In the continuing effort of prominent Republicans to revise history, Rudy Giuliani, Mr. Noun-Verb-9/11, joined the chorus on Good Morning America this morning.
"We had no domestic attacks under Bush; we've had one under Obama."
Whole interview.
This comes less than two weeks after GOP strategist Mary Matalin claimed President Bush "inherited" 9/11 from President Clinton. A claim which itself came just one month after Bush Press Secretary Dana Perino claimed, "We did not have a terrorist attack" during Bush's term.
This revisionist history is an insult to the families and friends of the 2,752 people who died on 9/11. It's an insult to the 5,298 service members who died in two wars fought in the name of a terrorist attack that occurred during the Bush Administration.
Even if "America's Mayor" meant to add the caveat "since 9/11" to the end of his statement, how does the attempted attack on Northwest flight 253 differ in any material way from the shoe bomber Richard Reid (other than the choice of clothing)?
The GOP seems to think that wishing away the blood of these 8,000+ people - not including all the civilian casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan - somehow makes them stronger protectors of the American people.
Contrast the reactions of the Bush and the Obama administrations in performing systemic reviews of our intelligence gathering operations. Bush fought tooth and nail with Congress to prevent the 9/11 Commission from being formed. Obama ordered an immediate review and then shared the findings with Congress and the American people. The Bush administration continually proclaimed "who could have predicted" while Obama firmly stated "the buck stops with me" and that we can, and must, do better.
Real leadership means assessing the situation, recognizing gaps and failures, and working to make things better. Obama has shown a commitment to protecting the American people. The GOP has only shown a commitment to selfish political gain.
*************************************************
I'd also like to send out a special congratulations to George Stephanopoulos. It seems the new Good Morning America gig has forced you to stop critically questioning your guests. How could you have let that statement go unchallenged?
************************************************
Update [2010-1-8 9:40:22 by D Wreck]: This Giuliani whopping lie comes on the heels of claiming the Shoe Bomber Richard Reid attacked BEFORE 9/11.