People have real reservations about the Republicans, but they aren't clear what the Democrats stand for. There is a widely perceived general disarray in the Democratic Party. It's too early yet for a leader to emerge.

It's hard for the White House to regain momentum if the Congress is in disarray. It ties up the Republicans in Congress and limits their ability to execute any White House agenda.

If those people survive, others will be emboldened. If they don't, others will be intimidated.

The president is doing the right thing to assure people that the federal government is much better prepared for Rita than it was for Katrina.

In his farewell address, George Washington warned the people about political parties. Now we see how both Democrats and Republicans have conspired to reduce democratic participation. If this is the best the Democrats and Republicans have to offer, it's time to look elsewhere. . . . Politics should be the prism for our most noble intentions.

I've also been mayor in a city that's five to one Democrats over Republicans. And I think I've been able to accomplish as much as any other mayor in the city, some people believe a lot more,