Bush rejects accusations of racism over Katrina

President George W. Bush ducks under an electrical wire while touring in a
military vehicle in the French Quarter in New Orleans, September 12, 2005.
 Credit: Reuters/Larry Downing

In his memoir, "Decision Points," to be released next Tuesday, Bush writes that charges flung at him that he was a racist during the Katrina crisis "was the worst moment of my presidency."
In excerpts of an interview of Bush by NBC's "Today" show, the former president was asked about West's comment that "George Bush doesn't care about black people."
The accusation arose because many blacks were affected by the hurricane that ravaged Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states, and Bush came under sharp criticism for his handling of the calamity.
Bush, whose Today show interview is to be aired next Monday, said West's charge was tantamount to being called a racist.
"And I didn't appreciate it then. I don't appreciate it now. It's one thing to say, 'I don't appreciate the way he's handled his business.' It's another thing to say, 'this man's a racist,'" Bush said.
"I resent it, it's not true," Bush said. "And it was one of the most disgusting moments in my presidency."

He said his record was strong "when it came to race relations and giving people a chance."

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