http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2005/09/02/DI2005090201539.htmlShepherdstown, W.Va.: I think it is going to become increasingly clear that Blanco and other state-level authorities did not call for federal assistance early enough, notably on Aug. 27 when President Bush reportedly made contact with her office on the state of the emergency. It seems that Democrats are going to have to do a lot of humble pie eating soon. Net result: public anger at all politicians. Do you read these same trends, and what of this do you think will stick to Bush? Because I call him the new teflon president. Sure his polls are soggy, but given all the things his administration is accused of, he's doing mighty fine.
Dan Froomkin: Politically, as long as Bush's base and the Republican Congress stick with him, he can hang tough. The thing about the Katrina recovery is that, unlike overtly partisan issues, it has some potential to erode that support.
As for blaming the locals, I am quite sure that the local and state governments deserve some of the blame for this catastrophe. Some of the things the White House is saying aren't correct, but some, I'm sure, are.
But Bush's image as America's protector is extremely important to him, and to his base.
Ultimately, I don't see how his saying "I'll protect you -- unless of course your local officials fail you, in which case I'll let you die a horrible death on national TV," is going to make him look good.