Bush journeys to "this part of the world"

MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Where exactly did President Bush think he was visiting yesterday during his trip to the Gulf Coast?

[T]he taxpayers and people from all around the country have got to understand the people of this part of the world really do appreciate the fact that the American citizens are supportive of the recovery effort."

"I come telling the folks in this part of the world that we still understand there's problems and we're still engaged."

"We care deeply about the folks in this part of the world."

Doesn't it sound as if he's talking about people in another country? Tsunami survivors perhaps, or Iraqi refugees? But then, he's referred to the Gulf Coast as "this part of the world" at least a dozen times since Katrina. It's a rhetorical crutch, obviously, but also one easily avoided given the immense frustration most Gulf Coasters feel at being seemingly forgotten by the powers that be.

(Hat tip: David Kurtz)