Obama Borrows A Line, And A Burden, From Bush

By: Mark Knoller
Topics: White House

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In the Oval Office today, citing the "dangerous world" in which we live, President Obama spoke of the awesome responsibility he faces on that score:

"I wake up everyday thinking about how to keep the American people safe."

If that sounds familiar, it should. We frequently heard nearly the exact same words from Mr. Obama's immediate predecessor.

"I wake up everyday thinking about how best to protect America," said President Bush in his the debate with his Republican rival John Kerry on September 30, 2004.

In fact, in at least seventy five speeches I could find, Mr. Bush reflected on how the burdens of his office had changed so dramatically since the attacks of 9/11.

During his 2004 campaign for re-election, he ended scores of political speeches by speaking about how he wakes up "every morning" or "every day" "trying to better figure out how to protect America."

There can be no doubt that President Obama has inherited that burden as well.

Mark Knoller
Mark Knoller is a CBS News White House correspondent.
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by ianlou April 22, 2009 2:22 PM EDT: intresting picture....he has the "look" of a man who is in over his head.
Posted by whosaid1

Opposed to our last President who never had a clue he was over his head.; Reply to this comment


by endurorob April 21, 2009 7:40 PM EDT: I thought he woke up everyday trying to think of ways to spend more of the taxpayers mony.; Reply to this comment


by whosaid1 April 21, 2009 4:56 PM EDT: intresting picture....he has the "look" of a man who is in over his head. My guess is that he is finding out that "its really hard"....deciding between policies and procedures that will INSURE our safety and doing what his supporters, the liberals want him to do.....as it pertains to OUR SAFETY...I TRULY HOPE HE IS SUCCESSFUL.........; Reply to this comment