Blame Game Intensifies

Questions Abound Over Responsibility For Slow Katrina Response

(CBS)  Analysts point to a litany of additional problems, Assuras says. Among them: a federal focus on terrorism threats above all others; a lack of money to maintain the New Orleans levees; even the reticence and inability of some of its residents to evacuate when asked.

"I think he ultimately bears responsibility for it," Bullock says.

Many wonder whether President Bush will demand top-level resignations.

But perhaps the most telling question is whether the country is prepared for the next "big one."

"This is the biggest disaster we have seen in our history," says Institute for Homeland Security Director Randy Larsen, "but it's nothing compared to what a nuclear weapon would be or a large-scale radiological attack or a large-scale chemical attack on a city. So, four years after 9/11, are we better prepared?"

You can be sure, Assuras says, that all those questions are going to be asked for months to come.

A Senate investigation is being launched. There are demands that the House establish a task force to examine what happened. And don't be surprised if a federal commission is established, Assuras says.

But some observers say this isn't the time for all those questions, and that rescue and recovery work have to come first.