Part 3/4:
Despite evidence that NORAD was engaging in preparedness drills that echoed the events that unfolded on 9/11, there was a tangible misconception among U.S. government officials. It appears that many decision-makers in both the Clinton and Bush administrations failed to envision the scale and magnitude of an attack that involved commercial airliners being flown into prominent buildings. The idea of such a catastrophic and coordinated assault was thought to be too far-fetched, highlighting a disconnect between the exercises being conducted and the perceptions held by governing bodies.