George W. Bush: “I do urge people in the affected areas to listen closely to local authorities before they attempt to get back home.”

We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling.

Is it in our interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your hard work and God bless you.

We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.

Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens.