In months preceding Hurricane Katrina divisive politics between the GOP's President Bush and Senator Vitter and Democrats Governor Blanco and Senator Landrieu set the stage for America's largest natural disaster. In addition to numerous partisanship press releases from both sides, Blanco had publicly defied President Bush by 1) refusing to greet the President upon his arrival in Baton Rouge to deliver a commencement address at LSU and 2) traveling to Cuba and meeting with Cuban officials concerning trade talks despite President Bush specifically asked Governor Blanco to cancel this trip. A last minute schedule change to dine with Fidel Castro was seen as a kick in the groin message to Bush. It was apparent that Gov. Blanco and Sen. Landrieu were setting the groundwork to give ammo to the Hillary Clinton campaign. This could have worked well for the democrats assuming, Gov. Blanco was re-elected, Clinton received the Democratic nomination and more importantly for all, Katrina did not destroy New Orleans. Gov. Blanco and Sen. Landrieu also miscalculated the ruthlessness of the GOP's Karl Rove. It is uncertain what gave Gov. Blanco such a euphoric sense of political power, but she later found herself way out of her league. Gov. Blanco and Sen. Landrieu were betting they could make the GOP look bad and would not need any federal assistance during President Bush's tenure.
As news reports began covering the worst natural disaster in US history, President Bush was on one of his extended "working vacations" at his Texas ranch. As Louisiana officials were begging for federal assistance, President Bush left his Texas ranch to deliver a speech in one of the western states. One might wonder why he did not immediately involve himself in the disaster relief. Upon reviewing press conferences something interesting has been found. Sen. Vitter announced in his first press conference that he had been speaking with Karl Rove. Say what? New Orleans is drowning. Why the hell are you talking to the GOP political advisor? Shouldn't you be talking to the President or generals? Days later a press conference was held at the site of the levee break. In the background, hordes of workers and heavy machinery was busily working to patch the levee break. The next day, Senator Landrieu was flying with reporter George Stephanopoulos recording for his weekly TV show. As they flew over the previously mentioned site, Landrieu looked down and saw nothing, but a single piece of machinery working to patch the levee. At that point she broke down crying. She realized the coverage the previous day was a set up. Karl Rove had put one over on the Democrats, there would be no serious aid for New Orleans.
As news reports began covering the worst natural disaster in US history, President Bush was on one of his extended "working vacations" at his Texas ranch. As Louisiana officials were begging for federal assistance, President Bush left his Texas ranch to deliver a speech in one of the western states. One might wonder why he did not immediately involve himself in the disaster relief. Upon reviewing press conferences something interesting has been found. Sen. Vitter announced in his first press conference that he had been speaking with Karl Rove. Say what? New Orleans is drowning. Why the hell are you talking to the GOP political advisor? Shouldn't you be talking to the President or generals? Days later a press conference was held at the site of the levee break. In the background, hordes of workers and heavy machinery was busily working to patch the levee break. The next day, Senator Landrieu was flying with reporter George Stephanopoulos recording for his weekly TV show. As they flew over the previously mentioned site, Landrieu looked down and saw nothing, but a single piece of machinery working to patch the levee. At that point she broke down crying. She realized the coverage the previous day was a set up. Karl Rove had put one over on the Democrats, there would be no serious aid for New Orleans.
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