Agreed. He did weaken his hand with some public relations mistakes which played right into the hands of the democrats who were looking to pass on the blame.
His mistake was not being upfront with the American people about the proper role of FEMA and the federal government. Most of the American public are under the impression that FEMA is some sort of rescue service.
Rather than correcting that misconception, Bush enhanced it by calling for more federal powers during emergencies.
It's not the President's job to explain to the people how government works, that's the media's job. In a perfect world, the media would be doing it's job, but they're not, they're vested interest is to undermine this administration or any Republican administration in days past. When was the last time you saw the media question the White House when a Democrat occupied it? I can't ever recall a time. The media wants Bush to apologize, because that's what they've been trying to get him to do for everything he's done from the Oval Office for the last 4+ years.
It would be their justification that he's a bungler, unfit for office.
Oh, FGS, when would he have done that? The talking heads STILL haven't stopped frothing at the mouth long enough for anybody to get a word in edgewise.
Frankly, I'm sick of the damn blame game; this was the biggest natural diaster this country has ever faced. You people with The Instant Gratification Syndrome need to realize things TAKE TIME.
And it is most assuredly NOT George W. Bush's fault that a bunch of people in New Orleans didn't have the sense God gave a gnat and couldn't MAINTAIN for THREE DAMN DAYS.
Frankly, I'm surprised you're bashing Bush and not demanding that people at least TRY to give the appearance of being able to cope for a couple of hours without raping, pillaging, or murder.
Blame him all you want; you're just helping the Democrats elect the next president.
Then you'll REALLY have something to carp about.