Difference in attitudes? President of France and POTUS?

Instant observation: France Pres. unites his country, takes immediate action; POTUS hems and haws around, dislocates the country.

I would retain any comments regarding POTUS, but I would share some points about François Hollande regarding defense and security issues.
While everybody seems to like his fast reactive response to the terror attacks, it is important to keep in mind that his administration has significantly cut France's defense budget over his presidency.
Moreover, France's intelligence community had failed, twice, to evaluate risks and apply proactive measures to prevent terrorists from entering the country.

I think he didn't have a choice, it was either an immediate response, or a civil war.

The President of France is reacting. In anger or posturing, I can't yet tell. President Obama is still acting with great restraint. Out of confusion or to provide ISIL an advantage, I can't yet tell. Only time will answer both questions. Sadly, I don't think either matters. In both cases, only ISIL wins, at least for now. Hopefully, our strategists are taking the initiative to plan for an effective response when someone occupies the White House who is capable of making a decision. Good, bad, or indifferent, I no longer care. I simply pray for a leader who can decide.