To the Point

Katrina and the Role of Government

In New Orleans, the removal of bodies is under way, and officials say the city has finally been secured. But Americans have been jolted by government failure to prevent and cope with disaster, and for the first time since September 11 they're telling pollsters that domestic issues are more important than the war against terror. After 25 years of demanding government cutbacks, even conservative commentators are predicting a "progressive resurgence." Has Katrina accomplished what the Democrats could not or are both parties comfortable with things as they are? We explore how Katrina will affect the size and role of the federal government with reporters, economic writers, experts in policy reform and political science, and the ranking minority member of the Government Reform Committee. Reporter's Notebook: How Will Bush Handle This 9/11 Anniversary? For the first time since the attacks on New York and Washington, a majority of Americans say the President should focus more on domestic policy than the war on terror. This latest finding of the Pew Center for the People and the Press comes just two days before the fourth anniversary of September 11. What does that mean for the Bush presidency? David Sanger is White House correspondent for the New York Times.