President’s Vow Fulfilled
The New York Times reports: “Bin Laden’s death is certainly one of the most significant and defining moments of Mr. Obama’s presidency. It allows him to claim the biggest national security victory in a decade — something that eluded President George W. Bush for nearly eight years — and instantly burnishes his foreign policy credentials at a time when he has been questioned about his decisions on the Middle East. The gravity of the moment was impossible to minimize. At ground zero, in baseball stadiums and on college campuses across the country, elation erupted as though a war had been won.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will receive the presidential daily briefing at 10:15 a.m. ET, and Obama will meet at 10:45 a.m. ET with senior advisers. At 11:15 a.m. ET, Obama will award Private First Class Anthony T. Kaho’ohanohano, U.S. Army, and Private First Class Henry Svehla, U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. At 8:15 p.m. ET, the President and First Lady will host a group of bipartisan leaders and ranking members and their spouses for a dinner, which will also be attended by Vice President Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden.
Analysis: A Moment Of National Unity At A Time Of Deep Divisions
The Washington Post reports: “Obama’s announcement, which came just before midnight, was grounds for celebration for a country still scarred by the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, producing a rare moment of national unity at a time of deep divisions on many domestic and foreign policy issues.The spontaneous flag-waving crowds that gathered outside the White House, cheering and singing the national anthem and ‘God Bless America’ were a small symbol of the emotional relief that swept across the country as the news broke late in the evening.”
Osama Bin Laden’s Death Brings Celebration, Unity - And Questions
Politico reports: “The daring U.S. military operation that killed Osama bin Laden early Sunday morning in Pakistan brought a decisive end to the chase that frustrated three American presidents and symbolized the inability of history’s greatest power to defeat small groups of extremists…And yet the president’s late night statement, perhaps his purest moment of connection with the American people, left unresolved the lingering question of whether - after the emotional satisfaction, symbolic echo, and propaganda victory - the death of Al Qaeda’s hunted leader would bear heavily on U.S. national security.”
Threat Remains After Bin Laden Killed By U.S. Forces
Reuters reports: “President Barack Obama warned Americans on Sunday night to remain vigilant even after the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and while there are no known credible threats, the risk of attacks remains. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI have not issued any warning of a credible or imminent threat in the wake of news that bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, but security will likely be ramped up to guard against possible retaliation.”
U.S. Issues Travel Alert After Osama Bin Laden Killing
Reuters reports: “The State Department on Sunday warned Americans worldwide of ‘enhanced potential for anti-American violence’ following the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. ‘Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations,’ the State Department said in a statement.”
Eric Kleefeld
Eric Kleefeld joined TPM as an intern for the final months of the 2006 midterm elections, and then kept showing up for work. His other interests include guitars, old comic books and the politics of various English-speaking countries.
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