As the time the MSM was saying that NO "dodged a bullet," NO dodged a bullet.
But the after-effects of the Katrina, including the levys breaking, caused the bullet to circle back. But NO was spared a direct hit, which would have cause much hugher casaulties.
"But NO was spared a direct hit, which would have cause much hugher casaulties."
One could easily argue just the opposite. People were coming back into the city when the levee broke during the night. More people were caught off guard as a result. In addition there was virtually no reporting of the on going flooding until the water was 6' plus deep. And even then it was limited.
Also, you can't say the hurricane wasn't "a direct hit" on New Orleans. The hurricane hit New Orleans. The eye past just to the east of the city. Nevertheless the hurricane totally engulfed the city. Hardly a miss.