How Bush handles the pressure

Tuesday, October 09, 2001

By BILL STRAUB Scripps Howard News Service

Shortly after the U.S. military began what has been described as the first war of the 21st century, President Bush snuck out of the Oval Office for a few moments to play with his Springer spaniel, Spot, on the South Lawn.

A day later, during the second phase of the air attacks against Afghanistan, the president was in the East Room presiding over a Columbus Day proclamation-signing ceremony, cracking jokes with Nick Calio, his chief Capitol Hill lobbyist, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Outwardly, the president appears unaffected by the actions he initiated half a world away. Aides say he is showing an inner calm over what promises to be a prolonged campaign and is following the advice he has proffered to all Americans - proceed with your daily lives.

Ari Fleischer, the president's spokesman, said he found Bush to be resolute and determined on Sunday when the activity began.

"I think he is steeled by the fact that he has such a clear understanding about what this is about,'' Fleischer said. "He has described it as the first war of the 21st century and a very different type of war. I think he's understood that from the beginning.''

Bush also has drawn strength, Fleischer said, from his meetings with the survivors of the Sept. 11 tragedy, speaking with those widowed and orphaned by the tumultuous turn of events.

"Through his tears, he sees an opportunity,'' Fleischer said. "And I can only tell you that's what I see in private.''

Bush also is able to remain steadfast, aides say, as the result of the support he is receiving from his "war cabinet,'' which includes National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Just before giving the order to proceed with the military strike, it was reported, Bush noted that he had given the Taliban in Afghanistan every opportunity to capitulate. The strike came only after Kabul refused U.S. demands.

"The U.S., based on the plans that the president has made, has reacted in a measured fashion, will continue to react in a fashion that targets action where action needs to be targeted, and it was done in a methodical, well-planned fashion, and I think that's how you always keep the support of the American people,'' Fleischer said.

Bush isn't the only resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue exhibiting strength at a trying time. The first lady, Laura Bush, also is pitching in. She will headline what is being billed as a "close the book on hate event on Oct. 11 - the one-month anniversary of the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies.

Mrs. Bush had a busy fall planned, according to Karen Hughes, one of the president's top aides. But many of those events were cancelled so she could direct her activities at the anti-terrorism effort.

"I think the American people are seeing her calm and strength," Hughes said.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 2001