Though it remains early, I think it is constructive to analzye current political events in the context of the next Presidential election. The Democrats all did well I thought in getting out and responding to the Hurricaine and its aftermath.
But there was a clear winner: Hillary Rodham Clinton
Here is what happened: Bush fucked up real bad starting with his FEMA appointment all the way to his decisions on the spot. Bill Clinton dealt with similar situations with remarkable poise and compassion. Hillary reminded Americans that there IS another way to deal with national disasters with her quality response to Katrina. Republican leaders unsuccessfully attempt to slime her.
Now I know that Katrina is a one-of-a-kind political issue and probably will not be an issue by 2008. However, before falling back to the "Corportist-Sellout-DLC-icy bitch" rhetoric that is the norm around here, take a sec to truly consider this as a political formula:
Failed Bush/Republican policy + better Bill Clinton/Democrat strategy = Hillary bringing up the contrast with more credibility than anyone else could possibly muster ("In the Clinton White House we...")
I know there is a lot of concern (some of it justified) around here for some of Hillary's moves to the right. But think about it. The Clintons are known as the most politically savvy family in America for a reason: They win.