In the aftermath of Katrina, the following exchange is likely occurring in a TV studio near you right now. A mainstream media anchorperson and a spokesman for the Democratic establishment are preparing to go on the air to discuss the latest national crisis to happen on George Bush's watch.
They have been through this many times in the past four years. They know the drill.
Let's listen in, shall we?
STAGE MANAGER: Two minutes to air. Let's clear the set.
MSM ANCHOR: Thanks for coming on.
DEM SPOKESMAN: No problem. I'm glad to provide our side's point of view during this tragedy. But I'm wondering if I should go into detail explaining the ways that President Bush's policies have made the situation worse.
MSM ANCHOR: Well, that could get kind of complicated and we don't have a lot of time. I don't know if the viewers could follow all that background stuff; they're not as savvy as we are. Besides, you'd hate to be seen as politicizing a tragedy.
DEM SPOKESMAN: True. I guess that also might be seen as being as disrespectful to the president. We don't want to be viewed as out of touch with the American mainstream. I think the public is turned off when we attack the president too much.
MSM ANCHOR: Smart thinking. I was just discussing that last weekend with friends in the Hamptons. We were wondering if there was any way for the Democrats to have any success against such a popular wartime president.
DEM SPOKESMAN: That's funny, we were talking about the same thing up at Martha's Vineyard last weekend.
STAGE MANAGER: OK, gentleman, we have 10 seconds to air. Watch for the red light.
MSM ANCHOR: Right. Um, how's my hair look?
DEM SPOKESMAN: Great, are you using a new conditioner?
STAGE MANAGER: And 5, 4, 3, 2...