Bush to visit Coast today, likely last time as chief

The Clarion-Ledger, 8/20/8

In what’s likely to be his final trip to the Gulf Coast, President Bush today will deliver Hurricane Katrina anniversary speeches that are aimed at repairing the damage the government’s response to the storm did to his legacy.

The president, who has made more than a dozen trips to the area, will visit New Orleans and Gulfport.

According to a prepared speech released by the White House on Tuesday, Bush will say he sees “hopeful signs of progress” in the region, thanks largely to $126 billion in federal recovery money and the hard work and perseverance of volunteers and residents.