When the Presidential Candidates Put Aside Politics for a Day
"…we weren't Republican or Democrat, black or white, rich or poor. We were just Americans."
This past Thursday, amid memorials and recollections, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama both turned off the political machine for a time to come together in remembrance of 9/11.
It was refreshing, especially considering the intense heat of this Presidential race of late.
As the two nominees stood side by side, heads bowed in a moment of silent prayer, I was reminded of how America came together as one that fateful September morning seven years ago. (AP Photo/ by hannon Stapleton)
On 9/11, 2001, the enemies' attack was meant to cripple this country, but in many ways America became stronger. Funny how adversity often has that effect.
For weeks after the attacks, various methods of help and messages of encouragement poured into New York, DC and Shanksville, PA, from every corner of the country. Who can forget the members of Congress standing together on the Capitol steps singing God Bless America?
Perhaps it was best described on FOXNews this week that on 9/11, 2001—and for a few days after—"we weren't Republican or Democrat, black or white; rich or poor. We were just Americans."
That sentiment was personified by Obama and McCain as they together stood at the Reflection Pool at Ground Zero on Thursday. And what a blessing that we live in a nation where we can have an election that is civil enough for both candidates to unite under one purpose: the good of their country.
On Friday, we resumed our business-as-usual; the clamor of Wall Street; ringing phones; meetings to attend and dinners to fix. And the two campaigns for the White House resumed their vigorous race.
However, remembering that day almost a decade ago that changed our world—the horror, but also the bravery, and how a nation came together—is important. As part of his Common Sense segment on Thursday, Neil Cavuto said it well, "It's good we move on, but it's not good that we forget."
