After a much-criticized delay, US President Barack Obama visited flood-stricken Louisiana Tuesday, August 23, defending his administration’s response and urging citizens to pitch in and help ravaged communities. Despite the criticism about the timing of Obama’s visit, Earnest said FEMA had received bipartisan praise for its work in the aftermath of the flooding, unlike the criticism the agency faced following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 under then-President George W. Bush. “I need all Americans to stay focused on this”, said Obama, after he had spent a week focused instead on golfing on Martha’s Vineyard and attending a campaign fundraiser for Hillary Clinton.
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“But what I need the folks of Louisiana to understand is you are not by yourself, even after the TV cameras leave”.
So yes, the president has waited longer to visit Louisiana than he has other areas hit by disasters, but not that much longer. The timing, coming amid a heated White House campaign, drew criticism from some local officials and political opponents, including GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. An editorial headline in the Baton Rouge Advocate last week read: “Our Views: Vacation or not, a hurting Louisiana needs you now, President Obama”.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters on Air Force One that Obama “is used to people trying to score political points, even in situations where they shouldn’t”. “Not many people know that for three days relentless storms fell on southern Louisiana and caused many rivers to overflow”. More than 115,000 people have registered for federal disaster aid, with the state saying $20 million has been distributed to individuals so far. At least 40 state highways remain closed.
The President walked door to door in an East Baton Rouge parish neighbourhood, hugging people and offering assurances that the country would help them recover from some of the worst floods ever recorded in Louisiana.
Visibly sweating in the humid 92-degree weather, Obama hugged residents as he went from door-to-door asking about flood levels and relief efforts.
“Too little too late”, Mona Gaspard said of Obama’s visit.
“Tuesday’s too late”, Trump told Fox News this weekend.
Louisiana’s Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards – who had warned Trump not to turn his visit into a photo op and called for him to make a donation – also asked Obama for more help.
The White House said $127 million in federal aid had been designated for temporary rental assistance, essential home repairs, and flood insurance payments.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., toured the neighborhood with Obama and said both Trump and Obama helped raise awareness about the extent of the damage – both nationally and on Capitol Hill.
The officers’ families are expected to meet with Obama during his trip to Baton Rouge, the source said on condition of anonymity.
Mr. Obama planned to meet with Alton Sterling’s relatives at the airport in Baton Rouge before returning to Washington this afternoon.
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He said he hoped Mr Obama’s visit would bring hope to the state’s residents.
