[dfwgator]

Bush could have overwhelmed or overridden Blanco’s obstructionism, as was eventually done after much political damage had been incurred

Well there was that little pesky thing called 'The Constitution', but hey, it's just a living breathing document, right?

[Rockingham]

Louisiana Governor Blanco was a weak figure, fearful and isolated. She should have been sweet talked or bullied into agreeing to federalize and call up the National Guard. In the end, because of the delay, Bush got more blame than Blanco did.

Bush himself has been critical of his flying over New Orleans instead of visiting it. In his memoir, he wrote, "At some point, our press team ushered photographers into the cabin. I barely noticed them at the time; I couldn't take my eyes off the devastation below. But when the pictures were released, I realized I had made a serious mistake."