Shock, confusion, fear, anger, grief, and defiance. On Sept. 11, 2001, and for the three days following the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, President George W. Bush led with raw emotion that reflected the public's whipsawing stages of acceptance.

Summary

This quote highlights the emotional range experienced by both President George W. Bush and the American public in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It encapsulates the various feelings such as shock, confusion, fear, anger, grief, and defiance that were prevalent during those first few days. President Bush's leadership mirrored the roller coaster of emotions experienced by the public, showing that he was in touch with the nation's collective state of mind during this tragic event.

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