Daily Briefing: America's Torn Aorta

• Bushcommits federal resources to Gulf Coast: "The challenges that we face on the ground are unprecedented. But there's no doubt in my mind we're going to succeed." Pollster: "To the degree that he is the consoler and healer of the nation, it helps." [ WP , WP , WSJ , USAT ]

•Financial burden of recovery strikes at federal budget deficit; over $20b will be requested. [ WSJ , WP , USAT ]

•Katrina sends oil prices over $3 a gallon, possibly beyond $4; Europeans may lend their stockpiles. [ WSJ , MarketWatch , Bloomberg , NYT ]

•Commodity prices jump. Supply-chain expert: "The Mississippi River is the aorta of the American economy, and New Orleans is the access point to it." [ WP ]

•In Baghdad, nearly 1,000 Iraqis die in stampede sparked by panic; greatest loss of life since the invasion. [ NYT , USAT ]

• Bushtested again by circumstances, but will he deliver? Professor: "It is usually the case with large-scale disasters that it centralizes power in the presidency and improves the president's ratings in public opinion." [ NYT , LAT ]

• Robertslooked down on lawmakers. In 1983, he wrote: "Our only hope is that Congress will continue to do what it does best -- nothing." [ LAT ]

• NYTeditorial: "Bushgave one of the worst speeches of his life yesterday. . . the president appeared a day later than he was needed [and] read an address of a quality more appropriate for an Arbor Day celebration." [ NYT ]

•FDA official resigns to protest politically motivated delay of decision on Plan B contraceptive: "I really feel that this decision was not based on the science and clinical evidence. . . I worry about [the FDA's] credibility." [ WP , NYT , WSJ ]

•In pre-Katrina Gallup poll, majorities of Americans express dissatisfaction withBush; approval rating stands at 45%. [ USAT ]

• BayhandWarnerwill introduceRobertsat next week's hearings. [ USAT ]

• Robertshas been practicing for his confirmation hearings. [ NYT ]

• Boltonopposes proposed reorganization of the United Nations. [ WP , NYT ]

•Inspector general at the Pentagon exits to join Blackwater security firm. [ WSJ ]

• Trent Lottloses a house to Katrina. [ WP ]