Kudos to Donald Trump for dragging the media spotlight to the flood-ravaged areas around Baton Rouge – and shaming President Obama into belatedly scheduling a visit, though not until next Tuesday. The White House said he would talk to local officials about what more the federal government can do to assist in the recovery.
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That did not deter Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, IN governor Mike Pence, who visited the afflicted region on Friday to meet with victims and hand out supplies.
“Honestly, Obama ought to get off the golf course and get down there”, Mr Trump said at a campaign rally later in the day in MI, alluding to the President’s Wednesday golf game. Former Senator Mary Landrieu said she hoped Obama and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton would follow in Trump’s footsteps and pay visits as well. “Though words can not express the sadness one feels at times like this, I hope everyone in Louisiana knows that our country is praying for them and standing with them to help them in these hard hours”.
For much of Thursday, senior White House officials said a presidential visit could siphon away resources needed to help those suffering.
Obama’s vacation on Martha’s Vineyard was already scheduled to end Sunday, so he will not have to interrupt his 16-day vacation for a trip to the flooded state.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, told reporters at a press conference Thursday that this week wasn’t the best time for Obama to come.
“We welcome him to (Louisiana), but not for a photo op”, said gubernatorial spokesman Richard Carbo. “We welcome him to LA, but not for a photo-op”.
She urged people to donate to the Red Cross or the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.
Donald Trump toured the flood-stricken regions of Louisiana on Friday.
Floodwaters caused by torrential downpours have killed at least 13 people and damaged more than 40,000 homes so far, and the flooding is ongoing. The White House announced Friday afternoon that Obama will visit the area on Tuesday, after his vacation concludes.
“I’d like it to be picked up as soon as possible”, said Deal, 53, pointing to a few boxes on the muddy cement floors in her formerly carpeted living room.
There has been criticism of the national news coverage of the flood, widely believed to be the worst natural disaster in the USA since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
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The Republican candidates met a group of volunteers who have been cooking meals for flood victims and helping the elderly gut their homes. Edwards’ office said Trump did not call to discuss plans to visit. The optics of Obama golfing while Louisiana residents languished in flood waters was striking.
