George W. Bush says Americans 'don't pay attention to the lesson of 9/11'
Updated on: September 10, 2026 / 2:34 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- George W. Bush believes Americans are not paying attention to the lessons of 9/11.
- He warns against isolationist periods, stating that what happens overseas directly impacts national security.
- Bush spoke at his presidential library in Dallas with Condoleezza Rice, his former national security adviser.
- He believes the U.S. should support people struggling against tyranny, even if it doesn't involve sending troops.
- Bush recalled his experience of becoming a wartime president on 9/11 and the need to rally the nation.
- He and Rice remembered the chaos of 9/11, including orders for planes to land or be shot down.
- Bush visited Ground Zero after the attacks, prioritizing helping the country return to normal and not lose its soul.
- He visited a mosque after 9/11 due to concerns about harassment of women of color and to reaffirm the freedom to worship.
- Bush and Rice discussed the need to shift to a 'Sept. 12' mentality to go on the offense and prevent future attacks.