President George W. Bush took responsibility on Tuesday for any failures in the federal response to Hurricane Katrina and acknowledged the storm exposed serious deficiencies at all levels of government four years after the September 11 attacks.

The Daily Show response to this last night was great. I think they said something along the lines of "And the most important part of Katrina was found on Tuesday morning..." and went to the clip. And then John Stewart just stared. Played it again. Stared. Totally unexpected behavior by Mr. President.

Not that it means anything. It is such a meaningless statement that it is surprising he doesn't do more of it. He's a lame duck. His supporters and detractors will continue to believe whatever they believe about him and his culpability. Until we have something like "When I did (concrete thing), I did the wrong thing. It was a mistake and I take responsibility", it is still just empty. "If a mistake was made..." -- fine. Duh. The buck stops with you, at least on paper. You're not running for reelection, so as long as it isn't an impeachable offense, why NOT take the blame? History will remember you for consequences regardless of what you acknowledged as yours.

Bush - I am responsible.