Obama, Dover, and the war dead

Was the president's salute a photo op, or an 'overdue' show of gratitude?

President Obama made an unannounced visit to Dover Air Force Base to salute flag-draped coffins of Americans killed in Afghanistan. He said the scene was "a sobering reminder" of the sacrifices U.S. soldiers make, and that the experience would influence his decision on sending more troops. Was this just a photo op—or a meaningful expression of respect? (Watch Obama arrive to salute fallen American troops)

Obama was doing the commander in chief's duty: Obama's "midnight mission to honor the war dead," say the editors of The New York Times, was "a long overdue display of national gratitude." Former President George W. Bush's ban on news coverage of the flag-draped coffins was a "shameful attempt" to "hide the pain of war." Obama's silent salute showed that he recognizes the "true cost of war."

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