Why is Hamilton’s statement significant? Because he’s no Karl Rove or Newt Gingrich. Lee Hamilton is a former Democratic member of the House of Representatives, co-chair of the 9/11 Commission, and former chair of the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Oh, and he endorsed Barack Obama for president back in 2008.

So when a guy like him says a Democratic president is too complacent when it comes to protecting America from terrorism, the Democratic president is too complacent when it comes to protecting America from terrorism. He’s not out for political points or a bloody nose for Obama. He’s speaking as a concerned American with top credentials on intelligence and terrorism.

“I just think what’s pervasive through the country, and has been now for a number of years, is the complacency, an inertia, a business-as-usual attitude … that I think is harmful,” former 9/11 Commission Vice Chair Lee Hamilton told ABC News. This, he says, includes the entire political leadership of the United States — President Obama, leaders of Congress and the “many, many people that have had a part in Homeland Security.”

“You can’t put all the responsibility on the president, but obviously he shares a major part of it,” said Hamilton, a former Democratic congressman. “His speech yesterday suggested he’s going to bear down on this, I hope that’s the case.”

Which is what many conservative and independent commentators have been saying since the speech. Obama’s rhetoric was all well and good, but lets see him actually act on his plans and assurances. He promised to cut the deficit, too. Under his leadership, the deficit has skyrocketed to $1.4 trillion. So his promises don’t necessarily translate into results.