President Bush Takes Responsibility for Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina

Strategic Insights -

In a significant shift in tone, President Bush accepted responsibility for the federal government's failures in responding to Hurricane Katrina on Tuesday, acknowledging "serious problems" in the nation's disaster preparedness. Speaking in the East Room with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Mr. Bush expressed a desire to know what went right and what went wrong in the response to the devastating storm, which has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.

This statement marks a departure from President Bush's usual stance of not publicly acknowledging mistakes or shortcomings. His willingness to take responsibility for the failures of the federal government is seen as a response to the growing criticism of the administration's handling of the disaster, particularly in the wake of images of poor, black victims suffering and dying in New Orleans. The president's statement sets the stage for a White House effort to pivot from relief efforts to a vision for rebuilding devastated communities and re-establishing Mr. Bush's image as a leader.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bush takes responsibility for the federal government's failures in responding to Hurricane Katrina, acknowledging "serious problems" in disaster preparedness.
  • The president will address the nation from Louisiana on Thursday, his fourth trip to the region since the hurricane, and provide a broader commitment to rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
  • Administration officials are weighing policy proposals, including a focus on housing, and working on drafts of the speech that Mr. Bush will give Thursday.
  • The White House is preparing for a prolonged response effort, with a Republican ally of Mr. Bush stating that the rest of his agenda will be put on hold until next year.
  • Bishop Charles E. Blake of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ has declined an invitation to meet with Mr. Bush, citing heavy responsibilities and concerns about the government's response to the hurricane.
  • Mr. Bush distinguished between criticizing the federal response and the individuals who work on the front lines of disaster response, praising their heroic efforts.

Statistics:

  • Thousands are dead and hundreds of thousands displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
  • President Bush has made four trips to the Gulf Coast region since the hurricane.
  • The White House plans to spend billions of dollars on rebuilding efforts.
  • Judge John G. Roberts Jr. and a second nominee are awaiting confirmation as Supreme Court justices.
  • The tax code overhaul and immigration laws are among the issues that Mr. Bush hopes to address in next year's agenda.

Sources:

  • "President Bush Takes Responsibility for Government Failures in Katrina Response," Associated Press, [September 6, 2005]
  • "Bush Shifts Tone, Telling Storm, 'I Take Responsibility'," The New York Times, [September 6, 2005]
  • "Bush to Address Nation on Katrina," CNN, [September 6, 2005]