What (Mr.) Clinton Brought to New Orleans

I've finally located a complete enough report on what Hillary Clinton's designated surrogate, the former president, said in his sole pre-primary New Orleans appearance on Friday to offer a thought or two about it.

First, he appeared at Dillard, a historically black college which was severely damaged by flooding from one of the many breached levees.

Yet, according to the Times-Picayune's report, his recitation of his wife's policy prescriptions for the area were limited to (a) organizing a catastrophic insurance market and (b) financial incentives to spur reconstruction. In other words, he focused entirely on issues of recovery. What was missing? Exactly what's been missing from Sens. Edwards' and Obama's statements about New Orleans, an understanding of why the disaster occurred, and a pledge to take the necessary steps to prevent a repetition -- i.e., mandating a truly independent peer review and oversight for the Army Corps of Engineers, and full funding for a program of barrier island and coastal wetland restoration.

Second, the remarkable disparity between the Obama and Clinton crowds is attributed in the article to a disparity in the warning time people had before the appearances occurred. That seems to speak to a disparity in campaign organization.

Previously: What Obama Brought to New Orleans

Comments

[slow2]

The Hillary campaign is diminished every time the former president opens his mouth.

"A chicken in every pot, a car in every garage, my wife is wonderful, vote for her -- but never forget for a minute who her husband is; wonderful ME."

We'll get Bill if Hill wins, BUT, Bill already had two terms.

I don't want a third term for Bill.

"Surrogate" is a wussy word for substitute -- and we don't need subs, we need candidates who speak for themselves, esp on issues as important as New Orleans reconstruction.

It's weird that some people glom onto Bill and his rhetorical promises like he's the candidate in this campaign.

[GeorgeKaplan]

It's not about Hillary or Obama it's about New Orleans. It's about an American city that is being left for dead. This is not about petty election year issues.

[slow2]

GeorgeKaplan, with all due respect, read the title of this blog; it refers to what Mr. Clinton brought to New Orleans.

You perhaps missed that?

[grisgris]

Hillary Clinton is a successful lawyer in her right. She is a successful Senator in her own right. People who think she is just Bill all over again are nothing more than SEXIST!

[ayc]

Well, I think that is a strong statement of judgment. Senator Clinton is giving the impression of running on the record of her husband's administration. So that does kind of muddy the water.

But again, this is really about a city that has been left devastated and ignored. I am glad to have this thread to get a bit more educated on what an ordinary citizen can do to help.

[steamboat]

Then list all her accomplishments?

[ICUP]

In 2000, Gore was questioned about the Clinton years and dealt with it admirably. Why won't she release documents that detail her "experience" as First Lady?

Also, how can she be taken seriously when she claimed to have negotiated with Macedonia as First Lady?

BTW, Cuban emabargo and Iraq bombings occurred during Bill's tenure. Why no apology or explanation from HRC?

[hank48188]

Maybe you are kinda slow2, but if you were actually AWARE throughout the Clinton Presidency you would have seen the best improvement in prosperity I have seen in my lifetime. Oil was so cheap gas was about $1.10 a gallon, everyone that wanted a job had one, our country was respected and loved and life was pretty good for most Americans. I remember most of the fast-food places always had help-wanted signs up offering $8.00 an hour and that was in 1998.

[richardsgirl]

hank48188: ... and I remember when cigarettes were twenty-five cents and you could mail a letter for two cents! But that doesn't make me want to go back in time, which is exactly what will happen if Hillary is elected. As much as we enjoyed the past, we can never return to it and expect it to be what it was. I voted for Bill Clinton twice, and I supported him throughout both of his terms, but I don't want him back, and a Hillary Clinton administration would only be another Bill Clinton administration.

[jake1az]

Amen to that hank....

[slow2]

hank48188; the blog title says it all, and that title had to do with what Mr. Clinton brought to New Orleans.

The point being made was to clarify that it's not Mr. Clinton who needs to address the plight of New Orleans. Bill's term is finished; we voted for him, twice.

The person who needs to be in New Orleans is Senator Clinton -- it's her candidacy.

The surplus and peace during the Clinton terms are memorable, but we have an election in 2008 to determine new leadership -- and it should be the candidate making the promises, making the assessments.

[Emman]

Again it appears Clinton has a better plan than Obama. The fact is people don't see anything meaningful in Obama than "change, unity and hope". I thought that was Walker Bush's mantra (Gore V Bush). See where it got us. He had no plans except to win the election. Whatever you think of Ms. Clinton as she became senator of New York, republicans and democrats admire her.

[MrHumidty]

Harry,

Thanks for the reply. You're right about what Obama didn't say.

I appreciate your keeping this issue in the forefront, so I wouldn't ask you to lighten up. But, it seems me the purpose of his speech is to rally support going into the primary. The points you make are necessary but a bit technical and wonkish given the rhetorical purpose of the speech. And I think what Obama said is a big improvement over what Clinton offered. But keep up the good work. I'll catch you again on Le Show.

While I have your ear, I ran into you at Lilette's, a few months after Katrina. I didn't say anything to you; I never do when I see celebrities.

[Kane]

I give both Obama and Edwards credit for coming to Louisiana. I realize that there's campaign strategy and all that stuff, but how Hillary Clinton couldn't make the time for the people of Louisiana is beyond me. Maybe she did a Bush-like fly-over.

I hear on the news that only 15% of the population is expected to participate in today's election.

[grisgris]

Hillary is coming to New Orleans later this month.

[not one of the sheep]

Hillary did exactly jack for the people in NO. The corrupt local governments dropped the ball with the multi-millions of federal funds when they lined their own pockets and diverted the money to their pet projects dooming the people to disaster. Unfortunately they created their own mess and have to get rid of the leeches in their local and state governments. Only then can they go forward and quit blaming the feds for their own stupidity.

[grisgris]

It's amazing to me how you think our local politicians have the ability to take money AWAY from the Feds.

[HoppinHill]

The only entity controlling federal flood protection funds is the federal US Army Corps of Engineers. To say the local government stole money from the federal government and "lined their pockets" is ridiculous.

[not one of the sheep]

The reports are wrong then. The funds are funneled downward with each entity getting their piece of the pie. Sorry, that's the real world and it was reported as such.
HARRY RESPONDS: Here's the "real world": the Corps designs the projects, and acts as (or hires a) prime contractor. The "funneling" occurs to sub-contractors. Locals don't participate in this process, except possibly as fortunate subs about three or four levels down. When the Corps was responsible for debris removal in NO, the Times-Picayune reported the prime got paid around $170 a ton, the guy with the truck that actually picked up the stuff, five levels down the pyramid, was getting $5 a ton.

[GeorgeKaplan]

You are factually wrong. You are just making that up. Some would say a lie, but maybe you are just not knowledgeable about such things. This is disinformation.

As I have posted before:

The Federal government is responsible for the levees that failed and the destruction of New Orleans. They should not have failed given the winds at the time Katrina hit. The Corp of Engineers is a Federal entity and is responsible for the levee failure. (Harry has pointed this out over and over.)

[mawrm]

And what exactly did Bill Clinton do during his time as president to make sure the levees protecting Louisana was safe? Why did we not have the wetlands protection programs in place when he was president? The evidence that loss of the wetlands would make cities like New Orleans prone to flood have been evident for over 20 years. Obama has rightly stated a lot of America's problems didn't just start with George W. Bush. The Clintons were at the wheel for _8_ freaking years and did little to NOTHING to solve the problem, now they want to appear as if they know all the answers! We need an end to this nonsense. They've had their chance, it's time they move on and let others lead.

[GeorgeKaplan]

This project of improving the levees began under LBJ after Hurricane Betsy - I believe and would like to be corrected if not. It's not about party or person it's about the Federal government and IT's responsibility. it's not about Bill or Hillary or Obama. Its about learning from the mistakes of the past and MOVING FOWARD. It's NOT about petty election year issues. It's not about the "horse race." It's about the Federal government taking respsonsablity for it's role in destroying an AMERICAN city.

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE CLINTONS!

[Roshi98]

Thank you for bringing this back to the focus of Harry's excellent articles. While I do believe Hillary's plan for Gulf Coast recovery, which she introduced last May, remains the most comprehensive of all the candidates, Harry is correct in that an independent review process still needs to be worked into whatever plan comes to fruition. Currently, the emphasis has been on internal change with no external oversight. Obviously, the people of NO would be skeptical of a closed process.

It's about the people and the region, not gamesmanship. Let's stay focused on the problem at hand and come together to fix it.

[twofish]

Bill fixed FEMA after Bush 41 had broken it. Just New Orleans' bad luck that Bush 43 got his hands on it before the storm hit.

But he didn't fix the levees. No one has. We just don't spend money on infrastructure these days, we'd rather clean up the mess (or not) afterwards. And we the voters put up with it, so it will go on happening.

[nolalily]

Now, here you go again. Please listen to Mr. Edwards and Mr. Obama's speeches again. They have both clearly addressed why it happened.

By the way - are you voting for Bill?

[cheforacle]

I was critical of your piece on Obama's speech the other day. And although I am an Obama supporter, I think you may be guilty of the same thing here: not finding fault with anything he said but what he did not say. I'd have to listen to the whole speech to see if your criticism has validity.

I appreciate your efforts on bringing the problems leading to and stemming from Katrina to more people's attention.

[hank48188]

Thats the problem I see with the Obama supporters, they always want to talk about HIS SPEECH. Maybe you should quit listening to inspiring speeches and try looking into the record of Obama. Google Tony Rezko, check out his voting record, or the lack of one when he skips tough votes, or claims he hit the wrong button on tough votes, or vote "Present" on tough votes. The guy wants to be the DECIDER but does ever have the TESTICLES to make a choice, I can't vote for a weak hand-wringer that can't make a choice.

[NC4Obama]

From Obama's plan about Katrina on his website.
"
Restore the Wetlands: Levees and floodwalls are not the only way to protect against a storm. Every four miles of wetlands can absorb about a foot of a hurricane’s storm surge, but Louisiana is losing an acre of wetlands – the equivalent of three football fields – every 24 minutes. Barack Obama will help the Gulf Coast restore the wetlands, marshes and barrier islands that are critical to tamping down the force of hurricanes. He will work with local governments to develop the best strategies for protecting and expanding wetlands. As president,Obama will immediately close the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, which experts say funneled floodwater into New Orleans."

Well he didnt mention the army core of eng (which i agree does need to be worked on a lot).
But he did talk about rebuilding the coast.
HARRY RESPONDS: He will immediately close MR-GO? That's already been mandated by Congress.

[NC4Obama]

Mandating something to be done doesn't mean its done right or quickly.

[MrHumidty]

I love Harry. I've even run into him in New Orleans. But I think he's got part of this wrong.

That is, if you listen to Obama's speech in New Orleans this Thursday, he speaks explicitly of short-term and long-term goals for improving the levees. You can watch it on nola.com

(BTW, the Obama speech was standing-room-only; 500 people couldn't get in.)
HARRY RESPONDS: Thanks for the love. But I read the full text of Sen. Obama's remarks. Nowhere does he even utter the words "Corps of Engineers" (words unuttered, also, by all other Presidential candidates), nowhere does he demand ongoing independent peer review of their work (a silence echoed by all other Presidential candidates).

[GeorgeKaplan]

The Federal government is responsible for the levees that failed and the destruction of New Orleans. They should not have failed given the winds at the time Katrina hit. The Corp of Engineers is a Federal entity and is responsible for the levee failure. (Harry has pointed this out over and over.)

You cannot repeat what I said above too many times. Because some of the American people still think that this is a state or local responsibility. I will not defend any of local official or state official for what went wrong before, durning or after Katrina, BUT they were NOT responsible for the levee failure. It's just a simple and very provable fact.

The destruction of 80% of an AMERICAN city deserves an INDEPENDENT investigation of what went wrong. The citizens of New Orleans (an American city) deserves better. I really could care less about this Obama vs. Clinton pissing match that is going on I just want each candidate to to "fess up" to the truth about the Federal governments responsibility - which is what I think Harry has said today. They could also promise the people of New Orleans an independent investigation if elected. Is that asking too much of someone running for President?

I think New Orleans has not been served well by Mr. Bush. When an American city takes a hit like New Orleans did is takes leadership from the President to make things right. He should have set the record straight as to who was responsible and of course appoint an independent investigation.

The answer: "full funding for a program of barrier island and coastal wetland restoratio­n." Harry said it all, but I feel he will have to continue in saying it over and over and over.

[HoppinHill]

Mr. Kaplan, you are right about New Orleans deserving an INDEPENDENT analysis of the levee failures. And there is a group called Levees.Org pushing for it. The legislation is called the 8/29 Investigation Act and you can write your members of Congress by clicking this link:
http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1625/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2031

[GeorgeKaplan]

I already belong to that group. But everybody should know so thanks for posting.

[Computer Geek]

Harry, you are right. But I'm not sure you have been heard by any of the campaigns. I think if you lay out your concerns that the candidates may actually address them. I'm not sure that they are looking beyond the 'cosmetics' at this point. But the 'cosmetics' at this point are dire in and of themselves and perhaps once the immediate concern is addressed (get NO back) that they would then be more willing to start looking at the underlying issues which caused the problem to begin with. There is also an even bigger issue facing New Orleans and in fact all of America's coastlines - global warming - unless that is addressed - New Orleans will seem like just the tip of the iceberg. Don't get me wrong - peer review of government is an excellent and worthy pursuit! Good luck!

[gotalife]

Great point.

I think all these millions donated to these freaking Senators would be better served to the poor and disaster victims.

[Bertrude]

Who cares about NO, it is so long ag o get over it. The important parts did not get hurt by Katrina.

Hillary '08

[GeorgeKaplan]

"The important parts"

Is YOUR home in an important part of America?
Can I get a list because I do not want to own a home or place my family in an unimportant part of our country. Please post that list!

[Bertrude]

The place where the partys are at, those are what keeps NO going, whoo!!

[grisgris]

80% of the city of New Orleans flooded. Our universities, our schools, our homes, our museums, our grocery stores, our businesses, our hospitals, our doctor's offices, our courthouses and almost everything else that makes up our beautiful city was affected by the flooding. You have not been paying attention.
Those of us who live in New Orleans care very much about our city. We have trouble "get(ting) over it" when we deal with the aftermath of the levee failures (more than 2 years later) on a daily basis.
Your ignorance and insensitivity is appalling.

[m4rk0]

You, my friend, are an asshole.

[strangelet]

Actually, I suspect Bertrude is a troll (also an asshole, of course).

[Roshi98]

Nice try, troll. It's pretty obvious that you're not a Hillary supporter.

Don't hope for the best, vote for the best!

Hillary '08

[steamboat]

What, the BARS in the FRENCH QUARTER.

[ayc]

Harry, what can the citizen who is not a resident of LA or NO do to support the necessary rebuilding?
HARRY SUGGESTS: Insist that your Congresspe­rson/Senat­ors accept the invitation of Women of the Storm to visit the area and see the scope of the devastation for him/herself. Then insist that your reps (a) provide for independent peer review of the Army Corps of Engineers projects, (b) provide for federal aid to jump-start the renovation and rebuilding of the decimated rental housing stock and (c) increase the pittance the current Congress has allocated to Louisiana from federal offshore oil royalties for the purpose of coastal wetlands restoration.

[ayc]

Thank you Harry. I will do this, and then I will continue to check and see how they have done.

[stoprollingover]

Thanks for the suggestions, Harry. I will get this done...and I will write the candidates in addition to my senators and congressman. I hope others will do the same.