Katie Couric's Notebook: Air Force One

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

(AP Photo/Jason McLane)

As it turns out, swine flu isn't the only airborne problem the Obama administration is addressing today.

There's still some turbulence over the decision to fly a backup Air Force One near the Statue of Liberty. Escorted by fighter jets, it was meant as a photo-op to replace an existing shot of the plane in a series of photos showing it flying by U.S. landmarks.

The reactions have been anything but picturesque.

Fearing another terrorist attack, many New Yorkers fled their office buildings. Mayor Bloomberg was caught off-guard, saying he didn't find out about the plan until it was happening - when his blackberry started buzzing.

Others say it was a waste of cash. At a reported $40,000 an hour to operate, it's an expensive picture of that plane.

Today, President Obama admitted it was a mistake and said it won't happen again.

As for Lady Liberty, she's wondering if anyone at the Pentagon has heard of a little program called Photoshop.

That's a page from my notebook.

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by BornTo_B_Free April 29, 2009 1:29 AM EDT: The president has to be informed any time Air Force 1 is to take off in case of a threat and the President, the President's family and Staff have to be evacuated at a moments notice.
Obama claimed he had no knowledge of the photo op until he saw it on the news.
WHAT A PACK OF LIES. Oh well, its not like he hasn't lied to the American People before, only when he opens his mouth.; Reply to this comment


by BornTo_B_Free April 29, 2009 1:01 AM EDT: Furor Obama, So full of lies, He claimed he didn't know about the photo op until he saw it on the news. What a crock, In order for either plane to take off the President must give permission.
The White house meaning the President has to be aware of the readiness of Air Force 1 in case of a possible threat, if the plane was out flying around with out his knowledge and a threat happened there would be caios, people scrambling to find the plane so the President and his aids could be evacuated. What a farce this administration is.; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw April 28, 2009 8:31 PM EDT: What kind of photo op stunt was this?
NYC don't need more post traumatic stress!; Reply to this comment


by jaz323 April 28, 2009 7:06 PM EDT: I am perplexed that the President didn't know about this !
In the worse case scenario, if the plane accidentally crashed into a building, who would be accountable?

What were they thinking??!!; Reply to this comment


by darknessesedge April 28, 2009 6:33 PM EDT: if this had happen under gwb...the msm would have trotted out 911 family members and have them crying on tv about the fear and
pelosi would be screaming impeachment.

but since its obama, just another gaffe by the telepromter prez.; Reply to this comment


by jnnmcneely April 28, 2009 6:19 PM EDT: You must not live in New York or you don't remember 911.; Reply to this comment


by jnnmcneely April 28, 2009 6:17 PM EDT: Does Washington have nothing better to do then take out Air force1 for a photo op, why are they spending so much of the tax payers money on such foolishness,You are right Obama it better not happen again or your rating will be 0%; Reply to this comment


by whsjr2750 April 28, 2009 6:13 PM EDT: The next time maybe we should tell the whole world where the presidents plane will be so that whomever wants can be prepared to shoot at it. Be real air planes fly over the rest of the country daily we don't have panic attacks.; Reply to this comment