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Killing Bin Laden: The President's Story, Part 3

May 8, 2011 4:58 PM

President Barack Obama talks about our allies in Pakistan, why he chose not to tell them about the mission, and where we go from here now that Osama bin Laden is dead. Steve Kroft reports.

President Obama on the mission to kill bin Laden

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by strakha May 15, 2011 7:02 AM EDT
People like the person commenting below really need to drop that bipartisan mentality, and thank Obama for doing a good thing. I did not hear a single word about Bush getting Saddam that was not relief or gratitude, no matter which party they belonged to.

Comments like that belie a thought process that is unfortunately endemic in the Republican Party right now. Did you know that approximately 50% of Republicans doubt President Obama's citizenship? I find that disgraceful, worrying, and damaging to our democratic process. We need to argue on the basis of real issues, and not simple support our "Team" no matter what they say or do. To take that approach is to admit that you have never thought about the issue, which is arguably the most important decision a person has to make.

To vote is a privilege and a great responsibility, and it must be approached with a sensible, mature, and most of all analytical nature. Every vote is counted equally, and you owe it to your fellow countrymen who look deeply, and agonise over their decision, to do the same.

Just remember, we only get as good a leader as what we deserve.
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by Reality-Checker May 12, 2011 10:27 PM EDT
I had my doubts that the NSA would ever pull a rabbit out their hat that led to killing U-B-L. Now, I praise the NSA.

My highest praise to President Obama for taking the risk and succeeding. I also praise the Navy Seals.
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by m00nkid May 12, 2011 2:59 AM EDT
As a true Patriot of the USA, and a citizen of the world as we all are, since we share this glorious place called Earth, I am so proud to be represented by President Obama and his remarkable ability to articulate the global crises we face and how to defend ourselves as US citizens resulting from the attacks by hysterical cowards on September 11, 2001 and previous and forthcoming events. The murder of OBL was long overdue and it took a Commander in Chief like President Obama truly to claim, "mission accomplished," without parachuting onto an aircraft carrier. This is not to say our work against needless terrorism is finished; however, this is a proud moment in US history under the momentous leadership of a man with a sound mind and conviction for justice. He made the right decision and I am forever grateful to all the soldiers who have committed their lives to this mission and to their families. To all the lives we lost, may they rest in peace, from the victims to the heroes of whom attempted valiantly to save the lives of the innocent. We owe them all immense gratitude and respect. Perhaps, retribution will follow, in fact it is expected from the hysterical, underdeveloped nations urgently needing civilization and a profound sense of humanity, which many of us may not see in our life time; however, to put this scoundrel to death and his evil remains at sea brings us one step closer to weeding the garden and birthing freedom for all.
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by NeatGifts May 11, 2011 4:19 AM EDT
Obama is the tenth president I have been blessed to have lived long enough to see in office. Out of the ten when you heard Kennedy, Carter and sometimes Clinton speak, you came away feeling they spoke to you as a friend, leader and protector with honesty and true caring for their people. These men are rare in US presidential history. From what I have read about Lincoln is he spoke to the people in this manor as well.

It seems to me these kind of men would be the best kind of friend but the worst kind of enemy. I don't know about you but I sleep well knowing that Obama is looking after the house (our country).

It is a shame though, when you look at these presidents while in office they were seen as weak for the most part but when you look back for yourself, you can see nothing of the kind. I just hope Obama is in office one more term so he has a chance to do what Clinton did for our economy.

God bless the USA! Go Obama!
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by joshsramon May 10, 2011 12:43 AM EDT
Like i said earlier tonight to a friend about Obama - when I was there to watch him in Chicago as he won the presidencey, i was proud of america for the first time that i can say for certain, at least.. I actually knew in that moment what having pride in your country means - and to watch him now, I can't say that I've been let down. So, in short, Thanks.
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by factoryworker May 9, 2011 8:29 PM EDT
I am totally impressed with the absolute personal responsibility that the president took for his decisions this weekend. It makes me believe that he is indeed the right man for the job. I am struck by the idea that more than the events of 9/11/01, this action was justified by the fact that bin laden was determined to repeat the performance and kill more people. This alone justifies his end.
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by jpewther1 May 9, 2011 8:18 PM EDT
According to this news report on Al Arabiya, bin Laden's daughter saw her her father captured, and then she and other family members witnessed him being shot:
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/05/04/147782.html
This could be just a bunch of lies; but on the other hand, the 60 Minutes interview made no attempt to ascertain whether there was any attempt to capture bin Laden alive, and bring him back for trial, or whether the mission was just to murder him, plain and simple.
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by PDONALD9 May 9, 2011 2:54 PM EDT
If you live by the sword, you die by the sword. I am not an advocate of violence; however the bible speaks that these things will happen. President Obama executed and has delivered on every promise spoken! Republicans have done NOTHING but criticize and go against him especially regarding health care. It is a testament to the United States that the Republican party could not stand the fact that Obama and his staff are intelligent and are methodical thinkers who strategize. The Republican party will NEVER get my vote especially with candidates who are stay at home parents!!!!!!!! Are you serious???? That means I could be President and I know I wouldn't know what in the hell to do with the position as President. Republicans would probably get somewhere if they would show their support for President Obama and present a candidate who is QUALIFIED to carry on the mission of creating peace worldwide and making this country the best. This mission was successful and you have not heard much retoric from Repulicans, oh but what if it was not successful??? You wouldn't be able to shut them up!!! Speak up Republicans!!!!! I do not hear you shouting on every station about what a great success this was!!!!! I wonder why????? I am saddened that a life was taken, but I am more saddened that 3,000 innocent lives were shed and were mocked by Osama Bin Laden supporters. If this task was not done, our country would continue to appear weak and more threats would be embarked upon us. Just think - September 11th it was our fellow US citizens in the twin towers, but what if Osama Bin Laden's next attack included the loss of your loved one or your life??
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by budotao May 9, 2011 1:18 PM EDT
This President is a true leader. He understands the bigger picture and I am proud to have him as our Commander-in-Chief.
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by hfpcarlos May 9, 2011 1:09 PM EDT
Its ok...but we still dont know who else was taking with Bin Laden from the compound, and nobody talks about it...It was reported that the body of Bin Laden was taken to the chopper, along to a prisioner from the house, who is this misterious person? thank you, Carlos
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