While Democrats are still trying to find their voice on Katrina and the Supreme Court, Bush gave a good speech last week that brought compassionate conservatism off the proverbial shelf -- with some success. Sure Bush is in trouble politically; but remember folks, he isn't up for re-election. With Karl Rove in charge, this operation isn't just to salvage Bush but also Republican governing philosophy. So don't expect the show to be a Michael Brown/Mickey Mouse operation anymore. As previewed by the speech, expect a set of programs and policies that put a John Roberts, friendly face on the rough Republican patches out there on issues like race and class.
As for Democrats and progressives? Sure, Democrats can spend their days being "responsible" on the deficit and figuring out how to pay for all this and thus fighting tax relief -- but we might remember that voters gave the Party zero credit for this post-Clinton. Alternative strategies? I see two.
First, we could be more bold about saying what in the hell we want with the dough they are going to spend! Let's make some real noise for a set of rebuilding principles (here's one place to start ) and a Green New Deal rather than MoveOn's call for a blame game, Katrina Commission. MoveOn buddies: I don't care what your members think here if this is their choice -- a look in the rear view mirror to hold Congressional show trials is to give away the game ahead -- as we've seen since Iran-Contra and Iraq. It happens every time: we say tsk, tsk -- while they plan the next scandal. Not good strategy, IMHO.
The other alternative is maybe to lay low on calling for "Big Guv-ment" for a bit and instead affix responsibility with someone other than Karl Rove (who will never be a household name) and give the job to someone who actually might take the job seriously. So I say let's have a real Katrina Czar, dammit. Both George Bush and Hillary Clinton's crews wouldn't like this name as they jockey and position on 2008 but I think Colin Powell has some serious penance to do -- and we need a take-charge person in that slot. Generals are good for that and Powell is someone who can arguably bridge some political gaps at a time we need that. Or maybe do co-czars: Powell and Democratic candidate/General Wesley Clark?