Meaning: The quote refers to the significant impact that the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks had on the public's perception of President George W. Bush and his leadership. Thomas Mann, a sociologist, highlights the dramatic shift in the public's evaluation of Bush's presidency following the attacks and his subsequent response in leading the country in a campaign against terrorism. This quote encapsulates the profound influence that external events can have on shaping public opinion and the perception of political leaders.

Prior to the 9/11 attacks, George W. Bush's presidency was marked by a contentious and polarized political climate. His approval ratings were relatively average, and he faced criticism on various fronts, including domestic policies and international relations. However, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, brought about a seismic shift in the public's perception of Bush's presidency. The coordinated terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon shook the nation to its core, leading to an outpouring of support and unity behind the president as he navigated the country through a period of unprecedented crisis.

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, President Bush's response and leadership garnered widespread acclaim and approval. His address to the nation and subsequent actions to address the threat of terrorism resonated with the American public, leading to a surge in his approval ratings. The decisive and resolute manner in which he articulated the nation's response to the attacks struck a chord with many Americans, fostering a sense of national unity and resolve in the face of adversity.

Bush's leadership in the subsequent campaign against terrorism, including the invasion of Afghanistan and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, further solidified his image as a strong and determined leader. The public rallied behind his administration's efforts to combat the global threat of terrorism, and his approval ratings soared to some of the highest levels of his presidency.

Thomas Mann's observation about the public's evaluation of Bush's presidency underscores the transformative impact of external events on political leadership. The 9/11 attacks fundamentally altered the trajectory of Bush's presidency, elevating his public image and reshaping the national discourse. The unity and resolve that emerged in the wake of the attacks had a profound effect on the public's perception of his leadership, highlighting the potent influence of external crises in shaping political narratives.

However, it is important to note that the initial surge in public support for President Bush following 9/11 eventually waned as the challenges of the subsequent years, including the Iraq War and the handling of Hurricane Katrina, tested the administration's capabilities and eroded public confidence. The quote by Thomas Mann serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of public opinion and the complex interplay between external events and political leadership.

In conclusion, the quote by Thomas Mann encapsulates the remarkable shift in the public's evaluation of President George W. Bush's leadership following the 9/11 attacks and his response in leading the country on a campaign against terrorism. It underscores the profound impact of external events on shaping public perception of political leaders and the transformative influence of crises on the national narrative. The events of 9/11 fundamentally altered the trajectory of Bush's presidency, leading to a surge in public support and a redefinition of his image as a leader in the eyes of many Americans.