Kamala Harris/ Donald Trump/ Hurricane Helene/ 2024 election/ natural disaster response/ presidential campaign/ emergency response/ North Carolina flooding/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hurricane Helene’s deadly aftermath has forced presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to change their campaign schedules. Harris returned early from a rally in Las Vegas to attend emergency briefings, while Trump headed to Georgia to assess the damage. The storm’s toll continues to rise, particularly due to inland flooding in North Carolina.
Hurricane Helene Disruption Quick Looks:
- Kamala Harris cut her Las Vegas trip short to address Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
- Donald Trump redirected his campaign to visit Georgia and see the storm’s impact.
- The death toll from the hurricane is nearing 100, with severe flooding in North Carolina.
- Trump criticized Harris for attending fundraising events during the storm.
- Both candidates aim to demonstrate leadership in response to the disaster.
Hurricane Helene Forces Harris and Trump to Shift Campaign Plans
Deep Look:
Hurricane Helene, which brought widespread destruction and a rising death toll, has shifted the focus of the 2024 presidential campaign, with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump making adjustments to their schedules in response to the crisis.
On Sunday, Harris, who had been campaigning in Las Vegas, announced that she would return to Washington earlier than planned to attend briefings on the damage caused by the hurricane. The storm, which has claimed nearly 100 lives, caused some of the worst flooding in North Carolina. At the start of her Las Vegas rally, Harris expressed her commitment to helping affected communities recover. “We will stand with these communities for as long as it takes to make sure they are able to recover and rebuild,” she told the crowd.
Trump, meanwhile, shifted his campaign plans to visit Georgia, one of the states hit hardest by the hurricane. Speaking at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Trump described Hurricane Helene as “a big monster hurricane” that hit far harder than initially anticipated. He criticized Harris for participating in California fundraising events over the weekend, arguing that she should have been focused on the disaster.
“She ought to be down in the area where she should be,” Trump said, taking a direct swipe at the vice president’s priorities during the crisis.
Disaster Response and Political Consequences
Natural disasters often test the leadership of politicians, especially in the critical weeks leading up to an election. Both Trump and Harris are navigating how to balance campaigning with demonstrating their readiness to lead during a national emergency.
For Harris, her return to Washington underscores the importance of handling emergency response efforts. She had planned to continue campaigning in Las Vegas on Monday but will instead attend a briefing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and coordinate with state officials. The White House confirmed that Harris spoke with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and received updates from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
Trump, on the other hand, views his visit to Georgia as an opportunity to show empathy and leadership, echoing a strategy that proved successful earlier in the campaign. His visit to East Palestine, Ohio, following a toxic train derailment earlier in 2024, had been seen by many as a pivotal moment in his campaign. It helped solidify his image as a hands-on leader willing to address crises in person, contrasting with frustrations over the federal government’s response.
While Trump has experience visiting disaster zones during his presidency, these trips haven’t always been without controversy. His visit to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017 drew criticism when he tossed paper towels to residents. Nevertheless, Trump’s focus on storm-ravaged areas aims to reinforce his standing among voters who value his approach to crisis management.
Biden’s Role
President Joe Biden, meanwhile, is also focused on the response to Hurricane Helene. He is expected to address the nation regarding his administration’s ongoing relief efforts and plans to visit affected areas later in the week. However, Biden has expressed a desire not to interfere with emergency operations on the ground.
As the hurricane’s toll continues to rise, Harris and Trump’s responses to the disaster will play an important role in shaping voter perceptions. With both candidates adapting their campaign strategies, the disaster has created an unexpected moment of reckoning in the closing weeks of the 2024 election.
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