Laura Bush: Katrina Mistakes Won't Be Repeated

Sept. 1, 2008 — -- In responding to Hurricane Gustav, the government will not repeat mistakes that occurred with Hurricane Katrina three years ago, according to first lady Laura Bush.

Bush said on "Good Morning America" today that the most important lesson her husband learned from the devastating Katrina was "the importance of being able to coordinate each level of government," and that has manifested itself in the current preparation and evacuation.

The first lady said the coordination between state and federal levels has improved drastically and will help ensure that displaced residents have access to what they need in a timely fashion.

"We've learned a lot of lessons that will serve the United States very well in any kind of disaster and not just a hurricane," Laura Bush said. "This time people evacuated and I think that's going to make a huge difference to keep people safe."

She added that President George W. Bush was scheduled to visit Austin and San Antonio, Texas, today , where supplies were in position to expedite aid to evacuees following the storm.

The GOP Convention

"Everyone's eyes are on the Gulf Coast, and hoping for the best and hoping that the damage is not too severe," Laura Bush said.

She was to be tonight's keynote speaker and remains in St. Paul, Minn., attending the convention's scaled-down events. She said she and potential first lady Cindy McCain planned to meet with Louisiana delegates at a breakfast this morning, though she noted some opted to return home in light of Gustav.

Bush, an education proponent and former librarian, had specific concerns for the Gulf Coast region's schools, which she said had begun to recover from Hurricane Katrina.

"So many schools were back up and running and so I hope that people won't have to be away very long," she said.

In addition to meeting with the Louisiana delegates, Laura Bush said she planned to meet with others, too.

"I hope to meet with other delegates," she said. "I know everybody was hoping that they could have the big celebration."

She had planned to give a speech tonight highlighting Sen. John McCain's achievements and attributes while also talking about Cindy McCain.

"I wanted to make a few rebuttals to things that were said at the other convention," she said.

Bush on Palin as VP

"I'm thrilled that she's on the ticket. I'm getting my wish. I'm going to get to vote for a Republican woman as vice president," Laura Bush said. 'I admire her very, very much."

Laura Bush touted Palin's experience as a small-town mayor.

"She knows really what it's like to run a government when your constituents are so close to you," she said. "I like her good, sound judgment and common sense."

But it's also Palin's experience as a mother that makes her appealing, Laura Bush said.

"She has the experience of raising five kids," she said. "A lot of women especially, I think we look at her and we admire her."