http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/f...08/norad200608

Have a read through these transcripts, David? It appears the audio has been removed from the site (bandwidth, maybe). The transcripts and associated comments pretty well cover the NORAD response that morning.
I don't see anything untoward in the response that morning, they did what they could with what they had...under an increasingly incredible situation.
Mistakes were made, confusion and bad information is evident. Their frustration, especially in the audio, is very evident.

One important thing...as a battle commander, one knows what their aircraft can do...dashing about at 1500mph isn't one of them if you plan to stay in the game for any time at all. Maximum speed for the air defense configuration is also notably lower than the published, unclassified maximum speed of the F-15 and F-16. It takes time, much fuel, and altitude to get to a maximum GROUNDspeed. It does you no good to go full burner somewhere just to fall out of the sky due to fuel exhaustion when you get there.

The CT sites don't seem to understand this important item. That, and the specific order of battle that morning. They had 2 fighters at Otis, and 2 at Langley on five minute alert to cover the Northeast US. That's all they had under their command when the events started. Getting additional assets takes time and coordination, as well as the need to upload the jets. It doesn't just "happen".

Read the transcripts, and if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help. It all makes sense when you know the details.