"I also welcome the hearings because it is finally a forum where I can apologize to the loved ones of the victims of 9/11. To them who are here in the room, to those who are watching on television, your government failed you, those entrusted with protecting you failed you and I failed you. We tried hard, but that doesn't matter because we failed. And for that failure, I would ask -- once all the facts are out -- for your understanding and for your forgiveness."

Richard Clarke, March 24, 2004.

Remember yesteday when I asked this question? Richard Clarke answered it today. It takes a real man to do what he did. No excuses. No spin. Just a simple, "I was wrong." It's the hardest thing anyone can ever do.