MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Former President George W. Bush says a phrase that haunted him after Hurricane Katrina – “Brownie, you”re doing a heck of a job” – was from a statement of praise he had just heard from Alabama Gov. Bob Riley.
In his new memoir, Bush says he asked Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour if they were getting the federal support they needed when he met with them on the coast. He says Riley told him that FEMA director Mike Brown is “doing a heck of a job.”
Bush repeated the phrase, using his nickname for Brown. He says he never imagined it would become so infamous as critics of Brown”s performance used it as a club.
Riley spokesman Jeff Emerson said Tuesday the president often reminded Riley good-naturedly that Riley had said it first.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.