Bush's former FEMA head criticizes Obama's response to Sandy

If you are the living, breathing apotheosis of poor disaster management, you're probably not the ideal voice from the peanut gallery as the nation begins recovering from a massive hurricane.

But try telling that to former FEMA Director Michael Brown, whose widely criticized response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was blamed for letting New Orleans languish after the storm's destruction and was considered a major blemish on former President George W. Bush's second term.

Brown, whom Bush memorably dubbed "Brownie", on Monday criticized President Obama for responding too proactively to Hurricane Sandy, according to the Denver Westword.

Questioning whether Obama's Sunday press conference was "premature," Brown explained, "People in the northeast are already beginning to blow it off...various news commentators...[and others] in New York are shrugging their shoulders, saying, 'What's this all about?' It's premature [when] the brunt of the storm won't happen until later this afternoon."

Brown said he understood why the president wanted to hold a press conference on Sunday - "My guess is, he wants to get ahead of it. He doesn't want anybody to accuse him of not being on top of it"  but indicated that "[Obama] probably could have had a little more impact doing it today."

It is not clear whether Brown was aware that the president held another news conference on Monday.

In a non-sequitur bound to enrage Mr. Obama's supporters, Brown also questioned why the president was so sensitive to the political ramifications of Hurricane Sandy given his campaigning in the wake of the violence in Benghazi that claimed the life of the American ambassador to Libya.

"One thing he's gonna be asked is, why did he jump on this so quickly and go back to D.C. so quickly when in...Benghazi, he went to Las Vegas?" Brown said, referring to Mr. Obama's decision, much-criticized by Republicans, to campaign in Las Vegas as the Benghazi tragedy unfolded. "Why was this so quick?...At some point, somebody's going to ask that question...This is like the inverse of Benghazi."

Asked if he had any advice for the president, Brown obliged: "My advice to him is that he needs to call the cabinet and tell the cabinet members that if [current FEMA head] Craig Fugate calls and asks for something, the expectation is he is going to get whatever he needs."

[nearl451]

All I can say is: Wow. Unbelievable.

[RollotheNorman]

OHHHOOOOOBWAHAHAAAHHAHHHAHHHAHHAHHAHHHAHHAHAHHHAHHA!!!! Good job, Brownie! ROTFLMAO!!

[GOP-R--Con-Men]

Republicans have clearly shown they don't give a damn about people. Republicans are only concerned about getting the votes of the 99 percent so they can stay in power to help the 1 percent in order to screw everyone else. Why would and one not in the one percent vote for republicans?

[viewkk]

michael brown every one said the nerve of him you people give to much credit... he don't EVEN have (HEART) WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE ANTHING NICE TO SAY ABOUT THE PRESIDENT YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!! FOR A MAN THAT LET MILLIONS OF PEOPLE SIT IN WASTE WATER REALLY NEED TO HIDE LIKE HE HAS FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS.NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR FROM HIM.

[RhondaAutismAdvocate]

WHAT NERVE!!! Bush was on vacation and STAYED on vacation a full THREE days AFTER Katrina before making a 'showing'. He NEVER did anything to help those poor people. President Obama has done more for them (and America)than bush ever did.

What is it with the republican mind set? What 'reality' are they tuned in to??? Even 'smart' 'Christian' people are doing and acting in such embarrassing ways that even God must be shaking his head.

I pray that God will have His hand more closely protecting those living in turmoil in our world because it seems that we have lost focus on what matters most... PEOPLE - all ages, abilities, colors and even religions.

[Lindag20]

Since this dude BUNGLED the response to Hurricane Katrina, he's got a lot of nerve opening up his mouth.

[cubscout09]

When it comes to FEMA, the Koch-powered, Romney/Ryan platform has a mean Libertarian streak. Ironically, former Libertarian VP candidate, David Koch left the Libertarian Party when he found its anti-tax policies to be too extreme. Could you imagine what it would be like if Ron Paul were president, right now?

Should we rebuild New York City?
Ron Paul: No.

[ammo17]

what an idiot.

[sloan5]

Michael Brown is an idiot just like his old boss! How dare he critizes the Pres in time of disaster. What did he do in Katrina- he was fired! This is not the time to be talking none sense when there are a lot of people hurt and the devastated. Shame on you, horse trainer.

I give credit to the Pres and please God continue to give our Pres the hope and strenght to continue his work and the responsibilities of the Presidency.

America- VOTE for the Pres!!!Obama/Biden 2012! God bless the President!

[GOP-R--Con-Men]

President Obama wanted to update America's power grid (in part by burying power lines) and transportation systems including from New York to New Jersey but congressional republicans and Chris Christie blocked him on both counts. The irony of it all, further proof and reason not to vote for republicans.