May 5, 2011 12:30 PM EDT
Many observers are puzzled by the absence of George W. Bush at today’s memorial wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan with U.S. President Barack Obama.
Part of the reason that Bush refused to attend might be because he believes he and his administration are not getting enough credit for the long manhunt that eventually led to the death of Osama bin Laden.
An unnamed source told the New York Daily News: "[Bush] viewed this as an Obama victory lap. He [Bush] doesn't feel personally snubbed and appreciates the invitation, but Obama's claiming all the credit and a lot of other people deserve some of it.”
The source also said: "Obama gave no credit whatsoever to the intelligence infrastructure the Bush administration set up that is being hailed from the left and right as setting in motion the operation that got Bin Laden. It rubbed Bush the wrong way."
Of course, that’s not the “official” explanation.
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A spokesman for the former President said that Bush "appreciated the invite, but has chosen in his post-presidency to remain largely out of the spotlight. He continues to celebrate with all Americans this important victory in the war on terror."
Jay Carney, the White House spokesman, told reporters who asked about Bush’s invitation decline: "This is a moment of unity for Americans and a moment to recall the unity that existed in this country in the wake of the attacks on 9/11. We completely understand that he's not able to come, but…the invitation was made in that spirit.”
Still, questions linger over how much credit Bush should get, and how much Obama is willing to give his predecessor.
Indeed, when Obama spoke to the nation on Sunday night to announce Osama’s death, he mentioned Bush only casually.
"I've made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam," Obama noted during his speech.
Obama also made a very indirect reference to Bush, when he said: "Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we've made great strides in that effort [to fight against Al Qaeda]."
However, even some Conservative voices are criticizing Bush for not appearing at the 9-11 memorial.
Columnist Michelle Malkin wrote on her blog: "It would be an extraordinary -- dare I say 'unprecedented,' to borrow one of Obama's favorite words? -- act of political maturity, good faith, and transcendent unity against our common jihadi enemies. Dubya [Bush] needs to change his mind -- for America's sake."
Malkin added that Bush should have shown up in the name of non-partisan solidarity.
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