Fortunately, a plot to detonate fuel facilities was averted, with arrests announced at JFK airport after more than a year of investigation. So some of the internal dynamics and Kremlinology can be broached right away without risking tastelessness.
Rep. Peter King, the former homeland-security chairman in the House, was kept in the loop as were a medium-sized circle of other officials, both appointed and elected. This meant plenty of opportune air time for King on CNN and other news outlets and it allowed former Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik some rehabilitation time by being consulted as an expert.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg was not at the hastily-called news conference -- his weekend whereabouts are kept private as will undoubtedly be the case once he's president. But he sent the key guy, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. A statement from Bloomberg's office and Kelly's remarks at the airport reminded the public to stay alert for suspcious activities.
This was also state public safety chief Michael Balboni's first participation in a high-profile real-time news event since moving into the post from the state Senate.
Dan Janison
This swings the story-of-the-moment news-media focus away from A-Rod's personal life back toward fear, NYC security, and potential destruction by self-styled jihadists in our midst. Expect some presidential candidates to make hay with their reactions.