Remembering 9/11: Andrew Card on the moment everything changed

Andrew Card’s whisper to President George W. Bush at a Florida elementary school remains one of the defining images of September 11, 2001. Card, then the White House chief of staff, had come to Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota as Bush prepared to celebrate improved reading scores with second-graders.

Teacher Kay Daniels remembered the morning as joyful. The children were excited, their mothers had done their hair, and their uniforms were pressed. Bush seemed approachable, Daniels said. Then Card entered, whispered in the president’s ear, and changed the atmosphere in the room.

“

It was a beautiful start of the day.

Bush continued reading “The Pet Goat” for a few moments before telling the nation that two airplanes had crashed into the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack. Daniels said the day would remain part of her forever, “just like breathing.”

“

A second plane hit the second tower; America is under attack.

Card said he had promised himself that he would stay calm and help the president. He gave Bush two facts and an editorial comment: “A second plane hit the second tower; America is under attack.” He said he hoped Bush would not show fear to the children.

The decision later drew criticism from people who viewed Bush as indecisive. Card rejected that criticism and said he would accept responsibility if the president had handled the moment incorrectly. Officials knew little about what was happening, he said, but he believed Bush then understood the true demands of the presidency.

“

That day is a part of me.

Card said he felt fear but would not describe himself as afraid. He felt “mission-driven.” Twenty-five years after the classroom visit, returning to the school brought the memories back, including the moment that changed the course of the morning and became an enduring symbol of the attacks.

“

I had fear. I'm not sure that I would call myself afraid. I felt very mission-driven.