In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it's surprising to find that nearly half of Californians believe that state, local and federal government are prepared for a major disaster. Let's hope they're right.

So there's a base for the president's program -- but it's among Democrats, independents and a portion of the Republican Party. The president is on the side of public opinion and clearly in step with the mainstream of California -- but perhaps out of step with the conservative portion of his base.

To the extent that he has moved back to the middle, Democrats, independents, liberals, moderates, like that better, that's why his numbers went up. The downside for him is that conservatives and Republicans like it less.

I think people's faith in government is somewhat wishful thinking.

Remember when George Bush (Senior) went through a checkout line and was unfamiliar with how scanners work at the supermarket?