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The 1992 Hurricane and its aftermath are perhaps the greatest proof of the fact that perception is reality - and that politicians need to manage perceptions carefully. What I recall in the media, several days after the Hurricane was a woman who was in charge of Emergency Government in Miami-Dade having a virtual breakdown on camera and complaining about the lack of response. In a normal world - you might think, gee, this is not the right person to have running emergency government, she obviously couldn't handle the stress. But the way it came across in the media was that Evil, Incompetent GHWB was neglecting the Miami area and her frustration and emotional breakdown must have been warranted. I'll never forget that video - maybe some Freepers out there can identify the woman I'm thinking of.

You are absolutely right. Bush needs to tour the area by air, take a news camera guy with him, have a knowledgeable type explain what's needed.

Hold a town hall style meeting after his tour. Get input from local emergency heads. Give a few short speeches. And then make damn sure that action is taken.

All W needs to do is be seen in a Kerry TV ad juxtaposed with a person like you describe with voice over statements of no action and W is toast. I remember the scene you describe. If something like this happens, W needs to seek out the person and have a private and then public meeting with them. Else perception will become reality.

To the the media, perception is reality. The media hate Bush enough to do damn near anything to defeat him.

I just hope Bush doesn't blow it. There is upside for W if he moves NOW.