this confirms what I think would be obvious - that the WH HAD to consider this option given the complete lack of control of the city. You have to wonder if they didn't do it for political, versus practical, reasons.
Bush is too smart to try that angle even though it would have doubtless saved countless lives. Legally, what happened in NO was no insurrection, at least within the purview of that legal authority. It's a real tragedy the DUmmycrats who were in the lead legally killed thousands of those who...most likely...voted them into office. But what do they say?? Sh&t happens.
For this particular issue, I'm pretty sure that political and practical reasons would have had a very significant overlap.