If there’s one thing President Joe Biden is remarkably consistent at, it’s making a bad situation worse. Case in point: Hurricane Helene. This devastating storm tore through parts of the southeastern United States, with western North Carolina hit especially hard. Some are calling it their own Hurricane Katrina moment, but rest assured, President Biden seems completely unphased—because why tackle a crisis head-on when you can take another beach vacation?
Fresh from lounging at Rehoboth Beach, Biden was asked two basic questions on Sunday about the federal response to the hurricane, and what followed was the kind of detached, clueless response we’ve come to expect. The first question was straightforward: “Do you have any words for the victims of the hurricane?” Biden’s answer? “We’ve given everything that we have.” Not exactly the message of hope and reassurance people who’ve lost their homes and livelihoods might have been looking for. But wait, it gets worse.
The reporter then asked if there were any more resources the federal government could be providing. Biden’s response, cold as ice: “No.” That’s right—no. While standing at the podium, the leader of the free world essentially said, “Sorry folks, that’s all you’re getting.” Where’s the empathy? Where’s the urgency? It’s almost like being president is an afterthought for him, especially when it’s time to break out the flip-flops and hit the beach.
Fast forward to Monday, and Biden is finally back at the White House. He gave a speech about Hurricane Helene, solemnly declaring that the federal government would be there “as long as it takes to finish this job.” A fine sentiment—if only anyone believed him. After all, reports from the ground suggest that impacted areas are still waiting for significant federal assistance. Actions speak louder than words, Mr. President.
As he wrapped up his remarks and started making his way out, one reporter had the guts to ask the question everyone was thinking: Why weren’t he and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington over the weekend while disaster struck? Biden’s response was, to put it lightly, embarrassing. He claimed he was “commanding” from the beach, you know, using “a telephone” and all his “security people.” Because apparently, that’s leadership in the Biden administration—making a few phone calls while the country burns (or floods, in this case).
REPORTER: “On the hurricane, why weren’t you and VP Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?”
BIDEN: “I was commanding! I was on the phone…” pic.twitter.com/ak07MAcGiL
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) September 30, 2024
For anyone who’s lost their home or, worse, a loved one, this casual, almost flippant response from Biden is salt in the wound. “Don’t worry, I made some calls while I was chillin’ by the ocean” is not the comfort they need. It’s pathetic and, frankly, insulting.
Meanwhile, where’s Vice President Kamala Harris? Oh, she’s busy attending Left Coast fundraisers, raking in millions for the Democrats while she posts carefully staged photos of herself allegedly being “briefed by FEMA.” The problem? In the photo, her phone headset doesn’t even appear to be plugged in. And the notepad she’s scribbling on? Looks suspiciously blank. If this is the administration’s idea of disaster management, no wonder people are losing faith.
I was just briefed by @FEMA_Deanne Criswell on the latest developments about the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also discussed our Administration’s continued actions to support emergency response and recovery.
I also spoke with @NC_Governor Cooper about the ongoing… pic.twitter.com/nlZPB0h3mO
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 30, 2024
However, Trump has traveled to Georgia and North Carolina and is trying to bring much-needed supplies to the people. Again, this is the leadership we need right now.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2024
They want us to believe that help is on the way. But judging by the clueless photo ops and Biden’s beachside “command center,” it’s hard to take them seriously. However, there’s hope on the horizon—not from the current administration, but from the American people. November is just around the corner, and if there’s one thing to be optimistic about, it’s the potential for change. Maybe, just maybe, we can start making America great again by handing Harris her walking papers and demanding accountability from our so-called leaders.
