Obama pressed into role as national healer

[babylonsister]

Obama pressed into role as national healer

By BEN FELLER
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Presidents get elected to run the nation. Some days that means knowing how to heal it.

For the first time since winning the White House, President Barack Obama faces such a moment Tuesday at Fort Hood. After a shooting that left 13 people dead and 29 wounded on the bustling Texas Army post, it is Obama's job to offer some comfort, if not answers.

Obama will do so privately with the families of those killed, and then publicly at a memorial service sure to be watched by American troops around the world.

It is his time to take on the healer-in-chief role that can help shape a presidency at a time of national tragedy.

snip//

It wasn't even two weeks ago that Obama stood in the dark of night at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, honoring the remains of 18 troops killed in Afghanistan. Now he will lead the mourning for 13 men and women who were working in the one place, as Obama put it, that "our soldiers ought to feel most safe."

Among those killed at Fort Hood were 21-year-old Pvt. Francheska Velez, who was pregnant and preparing to return home after a recent deployment in Iraq. And Spc. Jason Hunt, a 22-year-old who served in Iraq and was married two months ago. And Maj. Libardo Caraveo, 52, who was headed to the war zone in Afghanistan.

Obama's presence alone will be meaningful to those hurting at Fort Hood, said Kevin Sullivan, who served as Bush's communications director.

"It sends a message that he understands this is a national moment," Sullivan said. "But what really matters is that the president is able to provide some comfort to the sons and daughters and husbands and wives of the victims. That's ultimately why he's going. He's saying, 'The whole country grieves for you.'"

First lady Michelle Obama will be at the president's side.

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_FORT_HOOD?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Clio the Leo]

1. I've been marking milestones since January....

"first time he gave a briefing from the East Room" or "first time he invited a winning team to visit the WH."

This is one of the last milestones and one I had hoped to never see.

[Kdillard]

2. It is a sad occasion and I think Obama has handled it well so far.

[Cha]

3. And, we do grieve.