Biden spoke Thursday at the White House. He addressed the multitude of natural disasters this week. “The nation is here for help.”
The U.S. presidency has long included trips to natural disaster areas. It is a chance to show compassion and provide aid in ways that can influence the public’s perceptions of White House leadership.
Biden was to meet Louisiana’s Democratic governor John Bel Edwards and other officials. He also planned to tour LaPlace, which is a community located between the Mississippi River & Lake Pontchartrain. It was inundated by flooding from storm surge flooding, leaving many people in their attics. He also planned to flyover visit hard-hit communities such as Lafitte and Grand Isle, Port Fourchon, Lafourche Parish, and where Parish President Archie Chaisson stated that 25% of his 100,000-person community’s homes were destroyed or lost.
How they dealt with such crises has been a key characteristic of past presidents. Donald Trump casually handed out paper towels to Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Irma. This earned him scorn but did not damage his political standing. Barack Obama hugged New Jersey Republican Governor. Chris Christie after Superstorm Sandy 2012, a brief respite for partisan tensions which had threatened the economy’s fiscal cliff. George W. Bush was discredited after his poor and unprepared response in 2006 to Hurricane Katrina.
Biden, in the wake of Hurricane Ida is dealing with the threat of climate change and the possibility of regular visits to disaster zones.
Biden visited Louisiana last May to promote his infrastructure package. He spoke in Lake Charles. A glass tower was visible from the podium. It was still covered with plywood after Hurricanes last year blew out the windows.
Scientists believe climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as large tropical storms and droughts that can lead to wildfires. According to U.S. weather experts, July 2021 was the hottest month in 142 years.
Biden spoke out about Friday’s visit to the Gulf Coast, saying that he was there for them. We’re making sure that the recovery and response is fair so that the most vulnerable get the resources they need.
