Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards said he’s glad Obama waited to visit because the security requirements and highway closures “won’t have the adverse impact it would have if it had been this week”.
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Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeffrey Wiley, who said he was in the briefing, told CNN that the candidate s visit helped bring much-needed national attention to the disaster.
A statement sent out by the Donald Trump campaign from Rudy Giuliani defending Trump’s visit to flood-ravaged Louisiana Friday includes a shout out to the former NY mayor’s book.
“We welcome him to (Louisiana), but not for a photo op”, the governor’s office said in a statement, urging Trump to volunteer or make “a sizable donation”.
“We’re glad you’re not playing golf at Martha’s Vineyard”, one woman told him, a jab at President Barack Obama.
He said the former commander in chief “only saw people from an airplane instead of down here on the ground trying to provide comfort and aid”.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump toured flood-battered Louisiana on Friday, shrugging off the Democratic state governor’s plea for politicians not to stop in areas affected by deadly rains.
Hillary Clinton, Trump’s Democratic rival in the November 8 election, said on social media that she had spoken with the governor by phone on Friday, and the flooding was worse than expected.
“I will tell you he was very gracious and a good listener”, Wiley said. “My heart breaks for Louisiana, and right now, the relief effort can’t afford any distractions”, she wrote.
“BRAC says the $20.7 billion estimate should not be considered a tally of damage, and that it only represents the value of homes that were subject to flooding.”
Roads and essential routes would need to be shut down to pave way for a presidential motorcade, and vital law enforcement resources would need to be diverted, Edwards said.
Obama has been heavily criticized for not cutting short his vacation to visit the flood-ravaged areas around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“Obama should recognize that leadership involves symbolism as well as substance. In times of profound need, people need to see their president up close”, The Advocate said in an editorial. During his visit, Secretary Johnson met with state and local officials, viewed the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and visited local shelters where those impacted by the flooding are receiving food and disaster-caused needs.
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The White House said that in his visit next week, Mr Obama will get “a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods. and tell the people of Louisiana that the American people will be with them”. More than 70,000 people have registered for individual assistance since the federal disaster was declared.
