I think in both instances the administrations suspected an attack could occur and either ignored or dropped the ball to prevent it.
With respect to Pearl Harbor there was some intelligence out there that hinted an attack was at least planned. There are people who are convinced that FDR knew of the impending attack and allowed it to happen. I find that ludicrous. They use the excuse that Americans and Congress had no stomach to get involved in the war in Europe and FDR figured he'd let Pearl Harbor happen just to spur Congress and the doves into action.
As for 9/11 I believe the fault lied in our political system and the hand off of intelligence when the admins changed hands. Simply put Bush was not going to rely on any intelligence from the Clinton admin and choose to go his own way. And this should be troublesome for every American the next time a change of office occurs.
Despite political differences we should not be stupid or pigheaded and ignore the intelligence gathered by a previous administration. This is a time in the future when we will be most susceptible to an attack.
Did FDR know about Pearl Harbor and still let Americans die. I say no.
Same with Bush.
Both underestimated the enemy and ignored the intelligence they had. In short; they screwed up.
I'm sure neither had any solace in knowing that it had happened on their watch.
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