Another good friend reminds me of how smart NRO readers are. And I think the bulk of you–if my inbox is any indication–are right. I’m with Mr. “eminently sensible” after more conversations, a few deep breaths, a little time away from the coverage. Most people in the Katrina-ravaged parts of the country didn’t even see President Bush earlier and all they care about right now is if that they are alive and where they can go from here. Even articulate in-command assurances from a president might not beat a little laundry listing–this is what we’re doing. This is what others can do to help. I probably still wish he made some grand statement about looting with all the excuse-making going around, but you know what? A lot of people are hard at work doing their jobs getting people found and fed and all the important things–including not just the government but many private organizations. And, you know what else? They’ll be another speech. I bet we get what the pundits were hoping for in that. Meanwhile, how much does what the pundits were looking for in his little speech really matter to people who are living with relatives in another state, having no idea if they have anything to eventually return to? Or someone whose lost a loved one? Someone whose life is suddenly in turmoil? Someone who probably should have left town but thought they could ride out the storm, and well, obviously couldn’t?

So, anyway, I know some others here will disagree, but I’m pretty sure I was wrong. I jumped too quickly and did so needlessly.