My observations, feel free to offer your own. Also, is this even appropriate to speculate on at this point? Finally, will how the politicians deal with this in time of crisis be a long-term political issue for them? More below....
- Gov. Blanco (D-LA)-she is everywhere, acting like a worried grandmother. She seems to be one of 3 LA politicians that are actually out in the city trying to help. Could appear to be a bit more confident in her choices though.
- Sen. Landrieu (D-LA)-she is alongside the governor, is assisting in rescues, etc. She is letting the governor be the voice, but she appears to recognize the importance of visibility.
- Lt. Gov Landrieu (D-LA)-ditto for him, but much less visible.
- Sen. Vitter (R-LA)-where is he? I have seen him once, but does not appear to be out in the city nor conducting informational interviews. Has he been frozen out of the rescue operation or what?
- Mayor Ray Nagin-where is he as well? Some verbal slams, not much confidence since things turned bad in the area.
- Gov. Barbour (R-MS)- he has made some dramatic statements and has been quite emotional, crying at times. At the same time, there does seem to be a passion to save the state reflected in his demeanor.
- The two other senators from MS. Quoted but not seen? Lott is up for re-election, but haven't seen much of him other than discussion of his lost mansion in Pascagoula.
- Congressman Pickering (R-MS)-lengthy interview, a confidence in his voice that the state would make it through.
- Pres. Bush-busy strumming his banjo, making speeches, not touring the hurricane zone? Too dangerous for the president? Then why is Blanco in the thick of things?