On 9/11 anniversary, politics take backseat

Visitors to the National September 11 Memorial walk below the rising towers 1 World Trade Center, left, and 4 World Trade Center, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012 in New York. Tuesday will mark the eleventh anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

/ AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

(CBS/AP) WASHINGTON - It could be the only day before Nov. 6 without explicit partisan rancor.

Both President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney plan to take down their negative ads in honor of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Neither planned to appear at overtly political events, although Election Day is never far from their agendas.

Obama has scheduled a moment of silence at the White House and a trip to the Pentagon, the target of one of four planes al Qaeda hijacked 11 years ago. Romney, meanwhile, is set to address the National Guard, whose members deployed as part of the U.S. response to the attacks.

"On this most somber day, those who would attack us should know that we are united, one nation under God, in our determination to stop them and to stand tall for peace and freedom at home and across the world," Romney said in a statement released before his speech. "Today we again extend our most profound gratitude to our brave troops who have gone into battle, some never to return, so that we may live in peace."

Vice President Joe Biden is expected to attend a memorial service at Shanksville, Pa., where one of the hijacked airliners crashed. Biden grew up in Scranton, Pa.

Romney's running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, plans to spend the day in his home state and hasn't scheduled any public events. Ryan said in his own statement that Sept. 11 is a time to pay tribute to those who quietly work to prevent attacks and to those in the military "who have sacrificed so much, including their lives, for the same end."

Politics, however, will not be completely absent from the day. On behalf of the Obama campaign, former President Bill Clinton is set to attend an evening rally at Florida International University in Miami.

On Capitol Hill, politics are likely to be infused into the day when House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters after a closed-door meeting with his Republican colleagues - a meeting where members often plot strategy and messaging.

Just an hour later, Boehner and his Democratic and Republican counterparts in the House and the Senate will hold a remembrance ceremony outside the U.S. Capitol.

At the White House on Monday, spokesman Jay Carney said Obama planned to remember those who lost their lives in 2001 and those who served in the two wars that followed.

"He certainly hopes and knows that Americans across the country will take a moment to reflect upon the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and all that our country has been through together since then," Carney said. "And especially, I think, take that moment to remember the victims and their families from that terrible event."

9/11 Eleven Years Later

The attack killed almost 3,000 in the United States and was followed by wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. At least 1,987 U.S. troops have died in the Afghanistan war and 4,475 in Iraq, according to the Pentagon.

Perhaps the most obvious signal that the presidential campaign is on hold is that negative ads will be taken off the air, following precedent.

Obama and his allies have spent $188 million on TV commercials, according to information from media buyers provided to The Associated Press. Romney and the independent groups backing him have spent $245 million on ads through the end of August.

Polls show Obama leading Romney on terrorism and national security issues, but both are a low priority for voters in an election dominated by the economy. A CBS News/New York Times poll conducted in July found 37 percent of voters called terrorism and security extremely important to their vote, while 54 percent said the economy and jobs were that important.

Obama's campaign says it still sees an opportunity to focus on national security and terrorism in the final weeks of the campaign. National security issues resonate particularly well in battleground states with large military and veteran populations, namely Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. The Obama campaign has been running TV ads in those states focused on the president's policies for veterans, and Obama surrogates have held national security-focused events there as well.

In 2004, the first presidential election after the 9/11 attacks, about two-thirds of voters said protecting the country was more important than creating jobs when deciding their vote for president, according to an AP-Ipsos poll conducted shortly before the election. President George W. Bush defeated Democratic challenger John Kerry in large part by convincing voters that he was the best candidate to keep the country safe.

That role now falls to incumbent Obama, who accepted nomination for a second term at a Democratic convention that reminded voters at every turn that U.S. forces killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Obama's watch.

The post-9/11 wars continue to have political implications. Romney did not mention Afghanistan in his speech accepting the GOP's presidential nomination. While he had spoken about the war a day earlier to the American Legion, his critics were quick to point out that he had not mentioned the ongoing conflict and the troops fighting in it.

Romney provided another opening when he defended the omission by telling NBC's "Meet the Press": "I have some differences on policy with the president. ... I happen to think those are more important than what word I mention in each speech."

Former Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Pa., told MSNBC on Monday: "We know that there's 68,000 sons and daughter of American families that are fighting for us in Afghanistan. That's not important to Mitt Romney?"

[nmccallister]

Not only is Barack Obama violating his pledge not to campaign on 9/11, but he is also using the day to issue greetings to the Arab Forum on Asset Recovery, seemingly oblivious to the importance and solemnity of the day, as well as the context of his message.

Obama offers thanks to the Emir of Qatar--showboating some rather halting Arabic skills in addressing "His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani"--and praising the inspiring democratic example of the Arab Spring, which happened to leave the absolute monarchy of Qatar untouched.

Obama caused a scandal last year when CBS News caught him criticizing the Emir of Qatar after reporters had left a fundraiser in Chicago: "He is a big booster, a big promoter of democracy all throughout the Middle East...He himself is not reforming significantly. There is no big move towards democracy in Qatar."

Obama has evidently chosen to make up for the insult--by insulting fellow Americans on 9/11.

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

http://www.upworthy.com/jon-stewarts-first-show-after-911-what-else-is-there-to-say?c=ufb1

[TimeToEvolve]

We all need to remember 911 as a moment when the results of the failed Republicon ideology of incompetence in government came home to roost.

[sjc_1]

Bush did nothing about al Qaeda before 9/11, history shows this and will FOREVER show this. It could have been prevented but was not, because of a president that thought they were just a nuisance.

[TimeToEvolve]

So let's see, this article is in the Politics area of CBS News. Maybe would should ask all the people whose families were killed in Iraq whether this is about politics. Or the Muslims who were rounded up. Or the families of war casualties who were killed or maimed based on Republicon lies.

[matt6052]

On this day when our government reminds us to wave flags, it is good to also remember that we can wave flags at other times too.

I was astonished at how quickly the patriotic goods -- flags, flag stickers, etc., appeared at the stores after 9/11. I'm usually the one who quietly observes how things we take for granted are signs that America is quietly prepared to defend itself against attack. Affirming patriotism to one's country with flags and symbols is an important part of national defense, and the flags and stickers were available for purchase on the morning of 9/13. They didn't re-open air space for another few days, but everyone who wanted a flag had one, and there's something to be said for that. Seriously.

[kellwords]

My heart and soul is heavy this day for as long as I live and remember the horrific images of the twin towers. Although I am not a New Yorker, I have visited and loved that city one that truly represents the America I know, with its constant moving people of all nations and religions it remains the mecca city of cultural movement.
God Bless all of the families and love ones who personally suffered this day and to never forget the immeasurable trauma it has caused upon our nation from a country that did it because they hate freedom.
Without saying this ...it upsets me Obama didnt have the decency to go there personally, he chose or whomever for him to comfortably remain in Washington for a modest ceremony. This day should always demand the highest office of Governments attendance. Its just another affirmation of his lack of connection to Americas pain.

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

I believe the families asked that politicians NOT come, starting last year. He is only respecting their wishes.

[myst79]

In July the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum announced that this year only the relatives would be reading the victims' names but that politicians could still attend. The memorial's president stated they were "honoring the victims and their families in a way free of politics" in an election year. There are a lot of posts out there with people throwing out how unfeeling the President is, how all politicians, etc. should be in New York for today's ceremonies, how 'amazed' they are that the victims are being ignored. The mind set of a lot of people, including yourself, is what's amazing...just because you believe it doesn't make it so. I live in CT - although I did not know anyone who died on that day I do know families who did lose a loved one or have a story to tell about friends/relatives who experienced that day's events first hand.

It still hurts like it was yesterday but today marks the eleventh year. We have to start healing sometime. I doubt very much that America's citizens demanded that politicians attend Pearl Harbor ceremonies years after the attack (although this would have included the course of the war, the initial attack site was not visited time and time again). Your saying the President 'lacks a connection to America's pain.' If that was true, Bin Laden would still be out there, or have you forgotten ALL those involved in tracking down and finally getting that sub-human. I still grieve for those who died, same as you, but to have the feelings your showing because Obama is not at the memorial today is wrong. Perhaps the entire population of the USA should descend on NYC once a year. But we won't. And that does not mean we've stopped hurting.

[sjc_1]

NY Times reporter:
Bush White House didn't listen to 9/11 warnings

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57510158/ny-times-reporter-bush-white-house-didnt-listen-to-9-11-warnings/?tag=stack

[cubscout09]

Like the CBS story says, this is a well worn path. Everyone should read the 911 Commission Report.

[sjc_1]

Well worn does not make it invalid. Richard Clarke told the story in his book Against All Enemies a decade ago. Bush did not even want to hear the name al Qaeda mentioned in his presence. Rice kept all reports and meetings about it from Bush, because he did not want to hear about it.

[TimeToEvolve]

The entire day of terror was absolutely about politics. It was about the Neocons of the Republicon Party trying to gain power, both political and economic. It was about changing America for good into a frightened, obedient populace. So all of a sudden it is not about politics. Hogwash.

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

Politics should take a backseat today. For one day we could all try to not incite the anger of the ones who don't agree with us, and for one day we could all try not to take the bait of the ones that do try to draw us into arguments.

May the 9/11 victims rest in peace, and their families be comforted.

[TimeToEvolve]

Unfortunately it is ALL about politics. Everything, especially what happened on 9/11/01.

The 911 attack was a typical false flag event along the lines of the Reichstag fire and Gulf of Tonkin. Set up or allowed to happen by right wing fascists (in this case the American Republicon Party) to drive fear into the citizenry. It allowed America to start two wars for oil, make war profiteers that run the government filthy rich and take away freedom and liberties for Americans. This is what we should all be remembering today.

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

It would break my heart to think that my government caused or allowed this to happen. I just can't.

It was a tragedy. So many people lost their lives, and for a brief moment afterwards, we seemed to come together as Americans. For a brief moment afterwards the world seemed to be all supporting of us.

[Former_Marine_Sgt]

"On 9/11 anniversary, politics take backseat"

Except on FoxNews. They've released an 'exclusive' story with this headlineon at the top of thier homepage (right below a picture of ground zero: "EXCLUSIVE: Did Obama Administration Endanger Bin Laden Raid Heroes SEAL Team Six?"