Bush regrets Katrina photograph

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Former U.S. President George W. Bush says a photograph of him looking at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina from Air Force One was a mistake.

In an interview, Bush said the widely published photograph of him peering through a window at the hurricane damage in 2005 make him look "detached and uncaring, no question about it," The Hill reported.

Bush was widely criticized for his administration's response to the hurricane's devastation in New Orleans, and critics said he was slow to see and respond to the damage on the Gulf Coast.

"In retrospect, however, I should have touched down in Baton Rouge, met with the governor and walked out and said, 'I hear you. We understand. And we're going to help the state and help the local governments with as much resources as needed,'" Bush said. "And then got back on a flight up to Washington. I did not do that. And paid a price for it."

Bush made the comments in an interview with NBC News, where he discussed his new book, "Decision Points." The interview is scheduled to air Monday.