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Posted on 09/14/2001 7:28:59 AM PDT by T-Daddy

Meehan, Neal raise doubts on leadership of president by Andrew Miga Friday, September 14, 2001 WASHINGTON - Two prominent Bay State Democrats questioned President Bush's leadership style yesterday, cracking the veneer of bipartisan unity Congress has shown in the wake of the twin terrorist attacks. ``It's not a question of what he's saying,'' said U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield). ``The content is fine. But the blandness with which it is delivered has caused considerable reaction.'' U.S. Rep. Martin T. Meehan (D-Lowell) scoffed at reports Air Force One was targeted by terrorists - the reason Bush aides have put forth to explain why the president delayed his return to Washington after Tuesday's attack on the Pentagon. ``I don't buy the notion Air Force One was a target,'' said Meehan. ``That's just PR. That's just spin.'' The Bush White House has been on the defensive as pundits and some lawmakers have suggested the president backed down in the face of terrorist threats this week. Bush has been under fire for not returning to Washington more quickly after Tuesday's attacks to take control of the situation and reassure a jittery public. Some pundits have suggested his detour to safe military bases in Louisiana and Nebraska sent a message of weakness. The president's father angrily defended his son during an appearance before energy industry officials in Boston. ``I am annoyed with those who criticized him for not returning to Washington right away,'' said the elder Bush. ``I know George is strong. ``I know that he has a fantastic national security team around him. I know that, in reaching out to the Congress as we're seeing now, and reaching out to our friends and allies and others around the world, he's doing the right thing,'' the president's father said. But both Neal and Meehan noted that Bush's performance thus far has paled in comparison to the effective mix of leadership and verve shown by New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani during the latest crisis. Giuliani has managed to convey both reassurance and forcefulness, using numerous public appearances to convince the public that despite the tragedy, officials are in control and handling the problem in an effective manner. ``Giuliani has been outstanding,'' said Meehan. ``Every elected mayor and governor in the nation could learn a lot from Giuliani.'' Meehan, who stressed he did not want to sharply criticize Bush given the current crisis, noted that Bush is relatively inexperienced as president, having been in office less than a year. ``He's a new president and he doesn't have the experience that Bill Clinton had,'' said Meehan. ``Under the circumstances he's done pretty well.'' Neal said several Democratic colleagues agree with his assessment that Bush must show a more forceful, vigorous style as he seeks to rally the nation behind him for what many expect will be a long, intense fight against terrorists. ``In politics you have to use imagery to send a message to people,'' said Neal. ``Leadership delineates the difference between a town manager and a president. A president should know how to use imagery, symbolism to lead.'' Neal recalled that former President Clinton had one of the most memorable days of his presidency shortly after the brutal Oklahoma City bombings. Clinton, obviously moved by the massive human suffering, delivered an emotional speech that sought to ease the pain as well as inspire. ``If President Clinton had a better moment than he did in that hangar in Oklahoma City, I never saw it,'' said Neal. ``He lifted the spirits of an entire nation that day. That's what a president does. He provides comfort. And he finds a way to inspire people, to lift them up as well.'' Neal said despite his criticism, he is reserving final judgment on Bush: ``It's a bit early to make a judgment here.''

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