First off, this was a good news conference.
President Obama was concise, on point, he had the Gulf Coast Governors beside him, with exception of Haley Barbour.
What he said was vitally important to the residents of that area, "We will not abandon you." That is what they needed to hear. As many of you know, I have been critical of the communication coming from this White House and it does need to be fixed. But the people down there was beginning to think this was another treatment like "Katrina" and this perception needed to be fixed ASAP.
This is good first step, because the people of this region do not trust BP nor the slowness response of the government, thus far.
Another note, President Obama stated that if the managers of the various states do not get satisfaction from Admiral Thad Allen, then to call him directly. It appears he is cutting all that red tape of Homeland Security, Energy, etc., and putting it on one contact person Allen, along with himself.
He finally understands that government, though there to help you, can HINDER you at the same time.
Also, many of the Gulf Coast residents who have been under siege by BP and not getting proper payment, he said they will. The President indicated that information will be up on whitehouse.gov that many of these residents can go to for first hand information.
President Obama NEEDED to go to the Gulf Coast. Standing on the side lines, as many of these residents thought he was doing, gravely put a hit on the White House. Communication must come directly from President Obama, this travesty of what BP did will affect this area for years, decades to come. Many people have canceled vacations, hotels down 70% in many areas and the restaurants are vacant. This tragedy is also affecting the Panhandle of Florida, which is why you see Governor Crist behind President Obama. When your message does not get to the very people that need to hear it, this is when anger and rumor runs amuck. This has happened too much in this administration and it needs to be cleaned up and addressed ASAP, but look for sweepers after the mid-term elections.
Lastly, this can not come soon enough. David Axelrod was a wonderful strategist in the campaign but in the White House, well look at the message. Rahm Emanuel came into the White House with enemies already, and made more. The Joe Sestak Show should have been shut down by the White House and the man himself months ago. Nothing will come of it, but the President of the United States should not be on television answering questions about "did he get a paying job or didn't he". That is a huge mess up in the White House and I am sure behind doors many have been berated and it is now being cleaned up.
We all want this White House to succeed, but if you continue to not have a cohesive message, you continue to try to catch up. This President is too smart to continue to play catch up, it really is time for a team change.
An after thought: Watch the poll numbers, he will take a hit, but if he can keep on MESSAGE, keep reassuring the Gulf Coast residents on progress and make BP PAY THESE FOLKS PROMPTLY, the numbers will turn back around. But, he must stay connected, locally and nationally....