[« In the midst of the vigorous debate going on in comments....] [Disaster Planning... »]
09/04/2005: OH...Is the Pres Finally...
...GETTING IT!!!! Waking up from his brain-dead responses to this National Tragedy?
That there has been a HUGE disaster in New Orleans that *requires* some Presidential *attention.*
Sheesh, But FIRST-- let's not endanger his 2nd term agenda!!!"His speech came as analysts and some Republicans warned that the White House's response to the crisis in New Orleans, which has been widely seen as slow and ineffectual, could further undermine Mr. Bush's authority at a time when he was already under fire, endangering his Congressional agenda.
...
The last-minute overhaul of the president's plans reflected what analysts and some Republicans said was a long-term threat to Mr. Bush's presidency created by the perception that the White House had failed to respond to the crisis. Several said the political fallout over the hurricane could complicate a second-term agenda that includes major changes to Social Security, the tax code and the immigration system.
"This is very much going to divert the agenda," said Tom Rath, a New Hampshire Republican with ties to the White House. "Some of this is momentary. I think the Bush capital will be rapidly replenished if they begin to respond here."
Donald P. Green, a professor of political science at Yale University, said: "The possibility for very serious damage to the administration exists. The unmistakable conclusion one would draw from this was this was a massive administration failure."
And Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, urged Mr. Bush to quickly propose a rebuilding plan for New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast, arguing that an ambitious gesture could restore his power in Congress.
"If it's done right, it adds energy to the rest of his agenda," Mr. Gingrich said. "If it's done wrong, it swamps the rest of his agenda.""
SO, Someone PHU-LEEEA-ASE tell me (since I stand *accused* of *politicizing* things) - WHO is Playing POLITICS here?!?!?
Karen on 09.04.05 @ 06:54 AM CST