
while we listen.
I'm partial to the
flies-on-the-eyeballs guy's
solution myself, but we got to
listen because that may be all
sizzle, no steak.
>> Wise.
We still have a little time
before doing anything final.
>> We have to take the time
we need, we're not gonna
analyze it to death,
but we are gonna define
the problems and find the best
solution.
We've accomplished part one in a
very short time.
Let's not trip up on part two.
Besides, nothing's gonna happen
'til the American people know
what's in store.
[chatter]
And these guys are the best
messengers for that.
>> Then, what can you tell us
about the current state of play
in Afghanistan and the
terrorists' possible global
reach?
Do we have specific
intelligence of activities
elsewhere in the Mideast?
>> This is an administration
that will not talk about how
we gather intelligence,
how we know what we're gonna do,
nor what our plans are.
And when we move, we will
communicate with you in an
appropriate manner.
We're at war.
>> My news is encouraging.
The coalition building goes
well.
We presented our seven points
to Pakistan.
Pretty harsh stuff.
Draconian perhaps.
They were accepted
without exception.
Musharraf is fully on board
the program.
>> Well done.
That was no easy task, I know.
>> Thank you, Mr. President.
As you know, NATO is fully
aboard, having invoked
Article V on our behalf
for the first time.
The Brits have really been
steadfast on this, as always.
The French and Germans required
a little prodding.
Now, how well all this holds
together over time, as the
events of last Tuesday recede,
hard to say.
It'll depend on what action we
take when we take it.
This is even more true of
Musharraf's ability to keep his
street in line.
The man has a huge radical
element to deal with, and if we
react clumsily, he'll be
seriously threatened, parts of
the European coalition begin to
waver, and that would affect the
other states in his region.
In 1991, we formed a
comprehensive coalition.
That should be our goal this
time.
>> Back to that problem.
Sure, in '91 we built a terrific
coalition.
So big, it held us back.
When we should've gone in after
Saddam, we had all these
fair-weather allies who said
they wouldn't assist in bringing
down a fellow Arab leader.
We let the coalition define
the mission.
>> We needed bases on
their territory.
We needed overflight privileges,
intelligence access, and other
resources, as you well know.
And that was a conventional
conflict.
This is virtually a guerrilla
war, where those assets become
exponentially more important.
>> We're mixing issues here.
I mean, if the problem is how
potential allies will react
when they find out what our
intent is and how we plan to
carry it out, hell, let's go
there first.
>> We would begin with six
to eight CIA paramilitary teams
on the ground in Afghanistan who
would fan out and link up with
various elements of the Northern
Alliance.
They lay the groundwork for the
regular military, the Special
Forces units that bring in both
the firepower and the latest
technology.
They, in turn, lay the predicate
for a larger military presence
that would assist and support a
total assault on Al Qaeda, and
if necessary, the Taliban
government, should they fail to
rally the cause.
>> How reliable are the
receiving units for the Northern
Alliance? We've made the mistake
of backing unsure allies before.
>> These people are desperate.
At the moment, we're
their only hope.
But if this is as far as we go,
it won't do the job.
If we're serious about bringing
down Al Qaeda and those who sail
with it, the CIA needs authority
to go after them anywhere in the
world, to use whatever means
necessary to cut off their head
and their limbs, to act when the
opportunity arises and not have
to come back for presidential
approval every time
we want to strike.
And it also means we have to
get into bed with intelligence
services and other assets
some might find questionable.
>> Currently off-limits.
>> Yes.
There are folks out there who
don't view the sanctity of human
rights the same way we do.
They use means we would never
employ.
But by the same token, they
often get results we never
would.
The third leg of the stool,
supporting our existing
operations.
We're covert in over
75 countries.
On the ground with human assets.
We want to be more aggressive
with this, want to do more than
gather intelligence.
Bribe with money, food, toys.
Authorize break-ins, go lethal,
whatever it takes.
Finally, it all needs to be
backed up with disruption of
computer networks,
financial links.
This we can do given the
funding, but above all,
the flexibility.
>> Frankly, I like
the military aspect.
Really like it.
It gets us started while we
prepare our ground forces.
CIA can get in faster
than we can.
They can't do what we can in the
longer haul, but for now...
>> Good.
No, good job.
Sits well.
>> Sir.
>> For some years,
law enforcement has been
restricted to being reactive.
We must become proactive.
While the FBI is making great
steps in investigating this
attack, that is not good enough.
There are no investigations
after Armageddon.
We have to disrupt domestic
terrorism before it can bring
about our Armageddon.
Seek it wherever it hides.
Schools or civic organizations.
Even places of worship.
I will be seeking a presidential
finding to that effect.
>> So, those are the three
leading military options.
An immediate cruise missile
strike against known Al Qaeda
camps.
But they're mostly empty, and,
uh, that option hasn't proved
very successful in the past.
Option number two combines
missiles with a bombing
campaign.
>> With what targets?
What's left worth mounting a
high-cost bombing run against
Afghanistan?
>> There are Taliban
installations.
>> If we choose to go after
the Taliban immediately without
first giving them the
opportunity to help us against
Al Qaeda.
>> Precisely.
Which brings us to option number
three, the one that meshes best
with the CIA proposals.
Special Forces lead the way,
with missiles and bombers
supporting our troops on the
ground who will path find to
rich targets and bolster
the advance of the Northern
Alliance.
>> It depends a great deal
on the Northern Alliance and
just how allied they are.
>> The Alliance, the whole area,
it makes the Balkans
look serene.
That's what creates the danger
of having the conflict spill
over into the surrounding
region.
>> But if we succeed in ridding
Afghanistan of Al Qaeda, we send
a serious message to other
regimes-- Iran, for example--
that there is no future in
harboring terrorists.
>> Do we?
Sir, I can assure you the entire
international community is in
the coalition to eliminate
Al Qaeda.
But if we begin extending to
other groups or states, those
allies will begin dropping away.
>> At some point we may be the
only ones left standing,
and that will have to be okay.
That's why we're America.
>> I doubt it will come to that.
The number of allies might
dwindle, but those who truly get
it will remain solid.
The Brits, certainly.
>> But others will argue
against it.
Afghanistan is a graveyard
of empires.
The British were crushed there
twice in the 19th century,
the Russians sent packing
in the last decade.
>> Only because we gave
the Afghanis Stinger missiles
as part of the Cold War effort.
>> Surely there is a consensus
to remove the Taliban if it
refuses to cooperate in the
battle against Al Qaeda.
>> But the Taliban is only
the beginning of the problem.
If we leave Saddam Hussein in
place, we've accomplished
very little in the long run.
>> Uh, be careful.
We do not want to declare war
on all Islam.
>> Not all Islam.
Just those elements determined
to destroy us.
>> And Saddam Hussein is tied
for first place with
Usama bin Laden.
>> UBL attacked us, not Saddam.
>> Only because he was unable.
But he's got the arms.
He's been developing everything
from nuclear weapons to smallpox
to anthrax to...
well, the whole range of weapons
of mass destruction ever since
he so frustrated the U.N.
inspectors that they walked out,
and the Security Council
looked on and did nothing.
All he's lacked is
the means to deliver those
weapons to our shores.
Well,
UBL has shown that he's
got a system of delivery,
and it is not an arsenal
of ICBMs, but it is something
just as deadly.
Cells of radicals,
suicide bombers,
of the sort the Israelis
deal with.
>> We can't use 9/11 as a
general warrant to hunt down
anyone we think doesn't like us.
If we're seen to do that,
we won't have one, not one,
Arab state in the coalition
against UBL and the Taliban,
which will weaken the resolve
of certain Europeans.
We'll be doomed going in.
>> After what happened to us
on 9/11, if we leave any of our
enemies standing,
it will embolden him.
Back to the central issue.
Does the coalition define
the mission, or is it
the other way around?
>> Let's take a break.
And when we reconvene, let's
refocus on the military options
in Afghanistan.
Well, the outlines are
becoming clearer.
But so are the pitfalls.
>> Iraq?
>> Yes. And that graveyard
of empires business?
I want to hear this whole debate
go on this afternoon.
>> Is there any special mission
for me?
>> Listen.
Just listen.
And then we'll go over it
together, but no decision today.
[applause]
[helicopter rotors whirring]
>> No, I definitely agree with
Rove on this one.
For the last eight months
we've been middling, Karen.
We know that.
We've had a success with the tax
cut, sure, but education
initiative stalled, defense
transformation, faith based, no.
We have to go to Congress for
this speech.
We speak to them, and then
beyond-- the American people,
foreign leaders, the press,
everything.
9/11 was a new era.
We have to start off new.
>> Better start there.
The whole tenor of the press is
to try and fit whatever's
planned into what they remember
from '91.
>> This is not gonna be a replay
of the Gulf War except in two
ways-- efficiency and winning
public support.
So you zero in on it.
I remember the '60s.
I've seen what can happen when
you decide to go to war without
explaining to the people what
it's all about.
You know, risking their blood,
their treasure.
No.
This is not gonna be
Gulf War II.
>> Then we need to speak
with a new voice, sir.
New information.
>> There'll be no shortage.
Those decisions will be
finalized at tomorrow morning's
Executive Committee meeting.
Now, there's things, basic
things, to explain.
Who are we going to war with?
I mean, who are they?
Radicals? Why do they hate us?
Not because of what we do,
because of what we are.
>> What will victory mean?
>> Justice.
And finally, how it will be won.
And that's for tomorrow
morning's Exec Com meeting.
[door opens]
I've made up my mind.
A course of action.
And no half measures.
This is all-out war.
>> State is worried that an
Afghan war might destabilize
Pakistan.
>> I know.
They'll need a program to help
shore up Musharraf.
Our hands have been tied too
long by fear-- fear of the Arab
street, fear this regime may
fall, that regime may
turn nasty on us.
And all the while, the world is
getting more unfriendly.
I mean, is that why we
sacrificed so much to win
the Cold War?
Hmm?
To shrink back from the peace?
How is that undisclosed
secure location, Dick?
>> Very secure.
And they haven't disclosed
the location even to me.
[laughter]
>> Hey, you were great on the
Russert show yesterday.
[applause]
Uh, can you see everyone?
>> Yeah.
>> All right. As promised,
we are here to define
the jobs for the first
wave of the war on terror
and terrorism.
George, I'm gonna endorse your
plan as proposed and sign that
finding today.
I want you to get your
paramilitaries into Afghanistan,
link up with the anti-Taliban
forces.
When that is completed, you will
then lay the carpet to receive
our regular ground troops.
John.
This reordering of priorities
you outlined, absolutely
appropriate.
No greater priority for the CIA
and FBI than to protect this
country from further attacks.
Moving you away from this
strictly investigative and
prosecution, we're gonna need a
special package sent to Congress
for legal authority,
so start working on that.
Oh, uh, Rummy, we're gonna need
a similar package for overseas
troops and installations.
State.
We're gonna make an ultimatum
today to the Taliban.
They're gonna hand over Usama
bin Laden or suffer the
consequences.
Just make sure that the Taliban
understand we are not out to
destroy them, but the outcome,
that's in their hands.
All right.
We are gonna take option number
three. That is the missiles,
bombs, and the boots
on the ground.
I want you to rain holy hell on
them so when our-- when our
soldiers hit the ground,
the enemy is in flight.
So you hit 'em hard.
You hit 'em very, very, hard.
Hard enough to send a signal to
Syria and to Iran that there
is a change in U.S. policy
while they still have a chance
to change their direction.
And that'll give ol' Saddam
pause to think.
We are about to put American
lives at risk.
Nothing about this is tentative.
This is all-out.
>> Sir, an ultimatum today may
be beyond reach.
It has to be written.
We have to secure our embassies.
And by the time all that's done,
well, they are some
10 hours ahead of us.
>> You need until tomorrow
morning? You got it.
But make this statement strong.
Make it powerful.
Leave them terrified.
This is part of the larger plan
to help shore up Pakistan.
So, uh, if there is a delay,
we'll use that to develop
the plan further.
>> What if bin Laden has nukes
or other WMDs?
The CIA knows he's been trying
for years, very hard.
>> But not yet got them, as far
as we know, right?
>> Not as far as we know.
>> Well, then to hold back our
hand in fear that he might is
just inviting him to use that
time to go out and get 'em.
Making sure he can't deploy what
he's already got, that's the
main focus of this undertaking.
The danger of not acting, that
far outweighs all the other
problems.
This post-Cold War world in
which we are the only real power
left standing isn't any nicer,
it seems, than the one that
preceded it.
Weakness is despised.
Strength is admired.
And I believe that any further
delay will be perceived as a
weakness.
Decisiveness, action,
that is vital.
>> What about Iraq?
What if Saddam dips in his oar?
>> Well, now, I believe,
like you, he already has.
'93 World Trade Center,
if not this one.
That man, he means us no good,
and he is surely
developing WMDs.
So, write up a plan for him,
but not here, not today.
Let's just deal with
Afghanistan.
He'll just have to wait
his turn.
>> The idea that it's about
justice.
The president's already said
it's about bringing them
to justice.
We need to hit that theme.
>> Mm-hmm, and more.
Krauthammer's column
touches on it.
It's not about a lawsuit,
it's about a choice.
Bringing them to justice
or bringing justice to them.
>> Make no mistake.
The hour is coming when all
Americans will be called upon to
make sure these terrible events
never befall us again.
And I know you'll all
be ready to do your share.
Yeah?
>> Sir,
do you want bin Laden dead?
>> There was an old poster
out west.
As I recall, it said,
"Wanted dead or alive."
>> Whoo!
>> How's "Freedom is at war
with fear"?
>> "Freedom and fear
are at war."
Uh, make the sides clear.
Okay, the president's due
at the mosque.
>> It is important to understand
our battle is not with Islam,
a religion of peace, but with
those who would hijack it.
Americans respect
the Muslim faith.
Our Muslim citizens have
contributed so much to our
national life.
>> As speeches go, it's still
a little rough, but it's very
promising.
You sure?
[door opens]
>> These are the findings
and memoranda, the authority
for this morning's decisions.
>> Thank you.
>> Oh...
The speech?
>> Yeah.
Next to deciding on what to do,
biggest challenge of all.
>> You'll meet it.
>> We all have to.
There is no room
for a Vietnam here.
They hit the homeland.
>> You'll do fine.
Almost a perfect record so far.
>> Almost?
>> Well, just one,
um, small item.
Well, that "Wanted dead or
alive" thing?
The world isn't filled with
Texans.
A lot of people will not
understand it.
They'll think it, um,
well, belligerent.
And you have set
such a good tone.
And, um, one other little thing.
Don't ever forget about how they
treat women.
That's a big part of this.
>> It is.
It surely is.
And we won't forget
that part of it.
>> Good.
>> Today the president spoke
with Secretary-General Kofi
Annan and also with President
Cardoso of Brazil,
who expressed his sympathy
and solidarity.
Also, the president spoke again
with Prime Minister Chrétien
of Canada.
There will be a brief moment of
remembrance on the White House
lawn this morning, one week
after the attacks.
>> May God continue to bless
America.
You know, this current draft
isn't working.
So drop the FDR quotes.
This isn't the time to raise
ghosts.
Look, this is a different kind
of war, and this speech is
about educating the people
to that.
Now, we have to be clear on the
size of this, a war that may not
end on my watch.
And we have to pursue some form
of normal living, or they win.
This is what my presidency
is all about.
>> Our paramilitary teams are
streaming online.
The first unit is on its way to
the Northern Alliance,
will be in-country and in place
within eight days.
>> Our planning's to speed.
Special Forces teams will be
ready to follow the CIA teams
within weeks if not days.
Strike aircraft are moving into
the region, and naval elements
are steaming to nearby waters.
>> We've already connected the
hijackers to funding sources,
and we'll be able to identify
front organizations-- businesses
and in some cases charities--
that need to be closed and
assets frozen.
Deputy Secretary Armitage is
on his way back from Moscow
after what can only be called a
very successful trip.
They understand our resolve and
have accepted they have little
recourse but to cooperate.
The Arab states are falling into
line, and Musharraf's televised
statement can speak for itself.
And the ultimatum to the Taliban
will be on your desk
this afternoon.
>> Thank you.
This shouldn't go through
some back door.
World needs to hear this.
>> Into the speech.
>> Into the speech.
>> State reminds us that an
emphasis on coalition-building
will bolster the Secretary's
efforts.
Defense keeps harping on focus.
The best defense is
a good offense.
Also, let's be careful about
raising expectations.
This is a war to destroy the
terrorists' ability to threaten
our way of life.
>> The ending.
The final reminder.
That's everything.
>> Yes, sir.
>> It is my hope that in the
months and years ahead, life
will return almost to normal.
Even grief recedes
with time and grace.
>> That's good.
But more.
>> Yes, sir.
>> [thinking] I will not yield.
I will not rest.
I will not relent
in waging this struggle
for the security and freedom
of the American people.
[chatter]
>> Mr. Speaker, the President
of the United States.
>> Mr. President.
Mr. President.
>> Please be seated,
Mr. Secretary.
Mr. Speaker,
Mr. President Pro Temporate,
members of Congress,
and fellow Americans, in the
normal course of events,
presidents come to this chamber
to report on the state
of the union.
Tonight, no such report
is needed.
It has already been delivered
by the American people.
My fellow citizens, for the last
nine days, the entire world has
seen for itself the state of our
union, and it is strong.
[crowd cheering and whistling]
We have seen the courage of
passengers who rushed terrorists
to save others on the ground,
passengers like an exceptional
man named Todd Beamer.
And would you please help me
welcome his wife, Lisa Beamer,
here tonight.
[applause]
We have seen the state of our
union in the endurance of
rescuers working past
exhaustion.
We have seen the unfurling of
flags, the lighting of candles,
the giving of blood, the saying
of prayers in English,
Hebrew, and Arabic.
We have seen the decency of a
loving and giving people
who have made the grief of
strangers their own.
Tonight we are a country
awakened to danger
and called to defend freedom.
Our grief has turned to anger,
and anger to resolution.
Whether we bring our enemies to
justice or bring justice to our
enemies, justice will be done.
[applause]
We will not forget the citizens
of 80 other nations who died
with our own--
dozens of Pakistanis,
more than 130 Israelis,
more than 250 citizens of India,
men and women from El Salvador,
Iran, Mexico,
Canada, and Japan,
and hundreds of British
citizens.
America has no greater friend
than that of Great Britain.
[applause]
Thank you for coming, friend.
Americans have many questions
tonight.
Who attacked our country?
The evidence all points to a
collection of loosely affiliated
terrorist organizations
known as Al Qaeda.
They are to terror what the
Mafia is to crime.
But its goal is not making
money.
It is remaking the world and
imposing its radical beliefs
on people everywhere.
Our war on terror begins with
Al Qaeda,
but it does not end there.
We have seen their kind before.
They are the heirs of
all the murderous ideologies
of the 20th century.
They follow the path of fascism
and Nazism and totalitarianism,
and they will follow that path
all the way to where it ends,
in history's unmarked grave
of discarded lies.
[applause]
Every nation, every region,
now has a decision to make.
Either you are with us
or you are with the terrorists.
[applause]
From this day forward,
any nation that continues to
harbor or support terrorism will
be regarded by the United States
as a hostile regime.
Freedom and fear are at war.
Our nation, this generation,
will lift a dark threat
of violence from our people
and our future.
We will rally the world
to this cause by our efforts,
by our courage.
And we will not tire,
and we will not falter.
We will not fail.
[cheering]
It is my hope that in the months
and years ahead...
life will return
almost to normal.
Even grief recedes with time
and grace.
But our resolve must not pass.
Each of us will remember what
happened that day
and to whom it happened.
We'll remember the moment the
news came, where we were,
what we were doing.
Some will remember the image of
a fire or a story of a rescue.
Some will carry memories
of a face
and a voice gone forever.
>> [Bush] And I will carry this.
It is the police shield of a man
named George Howard, who died at
the World Trade Center
trying to save others.
It was given to me by his mom,
Arlene, as a proud memorial
to her son.
It is my reminder of lives
that ended
and a task that does not end.
[applause]
In all that lies before us,
may God grant us wisdom,
and may He watch over
the United States of America.
Thank you.
Thank you.
♪♪
>> Goodness gracious.
[chuckles]
Must be something here I'm just
not communicating.
>> No, Mr. Secretary.
We understand how much you want
to revamp the Department of
Defense.
You've made that very clear.
I guess we're not communicating
our problem.
Lack of available funds.
Both political parties are
committed to a Social Security
lockbox.
>> Well, Social Security is
a wonderful thing, Congressman,
but without national security,
it won't be much use.
>> That's, uh-- That's pretty
dramatic.
>> No doubt.
But be clear, gentlemen.
We've got North Koreans
launching missiles.
We had an attack on the World
Trade Center in 1993.
Then the USS Cole, the East
African Embassy bombings, the
Khobar Towers.
There's a war going on out
there.
Now, it's in slow motion, but
it's real.
And there's no reason to believe
that the people responsible for
these events have decided to
take up new careers.
There's bound to be more.
>> More?
Can you be specific?
>> [chuckling]
Not at this moment.
But mark my words, there'll be
something.
Yeah.
An event.
And we-- you and I-- don't want
to be on the wrong side of that
event.
Our military must be
transformed, made ready for this
new world, or we'll be very much
on the wrong side, Social
Security lockbox or not.
>> ♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh...
♪ Ooh... ooh... ooh...
♪♪
[children laughing and
chattering]
>> Thing is, you don't pronounce
that "E," but there's a reason
it's there.
So, Cindy, can you say that
word?
[pager buzzing]
>> Game.
>> No, so everyone can hear it.
>> Game.
>> Yeah, see?
[chuckling]
Bunch of good readers here, huh?
>> Yeah.
>> A second plane has hit the
second tower.
America is under attack.
>> Say that word for me?
>> Game.
>> Guess you know why that E's
at the end of that word.
It all begins with reading.
I think you've all done a
terrific job.
>> Mr. President, are you
aware--
>> We're gonna talk about that
later.
Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
[reporters chattering]
>> I would imagine, uh, what we
just saw was a twin engine--
It appeared to be a twin-engine
jetliner.
>> This is clearly deliberate.
>> A chilling, chilling horrible
scene that we just saw.
...the World Trade Center
the very soul and the very
heart of our nation, Joe.
>> A twin-engine jet...
>> Al Qaeda?
>> Is it true?
>> ...people work in these
buildings each and every day.
It happened right at 9:00 A.M.
A good number of those folks
were already at their desks.
[chatter]
...the plane slamming into the
second building.
Look at it.
It's coming in from the side,
coming low, hitting the building
about in the middle.
Folks, uh, you see the pictures.
It looks like Hollywood, but
this is real.
[sirens wailing]
>> Roger that.
That's been confirmed, ma'am.
Both towers.
We understand Senator Kennedy is
standing by.
>> Well, the hearing will of
course be postponed.
We can testify about education
initiatives another day.
But we'll continue
on to the Hill.
>> Postponement notwithstanding?
>> Absolutely.
This is a day to stay orderly.
We'll appear with Senator
Kennedy and...
and explain to the press.
It'll be good to see him on a
day like this.
He knows so much about...
national loss.
>> Mr. President.
>> ...of the police and the fire
department and the emergency
technicians are headed to...
>> Rummy?
>> Yes, Mr. President?
>> Hike alert status-- Delta.
>> That's military, CIA,
foreign, domestic, everything.
And if you haven't gone to
DEFCON 3, you ought to.
>> Done.
But there's still 6,000 civilian
aircraft in the air.
>> Norm Mineta will ground 'em.
In the meantime, I want you to
get your boys up there.
We'll pass on the word.
[chatter]
>> As you can see, this is a
story of enor-- of enormous
magnitude.
[phone rings]
>> Vice?
>> Your current, Mr. President.
>> We are at war.
Is the Counterterrorism Task
Force up and running?
>> Yes, and we're checking all
flights in progress.
>> Mineta's gonna ground the
whole civil aviation fleet.
>> In the works.
>> Okay, you just keep Rummy up
to speed on that.
You let me know how that order
progresses.
I want you to brief
congressional leadership.
I'm gonna make a statement, and
then I will call you from Air
Force One.
>> Is Karen with you?
>> Nah.
She stayed home.
Last night was her wedding
anniversary.
>> There's a makeshift studio
setting up next door.
>> You ready?
You up to speed?
>> Those are two separate
things, Andy.
I know we're at war, but face
it, we are in a scramble mode.
[chatter]
Ladies and gentlemen, this is
a... difficult moment for
America.
Today we've had...
a national tragedy.
Two airplanes have crashed into
the World Trade Center in an
apparent terrorist attack on our
country.
Now, we're gonna hunt down and
find those folks who committed
this act.
Terrorism against our nation
will not stand.
Now if you'll all join me in a
moment of silence.
May God bless the victims, their
families, and America.
Thank you very much.
>> Yes, Annie.
Yes.
No, no, I must speak with him.
[loud explosion, rumbling]
[horns honking, sirens wailing]
[indistinct shouting]
[siren blaring]
[explosion]
[woman shrieks]
[siren wails]
>> Come on!
>> I'm really sorry, Miss
Hughes, but we can't establish
contact with Air Force One.
>> Thank you.
>> ...a blast, an explosion.
We looked up...
>> [sighs] Madness.
The world's gone mad.
>> Sir, you need to see this.
>> Hawkeye Two and Hawkeye
Three, assume escort positions
on Angel.
Hawkeye One.
>> Okay, wilco.
>> Hawkeye Three, wilco.
>> Hey.
They got our backs.
>> ...flying the plane that
crashed on the other side of the
Pentagon...
>> All right, we're at war.
That much we know.
>> ...just, uh, west of the
Pentagon, one eyewitness
claiming that he saw a U.S.
Air 737...
>> Whoever did this isn't gonna
like me as president.
They're gonna pay for this.
>> Vice President, line three,
sir.
>> Hey, Vice.
>> There have been threats
against nuclear plants, a
reported car bomb at the Lincoln
Memorial, stories coming in of
snipers all across the country.
>> All-out war?
>> They're evacuating the
Capitol and the Supreme Court.
>> You hold down the fort, Vice.
We're on our way.
Get full security on Laura and
my girls.
>> Right.
>> I need Mueller.
He's only had six days on the
job, but the rubber's hit the
road.
And I need Condi to...
>> Mr. President, we've received
a threat against this aircraft.
>> Air Force One?
A credible threat?
>> Very much credible, sir.
They used today's code word.
The Angel is next.
>> Coordinate with Governor
Pataki because the National
Guard is--
>> Sorry, Mr. Vice President.
We've had three threats on the
White House.
>> To be expected.
>> Supported by a credible
threat on Air Force One.
>> How credible?
>> They had today's code name.
Angel.
[phone rings]
>> And just overhead a moment
ago, something I have never...
>> Yes, Mr. President.
>> Condi, we have gone to DEFCON
Delta.
I don't want that misunderstood.
>> I've already spoken with
President Putin.
He understands.
All he needs to know is that--
>> Miss Rice.
>> He'll stand his forces down.
I'll confirm when it's done.
Right now, I believe we are
evacuating.
>> Need to go now, please.
Outside as quickly as possible.
>> Where are we going?
>> Downstairs, sir.
>> Where downstairs?
>> Very downstairs, sir.
[sirens wailing]
>> No!
[woman shrieks]
>> Oh, my God!
[shouting and screaming]
>> [coughing and gasping]
>> We're continuing on to
Washington.
This is a war.
People can't have an AWOL
president.
>> But, sir, the Pentagon's been
hit.
There are still three planes
unaccounted for.
The White House is not a secure
location.
>> Camp David.
We'll take this down at Andrews.
>> Mr. President, reports of a
rogue aircraft hitting
Camp David.
>> John, thank you.
We are awaiting to hear when the
president will land and exactly
where and when he might have
something to say about all of
this.
>> You're breaking up.
Hello?
Hello?
>> Trying to reach Danielle?
>> Yeah, no connection.
She's dropping the kids off at
school.
>> Schools ought to be safe.
>> This is a Jewish day school.
>> Normal pace.
No panic.
>> I can't hear you.
You're breaking up.
>> Mineta gave the order.
The entire civil aviation fleet
should be on the ground by now.
He's on his way.
So is the entire emergency
group.
>> Then, let's get to work.
[siren wailing]
>> It doesn't matter what's
on the schedule.
The annual Congressional
barbecue is not gonna happen on
the lawn today!
>> You'll have to evacuate
the premises, Mr. Henick.
We're emptying the building.
Try to remain calm.
An orderly exit is best for
everyone.
[sirens blaring]
>> No panic.
IDs in plain view.
>> Run! Run!
Hide your IDs!
You may be under attack!
Hide your IDs!
You may be sniper targets.
Let's go!
Move it!
Everybody, move it!
>> Drive on.
>> Clear skies ahead.
>> Intel says six planes still
unaccounted for.
Stories of a fire in the White
House, unconfirmed because it's
evacuated.
>> They're reporting rumors
of a hit on the Supreme Court.
>> Sounds like an attempted
decapitation.
Cut the head off the government.
But vice and staff are in the
PEOC, where no one's gonna get
them, and any further silence
from me, whoever's behind this
is gonna think they've
succeeded, to say nothing of
the rest of the world.
>> All the more reason to keep--
>> All the more reason-- get me
home!
>> The security shield isn't up
around Andrews yet.
>> Well, then, get me to the
closest place I can speak to the
nation.
The American people want to know
where their dang president is!
>> ...Colombia, where, of
course, terrorism is a constant
threat.
Uh, we are, uh-- we're waiting,
as we noted, for further word
from the White House, uh, where
communications are obviously
a problem because everybody's
been evacuated--
>> You can bet they do.
>> ...where and when the
president will land.
>> Barksdale AFB is secure, sir.
But with the reporters and
everything--
>> Ari can secure the Press
Corps.
>> Unidentified aircraft over
south-central Pennsylvania.
Not responding.
18 minutes out and closing.
Request rules of engagement,
sir.
>> The president ordered the
fleet be grounded.
Issue another warning.
If still ignored, assume a
hostile.
Engage and bring to ground.
[beeping]
>> 12 minutes out and closing.
Civilian aircraft.
Do we engage, sir?
>> If unresponsive, take it
down.
[rapid beeping]
>> Eight minutes out and
closing.
Rule of engagement still stands,
sir?
>> Of course it does!
[steady beep]
>> It's gone, sir.
>> Back to work, please.
>> Did we shoot it down?
>> Apparently not.
Some internal failure.
>> We'll find out in time.
We're gonna kick the hell out of
whoever did this.
No slap-on-the-wrist game this
time.
>> Ten-hut!
>> How the hell did it ever come
to this?
[indistinct shouting]
>> Let's go!
Let's go!
>> We are safe and sound at
Barksdale.
Look, I need to speak to the
American people.
>> There's no capacity for
civilian transmission from that
AFB, Mr. President.
>> It has been hours since
they've heard from me.
We got the TV showing 'em we've
been bombed and blasted.
We dang well better show 'em
this government is not in chaos
and that we are functioning
smoothly and that we're gonna
get the bastards.
How long has it been, Ari?
>> Since you spoke in Florida,
almost three and half hours ago.
>> Can you set up a video feed?
>> Yes.
We'll transmit the signal over
secure military lines.
>> The plane that went down
in Pennsylvania, you said it
wasn't us-- internal failure.
Anything more specific?
>> No, sir.
From what's coming in, some
passengers on cell phones
figured out what was happening,
and they took matters into their
own hands.
>> [sighs]
God bless their souls.
God bless 'em.
[sirens blaring, helicopter
rotors whirring]
Freedom itself was attacked this
morning by a faceless coward,
and freedom will be defended.
I want to reassure the American
people that full-- the full
resources of the federal
government are working to assist
local authorities to save lives
and to help the victims of these
attacks.
We have taken all appropri--
appropriate security precautions
to protect the American people.
Make no mistake.
The United States will hunt down
and punish those responsible
for these cowardly acts.
We've been in touch with the
leaders of Congress and with
world leaders to assure them
that we will do whatever is
necessary to--
>> You need to read that, ma'am.
>> ...and Americans.
>> It's a message from the
downed plane.
>> I ask the American people
to join me in saying a thanks to
all the folks who have been
fighting hard...
>> Get me the FBI.
>> The resolve of our great
nation is being tested.
But make no mistake.
We will show the world that we
will pass this test.
God bless.
>> Yes.
All right.
[chatter, phones ringing]
>> Flight Attendant on American
Flight 11, Amy Sweeney,
Mr. President.
She had the presence of mind to
call her head office with the
seat assignments of the
hijackers before...
FBI identified them as follows.
>> What is the degree of doubt?
>> Not much.
This is a very sophisticated
operation.
That made us suspect Al Qaeda to
begin with.
With these positive
identifications, we now have to
use that as the working
assumption.
>> You have to be sure before
you tell the world.
Meantime, I'm coming home.
>> The Secret Service advises
against that, and frankly,
Mr. President...
so do I.
>> We have the threat against
Angel by name.
We have an almost positive fix
on the enemy, and that's--
that's one that we have to take
very seriously.
>> We haven't diverted all the
international flights.
Not all the rumored bomb threats
and sniper reports in the DC
area are clear.
>> The bigger the enemy, the
greater the victory if they can
keep me here and not there.
Where is Laura?
>> Safe with us, sir.
>> Well, then, I can be as well.
>> It's still unsteady back
here, sir.
Very unsteady.
Angel is safe.
We should listen to the pros on
this.
You know we should.
>> They're on our side,
Mr. President.
>> Offutt?
>> Yeah.
>> At least take the safe route
home.
Stop at Offutt 'til we know
that Washington's secure.
>> All right.
For now.
>> Yes, sir.
>> Could you get me Laura?
>> Mayor, what's the situation
right now?
>> The situation is that two
airplanes have attacked
apparently...
>> Got ahold of Giuliani's
office yet?
>> Coming.
>> All right, well, then, let's
get-- let's get-- let's go
north, then.
[TV mutes]
>> All right, say it is
Al Qaeda.
Saying we're going after 'em
could be an empty promise.
But they're mosquitoes.
You got to get the swamps they
live in.
>> Do we know where all those
swamps are?
>> Excuse me.
Uh, Mr. President, the press
is desperate for photographs.
>> Yeah, whatever.
Yeah.
Well, I got to get back to
Washington because I'm not gonna
let those people keep me from
getting home.
>> What if the lull is
deliberate, waiting exactly for
your return?
>> Sir, Pataki and Giuliani.
>> Hi, George.
Hello, Rudy.
Listen, I know-- I know your
hearts are breaking.
Your city is...
oh, it's stinging, but, uh...
if there's anything we can do to
help, you just say the word.
And, guys, I've seen you both on
TV, and you are handling things,
I mean, really, really well.
Just be wary.
Our intel people say you can
expect a second strike.
[camera shutter clicking]
Our thoughts are with you.
Our prayers.
You just-- You hang in there.
>> Come on.
>> [sniffles]
All I can offer-- a few words.
Well, the sooner I get home...
[sighs] Oh, God.
God, I need Karen.
>> We have two themes, Karen.
People need to be reassured.
They also need to know this
won't go unanswered.
Just work a draft.
>> All right.
>> We'll talk as soon as I land
at Offutt.
Dick?
>> Uh, just a minute.
Sir.
>> Thank you.
Mr. President?
>> As soon as I land, I want a
complete National Security
Council meeting.
By then, we have to start
on some firm answers.
>> Yes, sir.
>> Uh, I'm gonna speak to the
nation from Offutt at 4:00.
>> Amy Sweeney's initiative led
directly to names of other
suspected Al Qaeda operatives
on the manifests of all four
aircraft.
We're at 14 so far and still
counting.
All Saudis.
>> Tourists?
Legal residents?
What?
>> Working up those answers now.
>> Well, surely it's not an
official Saudi connection.
>> Unlikely.
One of the hijackers, a Khalid
al-Mihdhar, surfaced on our
screens in Malaysia last year.
>> It would be nice to find one
country to pin this on,
but as you know, Mr. President,
Al Qaeda means "the base."
If this is who we're dealing
with-- and I'm now ready to use
that as the operating
assumption-- then we've got a
subnational conflict on our
hands, a new kind of war.
>> One we'll be fighting on our
home front.
>> Without doubt.
And we're way behind them in
terms of domestic intelligence.
>> Are there any other arrows
that point to this bin Laden?
>> Our people overseas have been
collecting all kinds of chatter
among Al Qaeda operatives
congratulating each other.
They're burning up their cell
phones.
>> Bob, I know you've only had
six days on the job, but what
have your folks been getting?
>> Can't say yet, Mr. President.
We're very constrained when it
comes to domestic intelligence.
We're sifting through it now.
>> Okay, what-- what have they
given George's people over at
CIA?
>> Our computers don't network,
Mr. President.
>> How long has it been since
the last civilian aircraft
landed?
>> A little more than five
hours.
>> Tell Karen forget the 4:00
speech from here.
I'm coming home.
We're gonna talk to the nation
from the Oval Office tonight,
9:00 p.m. Eastern.
>> But the Secret Service
doesn't think it's safe--
>> If some tinhorn terrorist
wants me, tell him to come on
over and get me, all right?
I'll be home.
I'll just be waiting for the
bastard.
>> Mr. President--
>> Try Commander in Chief,
whose present command is take
the president home.
>> We'd better all remember in
the weeks, months, and perhaps
years to come that we work for
the president, the political
head of state, but we also take
orders from the commander in
chief, and his instincts take
precedence, when necessary,
over our opinions.
Now let's get to it.
>> ...one of the fatalities
on the airplanes.
And many other people...
>> Oh!
>> ...who are suffering tonight,
but that of course, uh, you
know, is-- is even more
dismaying.
>> And all of us of course are--
knew Barbara Olson very, very
well, and our hearts and our
condolences go out to her family
and Ted Olson, the solicitor
general.
A very, very sad day, uh,
for the Olsons...
>> First Lady from her secure
location.
>> Are you all right?
>> I'm coming home.
I'll see you in the White House.
>> I spoke with the girls.
They're-- They're safe and well.
>> Thank God for that blessing.
>> We'll be fine.
>> We will be fine.
I have faith.
>> We both do.
I love you.
>> And I love you.
Amen.
No.
Can't talk about war.
Not tonight.
There is enough angst and anger
on the street.
>> But we are gonna have to deal
with it.
>> If you declare war, you have
to be clear who it's on.
>> United States will make no
distinction amongst those who
planned these acts and those who
tolerated and encouraged the
terrorists.
>> Very vague language.
What if that includes a
sovereign state?
>> Preemptive war?
>> Well, if that's what it
takes, I mean, to prevent
another day like this, you're
damn right.
>> Going after terrorists'
allies could mean collateral
damage to civilians.
>> Well, the farther away we get
from today, the less comfortable
the American people are gonna be
about that.
But, uh, no, this declaration
is not for tonight.
>> That's it, then.
>> How much time we got?
>> Less than six minutes.
>> It's gonna need some
tweaking.
>> How much?
>> A little more reassurance
that we stand strong, and the
strike-back factor can wait 'til
we get our breath back as a
nation.
"This is more than an act of
terrorism.
It's an act of war."
Strike the war part.
Tonight's message is about
reassurance.
One step at a time.
>> Right.
>> Think they might want
something a little stronger out
there?
>> Well, we're all still
struggling to get back on our
feet.
How fast we get there is a
judgment call.
>> 30 seconds, Mr. President.
[camera shutters clicking]
15 seconds to air.
>> Stand by.
Here we go.
>> In five, four, three, two...
>> Ladies and gentlemen, the
president of the United States.
>> Today our fellow citizens,
our way of life, our very
freedom came under attack in a
series of deliberate and deadly
terrorist attacks.
Thousands of lives were suddenly
ended by evil, despicable acts
of terror.
The pictures of airplanes...
...justice and peace.
America has stood down enemies
before.
It will do so this time.
[door opens]
None of us will forget this day,
yet we go forward to defend
freedom and all that is good
and just in our world.
>> Good evening, Mr. President.
>> All right, I know we're all
tired.
I just need a quick rundown
before a full Cabinet and full
schedule tomorrow.
John?
>> Still pulling the strands
together.
But I can tell you now there are
real gaps in the I.N.S.
The whole visa system.
That's where I have to start
first thing in the morning.
>> Okay, good.
But there is one thing I know--
they have figured us out.
I mean, they figured out how
to get around whatever systems
we have in place, so I want you
to rethink it, John.
All of it.
This must never happen to the
American people ever again.
Never.
It is time to start thinking in
unconventional ways.
And I'll be ready to listen.
>> Then, I'll be ready with
ideas.
>> Norm?
>> We're still inventorying
the number of aircraft in Canada
and Mexico.
How many and where.
I'll have it by morning.
Meantime, all airports remain
closed.
>> Really happy to see Colin.
Had to be a record getting from
Peru to DC.
>> It was for me.
But we were in good hands with
Condi while I was incommunicado.
>> Your work with President
Putin paid off.
He stood down and never flinched
at the DEFCON Delta.
>> Let's just hope he's on board
for the long haul.
>> I expect so.
He's got his own problem with
the Muslim Chechens and a huge
Muslim population in Central
Asia.
>> How about the rest of the
world?
>> Blair is solid.
He trusts we're not about to
nuke Arabia.
But the usual suspects have the
usual sniffs of distrust.
>> Based on what?
>> Based on we're Americans and
can do what we want and they're
not and can't.
And there's the matter of their
comfort zone with you
personally.
>> By usual suspects, you mean
the Europeans?
>> They're skittish.
They have large Muslim
populations.
>> I'll make the calming calls
first thing in the morning.
I'm used to that with the
Europeans.
>> This can be an opportunity
for us.
We can reach out, especially to
the Russians and Chinese, use
this to improve our relations
with them.
They've also got a large Muslim
population, reason enough on
their own to fear Al Qaeda.
We can make common cause.
>> How to prosecute that cause,
Mr. President?
How much evidence will we want
before we go after Al Qaeda?
>> We're almost there.
>> Have we considered cutting
off the head?
The ruling Taliban was nurtured
by Pakistan's Internal Security
Agency.
Now they are funded and embraced
by UBL and his Al Qaeda.
Afghanistan is the terrorists'
virtual fiefdom.
>> Then, we're gonna start
there.
>> That's easier said than done.
It took six months of Desert
Shield to enable six days of
Desert Storm.
If we're after making faster
headway, we've got to skip a
generation of military thinking,
fight in a new way.
>> That is exactly the kind of
thinking I'm talking about.
That is unconventional.
All right, Rummy, you want to
shake up them generals, huh?
Go ahead, push 'em.
Ask 'em.
Well, why not?
>> Yes, sir, yeah.
Hard, fast, and soon.
>> And that is just a start.
Now, we're not just going after
terrorists.
We're gonna target anyone who
pays 'em, supplies 'em, feeds
'em, or harbors them in any way.
>> That's new policy,
Mr. President.
>> Maybe, but there is no other
way, and we're not gonna let
time slip away.
>> We'll have to make it clear
to Pakistan and Afghanistan that
this is it-- showtime.
>> Please do.
>> You'll need to declare to the
world that this is what we're
gonna do.
That there's a-- a risk to
aiding and abetting our enemies.
>> This will take some selling.
>> [chuckles]
What new policy doesn't?
So, we get our ducks in line.
>> That means NATO and the U.N.
>> The Brits are already
preparing an Article V
resolution from NATO that'll put
them legally and militarily on
our side.
>> I'll report back on the U.N.,
but I don't think al Qaeda
reads the resolutions.
>> All right, how do we tell
Al Qaeda we're denying them
sanctuary?
>> By using every tool of U.S.
power.
Military, diplomatic, financial,
intelligence, cyberscience,
legalisms, money, everything.
>> We're gonna start there first
thing in the morning.
Now, look, you know there's
a whole lot of people out there,
most likely the terrorists
included, millions more around
the world, a whole bunch right
here at home, that think we have
gone soft.
That all we can do is send a few
million-dollar cruise missiles
into an empty tent.
Some of our own right here at
home that think all we can do
is, uh, file a few lawsuits
as a response.
Well, if that was the case, it
isn't any longer.
And we are gonna have to educate
the whole world to that.
Hey, I'm not saying it's easy or
that I know exactly how to go
about that.
Not here, not tonight.
But I know it is what we have to
do, and I intend to tell that to
our own people and the world.
And together, we're gonna make
it stick.
Now, I'll be available all
night.
I will see you and the entire
Cabinet at 7:30 first thing in
the morning.
>> Good night, Mr. President.
>> Sir.
>> Good night, sir.
>> Good night, Mr. President.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> Mr. President.
>> Yeah?
>> I believe that you and the
First Lady are expected to spend
the night in here.
>> Expectations...
can't always match reality.
I'm gonna be upstairs in my own
bed.
♪♪
[dog panting]
[dog whimpers]
[sighs]
Come here.
Come here, you.
>> [chuckling]
>> Good night.
>> You're exhausted?
>> Just beginning to feel it.
Pure adrenaline 'til now.
I ran three hard miles this
morning.
Thought I needed to keep an edge
on what would be an ordinary
day.
>> You wanted the job.
>> Maybe this is why.
>> Mr. President?
Incoming aircraft.
Possible attack.
Come out, sir, now.
>> The only planes in the air
are our fighter cover!
>> Please, sir.
Come out now.
>> I can't see.
My contacts are out.
>> You okay?
>> Yeah, I'm fine.
>> Sorry, Mr. President.
It was a friendly.
One of our own F-16s.
>> Thank God.
>> Told you so, huh?
Sorry, folks.
False alarm.
[assemblage murmuring]
[exhales sharply]
Mr. Prime Minister.
>> Mr. President.
You received my message?
>> Yes.
Yes, and I'm more than grateful.
Well, all Americans are.
We have always been able
to depend on you.
>> And you can continue to.
We're shocked at this horror.
You have our total support with
any retaliation.
>> Yes, we've had a lot
of statements of support.
Uh, but yours is, uh, actually
the first to specify
retaliation.
Our European allies not too
secure with me, are they?
What with the Kyoto and ABM
Treaty.
>> Early days yet.
They'll get used to the Texas
accent.
Have you begun to set a course?
>> Strike back hard.
>> How? Where? When?
>> Well, the when is easy.
I want to move yesterday.
But I'm not gonna pound sand
with million-dollar missiles.
So the where and the how are
what's holding me back.
>> I agree completely.
The present choice is between
rapid response and effective
response.
>> Crushing response.
There's no flashy or meaningless
targets or targets of
opportunity.
I want to inflict pain, bring
enough damage so they understand
there's a new team here.
A fundamental change in our
policy.
>> We can work with you on that.
I have my own intelligence
people gathering all they have
to share with you.
I'll have our Foreign Office
liaise immediately.
We're already all over NATO.
>> Well, once again, I am more
than grateful.
[sighs]
I mean...
here's the thing.
This is gonna take a while--
not forever but a while--
to make sure we use this
military option in a smart way.
But in the meantime, as long as
we build an international
consensus now, while this
outrage is fresh, we will then
have a political and a legal
basis for the military option
when it comes.
>> I hear and believe you.
They will too.
We'll get our staffs on it now,
yes?
>> Immediately.
And thanks, Prime Minister.
>> Thank you, Mr. President.
Good-bye.
[door opens]
[footsteps]
[door shuts]
>> Condi and Tenet are ready.
>> So am I.
We always knew it might come to
this.
>> You said that if it did, it's
how we'd have to earn our pay.
>> And we will.
It's a war.
It's just a different kind
of war.
It's gonna need a new playbook.
I plan to get that moving at
today's Cabinet meeting.
Besides that, we'll need a
smaller, more compact unit.
A war cabinet.
>> Roosevelt's was chaired
by Stimson.
I can chair this exec committee,
report to you daily.
>> I'll be in the chair.
Only the commander in chief can
send Americans into harm's way,
Dick.
No one else.
>> Of course.
>> [sighs]
I'm gonna need you at my side
at all times, consigliere.
Main thrust, Dick, is to protect
the line of succession.
I want to be sure that if they
get me, you are there and you
are ready to step in.
Seamlessly.
Now, let's do it.
We're still scrambling.
The order of the day is focus.
Focus.
This isn't the plane down in
China.
We have no time.
By the end of the day, we must
have focus.
>> Yes, sir, Mr. President.
>> Who's in the crosshair?
>> Usama bin Laden.
From where I sit, the evidence
is conclusive.
Human asset on the ground in
Kandahar reports that the
attacks were, quote, "two years
in the planning."
Another picked up a strand
saying this was, quote, "the
beginning of the wrath."
>> You know, talking like it's
their handwriting doesn't make
it so, George.
I mean, there's no tolerance
for error here.
>> Cell phone traffic in several
areas confirmed that the attacks
were following the doctor's
program, obeying his orders.
>> We're almost certain that
that's Ayman Zawahiri, uh, the
Egyptian doctor we identify as
UBL's number two.
>> And perhaps the real brains
behind Al Qaeda.
And finally, the designation of
zero hour apparently came from
Abu Zubaydah.
>> Zubaydah.
He's the USS Cole planner.
>> Exactly.
>> CIA and FBI have managed to
talk to one another enough to
establish, so far, that at least
three of the hijackers were
trained at Al Qaeda camps in
Afghanistan.
>> Tell ya, those camps, they
cannot be left to fester.
What's the status with your
contacts with tribal leaders in
the south?
>> CIA people move in and out
regularly.
>> Can we intensify our presence
there?
>> It'll be expensive.
>> George, whatever it takes.
>> There might be casualties.
Mr. President, you have to make
the case to the American people.
>> There is no need to instruct
me on my job, Director.
I know my job.
Your job, make sure what
happened yesterday never happens
to the American people ever
again.
>> Yes, Mr. President.
>> Now, can you work me up a
plan?
Thanks.
Uh...
I'll need some time with Karen
before the Cabinet meeting.
Thank you, George.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> Condi.
>> Tom, need your plan for an
immediate military response.
>> As I said, Mr. Secretary,
immediate is what's on the
shelf.
Sea-launched cruise missiles.
>> That sounds like, "You want
it bad, you get it bad."
>> Sir, it's all we have within
96 hours.
>> My goodness, this president
isn't about to sling a few
missiles at a tent and not
follow through.
>> What about follow-through,
sir?
What is the level of political
commitment?
Like Somalia?
Or Beirut?
>> Neither.
The level just spiked.
There's a new game in town.
The president wants decisive
action, and he wants it fast.
In weeks, not months.
>> This is not Desert Storm the
sequel.
>> There'll be a new national
mandate by day's end.
We'll need a new military
doctrine to support it.
>> So, the option we're looking
at is boots on the ground?
>> Whatever it takes to do the
job.
>> Start with the shelf plan.
Add strike aircraft.
>> Team up with the anti-Taliban
warlords.
>> Put Special Forces in there
directing the air strikes.
>> We remain flexible, keep a
small footprint, avoid the
Soviet mistakes.
>> Excellent.
That's the kind of option we're
looking for.
>> JDAMs, UAVs.
>> Exactly.
[shouting, jackhammering]
>> Let's look at the big
picture.
A faceless enemy has declared
war on us.
We're at war.
That's what we have to
communicate to the American
people.
It's about educating 'em.
There's a war.
And that's gonna be the main
focus of this administration
from now on.
>> Yes, sir.
>> There's a faceless enemy,
runs and hides.
Can't hide forever.
Thinks its havens are safe.
Nah, won't be safe forever.
Not the kind of enemy we're used
to.
But if we educate the American
people properly, if we explain
it, we do our job right...
America will adapt.
>> Yes, sir.
>> He did the right thing.
He took the advice of the Secret
Service and went to Offutt
Air Force base.
>> He hid.
He stayed away for hours after
all the planes were accounted
for.
And-- And as for the
cock-and-bull story about Air
Force One being under threat,
give me a break.
>> A cock-and-bull story by who?
[knocking at door]
>> Yeah.
>> The military?
The Secret Service?
>> See the op-ed column?
>> The one about the photograph
of POTUS on the Air Force One
telephone?
>> "Is he demanding that his
real keeper, Cheney, let him go
home?"
[chuckling]
>> Karl, it's to be expected.
>> Is it?
>> Most of them get it.
The Cheney-runs-the-show myth
is always gonna be with some
of them.
But every day, more and more
see what's really going on here.
>> Good.
>> The Congressional delegation
is gathering.
>> Sounds ominous, doesn't it?
But we got to deal with 'em,
so get 'em in the Roosevelt
Room, Andy.
They're gonna want to know what
we know, which is their right,
but this whole policy thing,
we're not fully there yet.
>> This enemy did not attack us
because of our policies.
>> Mm...
So we say.
But there's gonna be the chorus
of it's our fault, beat up the
Israelis, stop using the oil.
>> Terrorists don't hate people
for what they do.
They hate them for what they
are.
>> Modernity, pluralism,
freedom.
These are good things, Condi.
Liberty is God's gift.
It is not negotiable on this
watch, and that is the policy.
>> Morning, Mr. President.
>> Welcome.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Good to see you, John.
>> Great to see you.
>> Senator Byrd.
>> Mr. President.
>> Please be seated.
I want to thank you all
for coming.
Well, I'm glad you're all here.
For the obvious reasons
and the not-so-obvious ones.
It was the enemy's dream for us
to be unable to meet here.
To see this White House in
rubble.
And the Capitol.
But they failed.
So far.
>> So far?
>> This is not an isolated
incident.
Our intelligence community is
sure of that.
And we're gonna have to work
together.
>> Well, you know you can count
on us, Mr. President.
>> Well, I'll need ya.
We'll need each other.
It's gonna be a long struggle.
A month from now, Americans will
be watching football,
World Series, thinking about
Thanksgiving, the holidays, but
you and I, we will have to
continue to wage this war.
>> Against whom, Mr. President?
>> It's a good question, John,
and that's where we begin.
As much as anything, we're
fighting a frame of mind.
>> Though, surely there are
things we can do to reach out.
>> Well, to ordinary people,
sure, but the actual people who
did this?
No, they hate us.
They hate Christianity.
They hate Judaism.
They hate everything that isn't
them.
>> Everything?
They attacked only us.
>> Well, that's because we are
the leader of the pack.
We protect other nations and
have since the advent of the
Cold War.
Now, you all know that.
American people know that.
Time has come when many other
people and nations are gonna
have to choose-- which side are
you on?
>> Strong rhetoric,
Mr. President.
War is a powerful word.
>> Senator, I can't find the
rhetoric powerful enough to
contain the way I feel about
yesterday's events.
Or express the size of the
reaction that these people can
expect from the American people.
>> Well, Mr. President, you can
count on full bipartisan
support.
And I know that we can count on
being full partners in this, uh,
challenge.
>> Oh, yes, you can.
Although, I won't be seeking
a declaration of war from the
Congress.
With a shadowy enemy,
specificity makes that
problematic.
But I will be looking for a
resolution endorsing the use
of force against those who did
this and those who helped
and harbored them.
>> Sir, you may certainly not
expect the kind of blank check
Lyndon Johnson obtained from us
with the Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution.
No, sir.
No more Vietnams.
We, sir, still have a
Constitution.
>> One that I truly revere,
Senator Byrd.
And I want you to be assured, I
will ask nothing from the
Congress for which we first
haven't made a case to the
American people.
This will decidedly not be
Vietnam.
>> Today the president spoke
with Prime Minister Blair, with
Prime Minister Chrétien, with
President Chirac, with
Chancellor Schroeder, President
Jiang of China, and twice with
President Putin.
>> Colin, your report...
really encouraging.
And my own calls uh, to Putin,
the Chinese, French, Germans,
in the wheelhouse.
That is the first part of our
job.
The second is to move past
reassuring the American people
and prepare them for what is
to come.
We want to prepare them without
alarming them.
The best way to do that is to
show them we are on top of this
first battle in what may be
a long war.
Robert?
>> [clears throat]
Well, we've made real progress
in filling out the roster of the
hijackers, nailing down their
whereabouts.
We even know the vehicle they
used to get to Logan.
>> Good as far as it goes, but
what about their support system?
>> We're moving as quickly as we
can, but deliberately because
of the danger of tainting
evidence.
>> Taint it.
The most-- For now, the only
important thing is to make sure
we stop any planned second
strike, stop any accomplices
or terrorists before they can
hit us again.
Or make good their escape and
parade through Kabul as heroes.
If we can't bring them to trial,
so be it.
>> Well, that's different.
>> The president said to think
unconventionally.
>> Mission completed.
But if you taint the evidence,
what'll you do with them?
>> Watch them.
Keep a tail on them for the rest
of their lives, if need be.
Remember, in the end, Capone
went to jail for tax evasion,
not murder.
>> We were a different country
then.
>> And after Tuesday, we're
a different country all over
again.
If we're to make the mission,
the Justice Department-- that's
FBI, INS, all of it-- has to
shift the focus from prosecution
to prevention.
This is a time to be proactive,
not reactive.
>> Well, I understand the logic.
But it's a radical shift in
policy.
I'll put it before the Cabinet.
In the meantime, you continue on
with this preventative plan.
All right, while domestic issues
are being worked on, uh, we're
gonna need some clarity with the
big picture.
>> We've started on the "for us,
against us" message to both
Pakistan and the Taliban, in
general terms so far, but moving
towards a list of demands.
>> Taliban need to understand,
handing over bin Laden won't
do it.
All right?
I mean, this whole Al Qaeda has
to be dismantled, the leaders
handed over, the sheep kicked
out.
Nothing less.
Pakistanis, they need to
understand their role in this.
I am telling you.
>> What should I be asking for,
precisely?
>> Whatever it takes.
>> We need to start as we mean
to go on.
How we define the task going in
will lock in other nations when
they sign on any coalition.
>> Meaning?
>> Meaning, for example, we let
Saddam Hussein off the hook
the last go-round.
The Arab Coalition partners
said they never signed on to
help remove an Arab leader.
So our hands were tied.
This time, the mission should
define the coalition, not the
other way around.
The mission is the destruction
of Al Qaeda.
Hussein isn't germane.
>> He is if we're talking about
terrorism in the broadest sense.
We know he never stopped
developing weapons of mass
destruction, which we know he's
used on his own people.
>> But has never used outside
of Iraq.
>> What about Iran?
>> Al Qaeda lacks weapons.
That's why they used our own
aircraft.
You put Hussein and bin Laden
together...
>> Is that an immediate threat?
>> The enemy is clearly more
than UBL and the Taliban.
If we're including people who
support terrorists, that does
open the door to Iraq, but
unlike bin Laden, we know where
to find them.
>> We start with bin Laden.
That is what the American people
will expect.
Getting him will be a huge blow
for our side.
So let's build a coalition for
that job.
Later, we can shape different
coalitions for different tasks.
I said this is gonna be a long
war.
Things will change.
For our opening campaign, we are
going to need a major military
assault.
>> To start with bin Laden was
the right move.
Good instincts.
>> For the moment, I want a
target the average person can
understand.
Thank you.
Please.
And with what we know, he's the
right starting point.
In time-- not long, but in
time-- we'll get the bigger idea
across.
Condi, what did you think of
John's idea?
>> Sensible but problematic.
When national defense and civil
liberties come into conflict...
>> Yeah.
Saturday, we'll hash it out
then.
Camp David is best.
>> I'll see arrangements are
made.
♪♪
>> This NATO vote is a big boost
to us.
We need to know you are there
with us.
Well, we know you Brits always
are, but some of the others--
>> Well, they'll come to see
this is different.
That NATO's entire history's
always been something of a
one-way street.
This is the first time you've
looked to us for help in facing
down a hostile threat.
>> Everyone's in place in the
Situation Room.
You ready?
>> What, to hear the CIA's
solution to the Taliban?
You better believe it, Vice.
Look, we're two days into this.
The scrambling time is over.
Today we start making
the hard choices.
>> We've been deep in the
Northern Alliance for some time.
They began as a ragtag amalgam
of mobs-- five major groupings,
perhaps two dozen subsets--
led by local warlords who go
back and forth according
to the daily market price.
The one steadying hand that
could pull them all together was
Ahmad Shah Massoud.
Charismatic, Western-educated,
exactly what was needed to whip
the Alliance into a potent
fighting force.
Four days ago, two suicide
bombers posing as journalists
assassinated him.
>> Al Qaeda?
>> Almost certainly.
But we still have some CIA
paramilitary teams operating
in-country.
If we increased those so there
was, let's say, one with each
warlord backed with enough money
to keep them loyal, we can lay
the basis for a wider action.
>> These teams, they'd have
to transform into army special
forces and rangers if they're
to link to conventional
military.
>> If you mean the boots on the
ground that use lasers to guide
ship-launched missiles,
aircraft, Air Force AWACS,
of course.
But those elements will take
time to deploy.
These teams are ready to go.
>> Cofer Black, Mr. President.
I run these teams.
They can bring home the bacon.
And the guy who looks after the
pigs with it.
>> [chuckling]
>> But make no mistake,
Mr. President.
Doing it means people will die.
Americans will die.
My friends and colleagues.
But...
give our teams the mission,
and we'll take these guys out.
And I mean out.
We'll drop a team in here and
here and here and here until
we're as tight as a tortoise to
his shell with every local
leader in the north.
That gives them and their
fighters confidence.
With the Afghans, you have to be
the winning side, or you're
a non-starter.
Then a little cash to keep it
all lubricated.
Now we have a cohesive force for
the soldiers who'll come in
behind us.
We use that force to hit
the caves.
Hit, hit, hit!
Because that's where these A-Q
types live, like worms in the
ground.
Oh, yeah, we'll smoke 'em out.
We'll flush the bastards into
the open air.
And that's bonus time for us,
sir.
Because our local allies have
all kinds of scores to settle.
By the time they're through the
accounting, we won't have a
whole lot to clean up, and then
it's on to the next set of
caves.
It won't be bloodless.
But give us the mission,
and we'll get 'em.
Within a matter of weeks, we'll
have it set up so the military
will face a one-sided rout.
The enemy will have flies
on their eyeballs.
>> You did say unconventional.
>> Well, Joe Hagen and I have
juggled it back and forth, made
allowances for all the policy
and political issues.
It comes down to Monday.
>> Five days off.
The media will howl he's ducking
it, but work here comes first.
>> Karen's for televising
today's phone call to Pataki
and Giuliani, show he's intent
on outreach.
>> The only other day would be
Friday.
>> Friday's a national day
of remembrance.
He's delivering the homily.
To then fly to New York,
it's a lot to ask for one day.
>> Under the best of
circumstances, New York
makes me very uneasy.
>> Well, you're gonna be on the
ground way ahead of the game.
The National Guard's already
in place, and the president's
gonna stay behind police
barricades.
See, the president is gonna
approach Ground Zero this way.
You got fire and police
personnel lining the street,
media at a discreet distance.
Then to the site, always staying
behind your lines, Chief.
Then he gets back in the limo,
drives up the West Side Highway
with Rudy and Governor Pataki,
where he meets with the grieving
families.
>> Crowd control at Ground Zero,
it's still spotty.
>> It's not that.
It's about emotional exposure.
Think about it.
Since this happened, a wall's
come down around him.
The president becomes a nation,
doesn't he?
And we wrap him up in a cocoon.
I mean hell, Chief, your boys
didn't even want him to come
back here to the office.
You wanted to keep him all
cuddled up at Offutt.
So, he became
Commander-in-Chief, took back
control of his destiny, and
since then, he's been pushing,
prodding, listening, studying,
and slowly we regrouped,
and the fog started to lift,
and that's good.
It's good for us,
good for America.
And now this.
>> I don't get it.
What am I missing?
>> On Friday, we lift the wall,
take the defenses away, and send
him to the pulpit of the church.
Then on Monday, to the raw
emotions of rescue workers
and grievers.
Forget about the emotional
stress of discussing policy.
Now comfort tears and pain
as an ordinary man.
And this is a man who feels
very deeply.
He's got a whole load of emotion
of his own.
>> Okay, here's what's
gonna happen.
The president's gonna arrive
when the phone connection is up.
When the call is concluded,
we leave.
No questions.
>> George.
Rudy.
Listen, you all are doing an
amazing job, and uh...
you know our prayers are
with you.
>> He's fighting his emotion.
What happens when we take him
there?
>> We got a few days 'til then.
He'll be fine by Monday.
>> On Friday, after the national
remembrance service, I'm gonna
come out there and visit ya.
>> When he's done,
you get the press out.
>> I wish I could visit under
better circumstances, but, uh,
at least this'll give the three
of us a chance to, you know,
hug and cry with the fine people
of your good area.
[clears throat]
>> Mr. President.
>> Yeah?
>> Could you tell us what you're
thinking?
Your prayers,
where your heart is?
>> I'm not thinking about
myself...
not at this moment.
I'm thinking of all those
people, the families...
all those children.
Hey, look, you know
I'm a loving guy.
But I also am someone with a job
to do, and I intend to do it.
And this is a terrible moment.
But this country will not relent
until it has saved itself
and others from this terrible
tragedy that came upon us.
>> Okay, that's it, everyone.
Thank you.
>> Just have one more question.
[quiet chatter]
>> That put the awful office
speech of 9/11 behind us,
and that is the man the nation
needs to see and understand
at the remembrance service.
So, it's full-out on that
until it's done.
>> I'm still at
the reaction part.
This was begun at a time of
others' choosing but will end
in a way and an hour of ours.
Clumsy, and I am polishing.
>> It's good.
But you can't get there without
going through the grief process
first. How's that?
>> Really good.
>> Good.
Thanks.
>> We can't take on the Taliban
without help from Pakistan.
>> Let's make a wish list.
Everything we ever wanted from
Mr. Musharraf.
>> First, stop all Al Qaeda
agents and personnel at the
border and stop all arms and
logistic shipments through
Pakistan.
No help or aid of any kind
to bin Laden via Pakistan.
>> Or by air drop.
We'll need to police that.
So, second, full overflight and
landing rights.
>> But the region is still
beyond our reach for now.
So, third, access to the
military, air, and naval
installations.
That bottles them up.
But we still need to smoke out
as many as we can.
So, Pakistan has to cut off all
fuel shipments to the Taliban.
>> And stop the flow of
volunteers.
No more allowed to cross
the frontier.
>> Ah, tough to police.
Unless we have access
to their intelligence.
>> Access to intelligence.
>> Good.
Closes Al Qaeda in, quarantines
the Taliban, and makes serious
moves toward starving them out.
But this cannot be our little
secret.
The world has to know
where he stands.
The president has said, "With us
or against us."
So, point six, publicly condemn
the 9/11 attacks and suppress
any internal shows of support
for those who inflicted them.
And seven, if bin Laden is shown
to be implicated in these
attacks and the Taliban refuses
to hand him over and dismantle
Al Qaeda, then Pakistan will
break all diplomatic relations
with Afghanistan and join in the
effort to unseat its government.
>> His own people put that
government in place.
You're asking a hell of a lot.
>> Nothing ventured...
In any event, we need to put the
questions and have Musharraf's
answers by Saturday's meeting
at Camp David.
>> Okay.
>> The president today has made
a series of phone calls to world
leaders.
He has spoken with Prime
Minister Koizumi of Japan, Prime
Minister Berlusconi of Italy,
Lord Robertson of NATO, Crown
Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia,
and President Mubarak of Egypt.
This afternoon he will visit
a local hospital, and later he
will meet with members of
Congress from the Virginia area
to talk about the ongoing
efforts of the federal
government to be of assistance
to the families and victims.
>> How you doing?
>> Fine, sir.
>> How are you?
>> Thank you for coming.
>> Do you have everything you
need?
You hang in there, huh?
>> [sobbing]
♪♪
>> How are you, dear?
What can we do to help?
>> I'm just so grateful
you're here.
>> We wouldn't be anywhere else.
>> I crawled through the flames.
>> Now you're gonna walk right
back through that front door.
>> You will take care of us?
>> You count on it.
[siren wailing]
>> Look, as long as he stays
behind NYPD lines, you guys got
nothing to worry about, okay?
No, no, no, no, no, I don't need
visible National Guardsmen.
Yes, you can have NYPD and FDNY
lining the streets as he
approaches the tents, okay?
Excuse me.
I want DOBs and Social Security
numbers on all the family
members that are gonna be at the
Javits Center, all right?
>> For God's sakes, we're
running out of time.
You got to get a hold of this
thing.
>> Well, I'm trying to, but he
made the decision.
He didn't ask my permission
first, and he is the boss.
>> Look, this is not just about
capturing a few people and
holding them accountable.
It's also about removing
sanctuaries, support systems.
>> Do I hear Iraq?
>> The hawks will always be with
us.
More preparation for Saturday.
>> This is a campaign and not a
single action.
We have to keep after these
people and those who support
them until it stops.
[chatter]
>> Sir! We have questions,
Mr. President.
>> There's been a threat on the
White House, and we're taking it
seriously.
>> Well, this isn't the place to
tell me, Andy.
Not where the press can see.
>> Sir, we need to evacuate you
to the PEOC.
>> [sighs]
And alarm the whole country?
I'm staying here.
>> Mr. President--
>> I'm hungry.
I could splurge on a hamburger
about now.
>> Well, if you're gonna
splurge, you might as well make
it a cheeseburger.
>> Dick.
I may not want to leave...
but you have to.
We can't allow the possibility
of a decapitation.
Karen, let all non-essential
personnel leave early, and make
sure Laura's safe.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And then we're staying on.
>> ...outside Buckingham Palace.
Prince Andrew, second son of
Queen Elizabeth II,
and the U.S. ambassador
William Farish
attended the ceremony.
["The Star-Spangled Banner"
playing]
The military band played the
U.S. national anthem in honor
of the victims of the terrorist
attacks.
>> One result of Tuesday's
tragedy is, as we've been
talking about here, that
patriotism in this country has
surged in the face of an attack
on our way of life and the
liberties we hold dear.
Americans have made it known
their allegiance
will not waver.
>> ♪ And crown thy good
♪ With brotherhood
♪ From sea to shining sea
>> I think I should share the
secretary of state's thoughts
with you.
"Dear Mr. President,
please don't break down."
[laughter]
It is good advice.
I think I got it all
out of my system.
>> Good. On a day like today,
you'll need to.
You got all the emotional
words out of your cathedral
address?
>> Every one.
Thanks.
I believe Secretary Rumsfeld has
prepared a short prayer to begin
the meeting.
>> Lord, we pray now for Thy
guidance, that Thy will be our
will, and that we have the
strength and patience to measure
our lust for action.
Amen.
>> Amen.
>> Amen.
>> I want to assure you all
that the War Cabinet is making
great strides.
We are past the scrambling, and
we're formulating a strong and
steady plan of action,
a plan we will soon be able
to share with the full Cabinet.
But for now, let's just go
around the table and see where
the broader government is.
Transport?
>> Civil aviation fleet slowly
coming back.
We're 16% up and rising but need
to discuss new safety protocols.
>> Beyond today's service,
the president wants, and must,
address the nation.
When and where?
>> And precisely what?
>> Content's still ongoing.
Changes daily, hourly.
For now, let's just stick with
the when and where.
>> Not the Oval Office.
We don't want a repeat of
the 9/11 Awful Office speech.
>> We're way past that first
night.
Besides, we're not looking
for a cocoon.
This needs to be something
that the people can connect to
very directly.
>> The War College is a great
venue.
Provides an audience, offers
an atmosphere of strength.
>> It has to be to a joint
session of Congress.
It's their right.
It's the country's right.
It's politically right.
Our man is always best in front
of a big audience.
That's the way the nation needs
to see him.
At his best.
>> No, Prime Minister,
I understand how difficult it is
for you to sit on your hands.
But this business can have only
one outcome.
The end of terrorism.
For us and for you.
>> What you ask, Mr. President,
is reasonable.
But we don't deal with
reasonable people in this
neighborhood.
>> Which is why we have to clean
it up.
And your restraint, even in the
face of renewed attacks inside
Israel, will help us
in that goal.
>> We have no greater friend.
So, for as long as we can and as
much as we can, we will hold our
hand.
But the world press, they fret
over the so-called Arab street.
Mr. President, I also
have political realities.
A people under attack daily.
But for as long as we can.
>> I can't ask for any more than
that.
>> Shalom, Mr. President.
>> You all right?
>> Yeah.
Today the president has to be
the country.
Permanence, continuity.
No room for W today.
Today has to be the turning
point, or it'll be a terrible
setback to the whole healing
process.
Besides, you did such an amazing
job pulling this whole thing
together in 36 hours.
I better not let you down.
[choir singing indistinctly,
church bells tolling]
We are here in the middle hour
of our grief.
So many have suffered
so great a loss.
>> [sobs]
>> And today we express our
nation's sorrow.
We come before God to pray
for the missing and the dead
and those who loved them.
>> [sobbing]
>> On Tuesday, this country was
attacked with deliberate
and massive cruelty.
We have seen the images of fire
and ashes, and now come the
names, the list of the
casualties we are only
beginning to read.
They are the names of men and
women who began their day at a
desk or in an airport,
busy with life.
They are the names of people who
faced death and who, in their
final moments, called home to
say "Be brave" and "I love you."
Just three days removed from
these events, Americans do
not have the distance of
history, but our responsibility
to history is very clear.
To answer these attacks
and rid the world of evil.
War has been brought against us
by stealth and deceit
and murder.
This nation is peaceful but
fierce when stirred to anger.
This conflict was begun on the
timing and terms of others.
It will end in a way
and at an hour of
our choosing.
[drumming]
♪♪
>> ♪ Mine eyes have seen
♪ The glory of the coming
♪ Of the Lord
♪ He is trampling out
♪ The vintage where the grapes
♪ Of wrath are stored
♪ He hath loosed the faithful
♪ Lightning of his terrible
♪ Swift sword
♪ His truth is
♪ Marching on
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ His truth is
♪ Marching on
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
>> [chanting "U.S.A.!"]
>> ♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
♪ Glory, glory
♪ Hallelujah
>> Mr. President,
get the bastards!
>> Whatever it takes, you find
them, you make 'em pay!
[chanting continues]
>> He's on the move.
>> I'll be all right, Karl.
Andy, I got to talk to these
people.
>> Uh, camera two, camera three,
follow the president.
Follow the president.
>> Mr. President?
No.
>> This is good.
They need to hear him.
They need to hear their
president!
>> Can someone give him a
megaphone?
>> [chanting "U.S.A.!"]
Kill those -- , George!
You kill them, man.
[chanting continues]
>> Thank you.
I thank you all.
I want you to know
America is on bended knee
for the lives lost here.
>> Can't hear you!
>> Well, I can hear you!
[cheering]
I can hear you, the rest of the
world hears you, and the people
who knocked these buildings down
will hear from all of us soon.
[cheering]
>> [chanting "U.S.A.!"]
>> I want to thank you for your
hard work, thank you for making
the nation proud.
And may God bless America.
[cheering and applause]
[chanting "U.S.A.!"]
>> Mr. President.
>> Hold it.
>> It's all right.
Man has something to say.
I'm listening.
>> I'm here--
I'm here digging for my brother.
I didn't vote for you, sir,
but I want you-- I want you to
find the son of a -- who did
this, and when you do, sir,
I want you to-- I want you to
take care of business, sir.
>> That's right.
>> What has to be done.
>> Hear, hear.
>> I hope you find your brother.
>> Thank you, sir.
[applause]
>> They all have a confirmed
missing, but very few of them
believe that their loved one
won't be found.
Hoping for that one miracle case
to be dug out.
>> Who're you missing here? Oh.
...best we can to find him.
Beautiful mom.
Like you, I can see you have
her eyes.
Hi.
How you doing?
This your mom?
So when your dad comes back...
he'll know you met me.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> You're welcome.
>> Update the Secret Service.
You tell 'em we're gonna be here
a lot longer than the scheduled
half hour.
>> Missing a husband?
>> No. Son.
>> And he's missing?
>> No, lost.
One of the first pulled out.
>> Sorry.
>> I already knew.
I called the precinct.
They said he hadn't been in for
roll call.
They told me to check back in an
hour, but I said, "No need."
If he hadn't called in,
I knew where he was.
Mr. President.
>> Yeah?
>> I would like to present you
with his shield.
I want you to have it.
He'd want you to have it.
To honor all the men and women
who lost their lives down there.
>> Thank you.
>> The president woke at his
usual early hour.
He walked Barney and Spot at
about 5:30 AM.
He went for a run.
He then had intelligence
briefings and security
briefings.
He also called Presidents Aznar
of Spain and Fox of Mexico.
He later recorded his radio
address.
>> One more mile, Mike.
Come on, son.
Morning, Cool Breeze.
>> Morning, Mr. President.
>> Is today the point
of no return?
>> No. Nothing impulsive.
Now, there's gonna be a couple
hundred years of experience
sitting around that table.
Let 'em make their
presentations, debate it out,
while we listen.
I'm partial to the
flies-on-the-eyeballs guy's
solution myself, but we got to
listen because that may be all
sizzle, no steak.
>> Wise.
We still have a little time
before doing anything final.
>> We have to take the time
we need, we're not gonna
analyze it to death,
but we are gonna define
the problems and find the best
solution.
We've accomplished part one in a
very short time.
Let's not trip up on part two.
Besides, nothing's gonna happen
'til the American people know
what's in store.
[chatter]
And these guys are the best
messengers for that.
>> Then, what can you tell us
about the current state of play
in Afghanistan and the
terrorists' possible global
reach?
Do we have specific
intelligence of activities
elsewhere in the Mideast?
>> This is an administration
that will not talk about how
we gather intelligence,
how we know what we're gonna do,
nor what our plans are.
And when we move, we will
communicate with you in an
appropriate manner.
We're at war.
>> My news is encouraging.
The coalition building goes
well.
We presented our seven points
to Pakistan.
Pretty harsh stuff.
Draconian perhaps.
They were accepted
without exception.
Musharraf is fully on board
the program.
>> Well done.
That was no easy task, I know.
>> Thank you, Mr. President.
As you know, NATO is fully
aboard, having invoked
Article V on our behalf
for the first time.
The Brits have really been
steadfast on this, as always.
The French and Germans required
a little prodding.
Now, how well all this holds
together over time, as the
events of last Tuesday recede,
hard to say.
It'll depend on what action we
take when we take it.
This is even more true of
Musharraf's ability to keep his
street in line.
The man has a huge radical
element to deal with, and if we
react clumsily, he'll be
seriously threatened, parts of
the European coalition begin to
waver, and that would affect the
other states in his region.
In 1991, we formed a
comprehensive coalition.
That should be our goal this
time.
>> Back to that problem.
Sure, in '91 we built a terrific
coalition.
So big, it held us back.
When we should've gone in after
Saddam, we had all these
fair-weather allies who said
they wouldn't assist in bringing
down a fellow Arab leader.
We let the coalition define
the mission.
>> We needed bases on
their territory.
We needed overflight privileges,
intelligence access, and other
resources, as you well know.
And that was a conventional
conflict.
This is virtually a guerrilla
war, where those assets become
exponentially more important.
>> We're mixing issues here.
I mean, if the problem is how
potential allies will react
when they find out what our
intent is and how we plan to
carry it out, hell, let's go
there first.
>> We would begin with six
to eight CIA paramilitary teams
on the ground in Afghanistan who
would fan out and link up with
various elements of the Northern
Alliance.
They lay the groundwork for the
regular military, the Special
Forces units that bring in both
the firepower and the latest
technology.
They, in turn, lay the predicate
for a larger military presence
that would assist and support a
total assault on Al Qaeda, and
if necessary, the Taliban
government, should they fail to
rally the cause.
>> How reliable are the
receiving units for the Northern
Alliance? We've made the mistake
of backing unsure allies before.
>> These people are desperate.
At the moment, we're
their only hope.
But if this is as far as we go,
it won't do the job.
If we're serious about bringing
down Al Qaeda and those who sail
with it, the CIA needs authority
to go after them anywhere in the
world, to use whatever means
necessary to cut off their head
and their limbs, to act when the
opportunity arises and not have
to come back for presidential
approval every time
we want to strike.
And it also means we have to
get into bed with intelligence
services and other assets
some might find questionable.
>> Currently off-limits.
>> Yes.
There are folks out there who
don't view the sanctity of human
rights the same way we do.
They use means we would never
employ.
But by the same token, they
often get results we never
would.
The third leg of the stool,
supporting our existing
operations.
We're covert in over
75 countries.
On the ground with human assets.
We want to be more aggressive
with this, want to do more than
gather intelligence.
Bribe with money, food, toys.
Authorize break-ins, go lethal,
whatever it takes.
Finally, it all needs to be
backed up with disruption of
computer networks,
financial links.
This we can do given the
funding, but above all,
the flexibility.
>> Frankly, I like
the military aspect.
Really like it.
It gets us started while we
prepare our ground forces.
CIA can get in faster
than we can.
They can't do what we can in the
longer haul, but for now...
>> Good.
No, good job.
Sits well.
>> Sir.
>> For some years,
law enforcement has been
restricted to being reactive.
We must become proactive.
While the FBI is making great
steps in investigating this
attack, that is not good enough.
There are no investigations
after Armageddon.
We have to disrupt domestic
terrorism before it can bring
about our Armageddon.
Seek it wherever it hides.
Schools or civic organizations.
Even places of worship.
I will be seeking a presidential
finding to that effect.
>> So, those are the three
leading military options.
An immediate cruise missile
strike against known Al Qaeda
camps.
But they're mostly empty, and,
uh, that option hasn't proved
very successful in the past.
Option number two combines
missiles with a bombing
campaign.
>> With what targets?
What's left worth mounting a
high-cost bombing run against
Afghanistan?
>> There are Taliban
installations.
>> If we choose to go after
the Taliban immediately without
first giving them the
opportunity to help us against
Al Qaeda.
>> Precisely.
Which brings us to option number
three, the one that meshes best
with the CIA proposals.
Special Forces lead the way,
with missiles and bombers
supporting our troops on the
ground who will path find to
rich targets and bolster
the advance of the Northern
Alliance.
>> It depends a great deal
on the Northern Alliance and
just how allied they are.
>> The Alliance, the whole area,
it makes the Balkans
look serene.
That's what creates the danger
of having the conflict spill
over into the surrounding
region.
>> But if we succeed in ridding
Afghanistan of Al Qaeda, we send
a serious message to other
regimes-- Iran, for example--
that there is no future in
harboring terrorists.
>> Do we?
Sir, I can assure you the entire
international community is in
the coalition to eliminate
Al Qaeda.
But if we begin extending to
other groups or states, those
allies will begin dropping away.
>> At some point we may be the
only ones left standing,
and that will have to be okay.
That's why we're America.
>> I doubt it will come to that.
The number of allies might
dwindle, but those who truly get
it will remain solid.
The Brits, certainly.
>> But others will argue
against it.
Afghanistan is a graveyard
of empires.
The British were crushed there
twice in the 19th century,
the Russians sent packing
in the last decade.
>> Only because we gave
the Afghanis Stinger missiles
as part of the Cold War effort.
>> Surely there is a consensus
to remove the Taliban if it
refuses to cooperate in the
battle against Al Qaeda.
>> But the Taliban is only
the beginning of the problem.
If we leave Saddam Hussein in
place, we've accomplished
very little in the long run.
>> Uh, be careful.
We do not want to declare war
on all Islam.
>> Not all Islam.
Just those elements determined
to destroy us.
>> And Saddam Hussein is tied
for first place with
Usama bin Laden.
>> UBL attacked us, not Saddam.
>> Only because he was unable.
But he's got the arms.
He's been developing everything
from nuclear weapons to smallpox
to anthrax to...
well, the whole range of weapons
of mass destruction ever since
he so frustrated the U.N.
inspectors that they walked out,
and the Security Council
looked on and did nothing.
All he's lacked is
the means to deliver those
weapons to our shores.
Well,
UBL has shown that he's
got a system of delivery,
and it is not an arsenal
of ICBMs, but it is something
just as deadly.
Cells of radicals,
suicide bombers,
of the sort the Israelis
deal with.
>> We can't use 9/11 as a
general warrant to hunt down
anyone we think doesn't like us.
If we're seen to do that,
we won't have one, not one,
Arab state in the coalition
against UBL and the Taliban,
which will weaken the resolve
of certain Europeans.
We'll be doomed going in.
>> After what happened to us
on 9/11, if we leave any of our
enemies standing,
it will embolden him.
Back to the central issue.
Does the coalition define
the mission, or is it
the other way around?
>> Let's take a break.
And when we reconvene, let's
refocus on the military options
in Afghanistan.
Well, the outlines are
becoming clearer.
But so are the pitfalls.
>> Iraq?
>> Yes. And that graveyard
of empires business?
I want to hear this whole debate
go on this afternoon.
>> Is there any special mission
for me?
>> Listen.
Just listen.
And then we'll go over it
together, but no decision today.
[applause]
[helicopter rotors whirring]
>> No, I definitely agree with
Rove on this one.
For the last eight months
we've been middling, Karen.
We know that.
We've had a success with the tax
cut, sure, but education
initiative stalled, defense
transformation, faith based, no.
We have to go to Congress for
this speech.
We speak to them, and then
beyond-- the American people,
foreign leaders, the press,
everything.
9/11 was a new era.
We have to start off new.
>> Better start there.
The whole tenor of the press is
to try and fit whatever's
planned into what they remember
from '91.
>> This is not gonna be a replay
of the Gulf War except in two
ways-- efficiency and winning
public support.
So you zero in on it.
I remember the '60s.
I've seen what can happen when
you decide to go to war without
explaining to the people what
it's all about.
You know, risking their blood,
their treasure.
No.
This is not gonna be
Gulf War II.
>> Then we need to speak
with a new voice, sir.
New information.
>> There'll be no shortage.
Those decisions will be
finalized at tomorrow morning's
Executive Committee meeting.
Now, there's things, basic
things, to explain.
Who are we going to war with?
I mean, who are they?
Radicals? Why do they hate us?
Not because of what we do,
because of what we are.
>> What will victory mean?
>> Justice.
And finally, how it will be won.
And that's for tomorrow
morning's Exec Com meeting.
[door opens]
I've made up my mind.
A course of action.
And no half measures.
This is all-out war.
>> State is worried that an
Afghan war might destabilize
Pakistan.
>> I know.
They'll need a program to help
shore up Musharraf.
Our hands have been tied too
long by fear-- fear of the Arab
street, fear this regime may
fall, that regime may
turn nasty on us.
And all the while, the world is
getting more unfriendly.
I mean, is that why we
sacrificed so much to win
the Cold War?
Hmm?
To shrink back from the peace?
How is that undisclosed
secure location, Dick?
>> Very secure.
And they haven't disclosed
the location even to me.
[laughter]
>> Hey, you were great on the
Russert show yesterday.
[applause]
Uh, can you see everyone?
>> Yeah.
>> All right. As promised,
we are here to define
the jobs for the first
wave of the war on terror
and terrorism.
George, I'm gonna endorse your
plan as proposed and sign that
finding today.
I want you to get your
paramilitaries into Afghanistan,
link up with the anti-Taliban
forces.
When that is completed, you will
then lay the carpet to receive
our regular ground troops.
John.
This reordering of priorities
you outlined, absolutely
appropriate.
No greater priority for the CIA
and FBI than to protect this
country from further attacks.
Moving you away from this
strictly investigative and
prosecution, we're gonna need a
special package sent to Congress
for legal authority,
so start working on that.
Oh, uh, Rummy, we're gonna need
a similar package for overseas
troops and installations.
State.
We're gonna make an ultimatum
today to the Taliban.
They're gonna hand over Usama
bin Laden or suffer the
consequences.
Just make sure that the Taliban
understand we are not out to
destroy them, but the outcome,
that's in their hands.
All right.
We are gonna take option number
three. That is the missiles,
bombs, and the boots
on the ground.
I want you to rain holy hell on
them so when our-- when our
soldiers hit the ground,
the enemy is in flight.
So you hit 'em hard.
You hit 'em very, very, hard.
Hard enough to send a signal to
Syria and to Iran that there
is a change in U.S. policy
while they still have a chance
to change their direction.
And that'll give ol' Saddam
pause to think.
We are about to put American
lives at risk.
Nothing about this is tentative.
This is all-out.
>> Sir, an ultimatum today may
be beyond reach.
It has to be written.
We have to secure our embassies.
And by the time all that's done,
well, they are some
10 hours ahead of us.
>> You need until tomorrow
morning? You got it.
But make this statement strong.
Make it powerful.
Leave them terrified.
This is part of the larger plan
to help shore up Pakistan.
So, uh, if there is a delay,
we'll use that to develop
the plan further.
>> What if bin Laden has nukes
or other WMDs?
The CIA knows he's been trying
for years, very hard.
>> But not yet got them, as far
as we know, right?
>> Not as far as we know.
>> Well, then to hold back our
hand in fear that he might is
just inviting him to use that
time to go out and get 'em.
Making sure he can't deploy what
he's already got, that's the
main focus of this undertaking.
The danger of not acting, that
far outweighs all the other
problems.
This post-Cold War world in
which we are the only real power
left standing isn't any nicer,
it seems, than the one that
preceded it.
Weakness is despised.
Strength is admired.
And I believe that any further
delay will be perceived as a
weakness.
Decisiveness, action,
that is vital.
>> What about Iraq?
What if Saddam dips in his oar?
>> Well, now, I believe,
like you, he already has.
'93 World Trade Center,
if not this one.
That man, he means us no good,
and he is surely
developing WMDs.
So, write up a plan for him,
but not here, not today.
Let's just deal with
Afghanistan.
He'll just have to wait
his turn.
>> The idea that it's about
justice.
The president's already said
it's about bringing them
to justice.
We need to hit that theme.
>> Mm-hmm, and more.
Krauthammer's column
touches on it.
It's not about a lawsuit,
it's about a choice.
Bringing them to justice
or bringing justice to them.
>> Make no mistake.
The hour is coming when all
Americans will be called upon to
make sure these terrible events
never befall us again.
And I know you'll all
be ready to do your share.
Yeah?
>> Sir,
do you want bin Laden dead?
>> There was an old poster
out west.
As I recall, it said,
"Wanted dead or alive."
>> Whoo!
>> How's "Freedom is at war
with fear"?
>> "Freedom and fear
are at war."
Uh, make the sides clear.
Okay, the president's due
at the mosque.
>> It is important to understand
our battle is not with Islam,
a religion of peace, but with
those who would hijack it.
Americans respect
the Muslim faith.
Our Muslim citizens have
contributed so much to our
national life.
>> As speeches go, it's still
a little rough, but it's very
promising.
You sure?
[door opens]
>> These are the findings
and memoranda, the authority
for this morning's decisions.
>> Thank you.
>> Oh...
The speech?
>> Yeah.
Next to deciding on what to do,
biggest challenge of all.
>> You'll meet it.
>> We all have to.
There is no room
for a Vietnam here.
They hit the homeland.
>> You'll do fine.
Almost a perfect record so far.
>> Almost?
>> Well, just one,
um, small item.
Well, that "Wanted dead or
alive" thing?
The world isn't filled with
Texans.
A lot of people will not
understand it.
They'll think it, um,
well, belligerent.
And you have set
such a good tone.
And, um, one other little thing.
Don't ever forget about how they
treat women.
That's a big part of this.
>> It is.
It surely is.
And we won't forget
that part of it.
>> Good.
>> Today the president spoke
with Secretary-General Kofi
Annan and also with President
Cardoso of Brazil,
who expressed his sympathy
and solidarity.
Also, the president spoke again
with Prime Minister Chrétien
of Canada.
There will be a brief moment of
remembrance on the White House
lawn this morning, one week
after the attacks.
>> May God continue to bless
America.
You know, this current draft
isn't working.
So drop the FDR quotes.
This isn't the time to raise
ghosts.
Look, this is a different kind
of war, and this speech is
about educating the people
to that.
Now, we have to be clear on the
size of this, a war that may not
end on my watch.
And we have to pursue some form
of normal living, or they win.
This is what my presidency
is all about.
>> Our paramilitary teams are
streaming online.
The first unit is on its way to
the Northern Alliance,
will be in-country and in place
within eight days.
>> Our planning's to speed.
Special Forces teams will be
ready to follow the CIA teams
within weeks if not days.
Strike aircraft are moving into
the region, and naval elements
are steaming to nearby waters.
>> We've already connected the
hijackers to funding sources,
and we'll be able to identify
front organizations-- businesses
and in some cases charities--
that need to be closed and
assets frozen.
Deputy Secretary Armitage is
on his way back from Moscow
after what can only be called a
very successful trip.
They understand our resolve and
have accepted they have little
recourse but to cooperate.
The Arab states are falling into
line, and Musharraf's televised
statement can speak for itself.
And the ultimatum to the Taliban
will be on your desk
this afternoon.
>> Thank you.
This shouldn't go through
some back door.
World needs to hear this.
>> Into the speech.
>> Into the speech.
>> State reminds us that an
emphasis on coalition-building
will bolster the Secretary's
efforts.
Defense keeps harping on focus.
The best defense is
a good offense.
Also, let's be careful about
raising expectations.
This is a war to destroy the
terrorists' ability to threaten
our way of life.
>> The ending.
The final reminder.
That's everything.
>> Yes, sir.
>> It is my hope that in the
months and years ahead, life
will return almost to normal.
Even grief recedes
with time and grace.
>> That's good.
But more.
>> Yes, sir.
>> [thinking] I will not yield.
I will not rest.
I will not relent
in waging this struggle
for the security and freedom
of the American people.
[chatter]
>> Mr. Speaker, the President
of the United States.
>> Mr. President.
Mr. President.
>> Please be seated,
Mr. Secretary.
Mr. Speaker,
Mr. President Pro Temporate,
members of Congress,
and fellow Americans, in the
normal course of events,
presidents come to this chamber
to report on the state
of the union.
Tonight, no such report
is needed.
It has already been delivered
by the American people.
My fellow citizens, for the last
nine days, the entire world has
seen for itself the state of our
union, and it is strong.
[crowd cheering and whistling]
We have seen the courage of
passengers who rushed terrorists
to save others on the ground,
passengers like an exceptional
man named Todd Beamer.
And would you please help me
welcome his wife, Lisa Beamer,
here tonight.
[applause]
We have seen the state of our
union in the endurance of
rescuers working past
exhaustion.
We have seen the unfurling of
flags, the lighting of candles,
the giving of blood, the saying
of prayers in English,
Hebrew, and Arabic.
We have seen the decency of a
loving and giving people
who have made the grief of
strangers their own.
Tonight we are a country
awakened to danger
and called to defend freedom.
Our grief has turned to anger,
and anger to resolution.
Whether we bring our enemies to
justice or bring justice to our
enemies, justice will be done.
[applause]
We will not forget the citizens
of 80 other nations who died
with our own--
dozens of Pakistanis,
more than 130 Israelis,
more than 250 citizens of India,
men and women from El Salvador,
Iran, Mexico,
Canada, and Japan,
and hundreds of British
citizens.
America has no greater friend
than that of Great Britain.
[applause]
Thank you for coming, friend.
Americans have many questions
tonight.
Who attacked our country?
The evidence all points to a
collection of loosely affiliated
terrorist organizations
known as Al Qaeda.
They are to terror what the
Mafia is to crime.
But its goal is not making
money.
It is remaking the world and
imposing its radical beliefs
on people everywhere.
Our war on terror begins with
Al Qaeda,
but it does not end there.
We have seen their kind before.
They are the heirs of
all the murderous ideologies
of the 20th century.
They follow the path of fascism
and Nazism and totalitarianism,
and they will follow that path
all the way to where it ends,
in history's unmarked grave
of discarded lies.
[applause]
Every nation, every region,
now has a decision to make.
Either you are with us
or you are with the terrorists.
[applause]
From this day forward,
any nation that continues to
harbor or support terrorism will
be regarded by the United States
as a hostile regime.
Freedom and fear are at war.
Our nation, this generation,
will lift a dark threat
of violence from our people
and our future.
We will rally the world
to this cause by our efforts,
by our courage.
And we will not tire,
and we will not falter.
We will not fail.
[cheering]
It is my hope that in the months
and years ahead...
life will return
almost to normal.
Even grief recedes with time
and grace.
But our resolve must not pass.
Each of us will remember what
happened that day
and to whom it happened.
We'll remember the moment the
news came, where we were,
what we were doing.
Some will remember the image of
a fire or a story of a rescue.
Some will carry memories
of a face
and a voice gone forever.
>> [Bush] And I will carry this.
It is the police shield of a man
named George Howard, who died at
the World Trade Center
trying to save others.
It was given to me by his mom,
Arlene, as a proud memorial
to her son.
It is my reminder of lives
that ended
and a task that does not end.
[applause]
In all that lies before us,
may God grant us wisdom,
and may He watch over
the United States of America.
Thank you.
Thank you.
♪♪