America’s comforter-in-chief

The president of the United States is the nation’s chief executive, commander in chief of its armed forces and has veto power to reject any new legislation.

One role that is not mentioned in the job description, however, is the president’s job as solacer of his people.

The tragedy surrounding the shootings in Tucson, Arizona, was no different.

Americans turned to Obama for soothing words that would plant a seed of hope amid the violent, political hatred that is being blamed for the attack.

Al Jazeera’s Rosiland Jordan takes a look at how past presidents have risen to the challenge.