Helene exposes a directionless White House and Harris’ shortcomings

The Biden-Harris administration’s failure to effectively manage the response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene reflects a concerning lack of leadership in the White House.

Currently, it is unclear who is truly in charge.

Their disregard for the individuals struggling in the aftermath of the disaster has left many, including long-time Democrats like us, stunned.

Both President Biden and Vice President Harris had significant reasons to step up and support the victims of the storm, yet their administration has consistently fallen short.

When Hurricane Helene hit land on September 26, it caused extensive damage across multiple states, resulting in confirmed fatalities and many individuals still missing.

The slow federal response and the delayed visits by Biden and Harris to the affected areas have only further highlighted their insensitivity towards the situation.

Biden, who was in Delaware when the storm occurred, mentioned he had been overseeing the response efforts over the phone for a limited time, which was insufficient for such a significant crisis.

Harris, who aspires to be the next president, initially only participated in a short photo op with FEMA, waiting nearly a week before visiting Georgia, a crucial swing state.

Local officials, like Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, criticized the administration for the delays in federal aid, hindering recovery efforts and exacerbating the impact of the storm.

The White House’s activation of only 1,000 military members after six days, despite the proximity of specialized military units, was far from adequate compared to past responses to disasters like Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

If Biden and Harris truly aimed to help the affected individuals, they should have promptly mobilized military assets for rescue missions and ensured effective distribution of aid to the impacted regions.

The mismanagement of FEMA’s funds, which are close to depletion due to expenditures on other issues, further raises concerns about the administration’s prioritization of domestic crises.

The inadequate response by the administration, particularly in the days leading up to a presidential election, reflects poorly on their capacities and could impact their chances in key battleground states.

Their lack of responsiveness during crises calls into question their ability to effectively lead the country and address the needs of American citizens.

The administration’s incompetence and indifference may contribute to the Democrats’ potential defeat in the upcoming elections.

It is evident that the Biden-Harris administration’s shortcomings and lack of leadership may not inspire confidence in their ability to lead the country effectively in the future.

Following such a catastrophic event, one would expect a more robust and decisive response from those in power, especially in crucial swing states with significant electoral votes at stake.

As individuals with experience in politics, we are deeply concerned about the administration’s handling of this crisis and its implications for the future of our country.

Douglas Schoen was an adviser to President Bill Clinton and to Hillary Clinton’s 2000 Senate campaign. Andrew Stein (D) served as New York City Council president, 1986-94.