Obama dismissed such criticism, saying: “This is not a photo-op issue”.
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“But when you get into trouble, you want someone who knows what they’re doing, who’s on the ground working with outstanding officials, and that’s true whatever the party”.
Martin Johnson, professor of mass communication and political science at Louisiana State University, said he understood the frustration and that it’s not uncommon to hear partisan attacks during natural disasters. Trump’s son, Eric, credited his father’s visit to Louisiana last week with shaming the president into finally planning a trip of his own. Shelton, the mayor of Central, a suburb of Baton Rouge that is one of the hardest-hit communities from the catastrophic flooding.
Yesterday, Obama claimed he doesn’t “worry too much about politics” and that he is focused on improving the speed and efficiency of the federal response.
President Barack Obama traveled to the Baton Rouge, La., area on Tuesday to pledge federal support to fix the damage from some of the worst flooding to hit the U.S.in years, while also calling for private donors and volunteers to help get families and local businesses back on their feet.
How much would be needed to help residents was yet to be determined, Mr Obama said, noting Congress may need to approve more aid.
“When disasters strike, that’s probably one of the few times where Washington tends not to get political”, he added.
“The president is used to people trying to score political points, even in situations where they shouldn’t”, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Tuesday.
President Barack Obama tours Castle Place, a flood-damaged area of Baton Rouge, La., with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Tuesday. David Vitter and Bill Cassidy.
Flooding has damaged some 60,000 homes, and thousands of people are in or looking for temporary housing. “Sometimes once the flood waters pass, people’s attention spans pass”, he said.
At least 40 state highways still remained closed.
The deluge that dumped more than 2-1/2 feet (76 cm) of rain on parts of Louisiana has been described as the worst US disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
“President Obama should have gone to Louisiana days ago, instead of golfing. Some of them had already been out here for inspections, and I think that does indicate why it’s important for us to take the federal government seriously, federal workers seriously”, Obama said.
And Obama declared a major disaster for Louisiana on August 14, making federal resources available to help with home repairs, temporary housing, low-priced loans for uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.
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Echoing the Governor’s words on Tuesday, Mr Obama emphasised that the flood recovery would require a long-term commitment. Obama is in Louisiana to tour flood damage and meet with affected residents and local officials. He said last week he spoke with the White House daily while Obama was on vacation.
