Too Late? President Obama Visits Louisiana Flood Victims

08-23-2016

Two days after his two-week vacation to Martha's Vineyard ended, President Barack Obama touched down in flood-ravaged Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He toured a neighborhood damaged by flooding, comforted residents, and thanked first responders.

"This is not a one-off, this is not a photo-op issue," the president said in a statement to reporters. "I need all Americans to stay focused on this ... I know you will rebuild again."

But for some, it's too little too late. The optics of the president playing round after round of golf as tens of thousands of Americans suffered stung many Louisianans and Americans.

An editorial headline in the Baton Rouge Advocate last week read: "Our Views: Vacation or not, a hurting Louisiana needs you now, President Obama."

Standing in front of damaged homes, ruined belongings on the curb, the president praised FEMA for their quick response, calling Director Craig Fugate one of the best hires he's made as commander in chief.

Much work remains. At least 40 state highways remain closed.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump visited Baton Rouge Friday, handing out supplies to victims and driving through some of the hardest-hit neighborhoods.

In a statement, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton says she'll visit affected communities "at a time when the presence of a political campaign will not disrupt the response, to discuss how we can and will rebuild together."

When asked about the criticism that it took him too long to visit, Obama said with five months left in office he's not really concerned about politics.
 

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