As Hurricane Milton is predicted to approach Florida in a few days, with previous hurricanes like Hurricane Helene affecting internet service for users all the way across in California, some fear for their lives while others see them as opportunities.
For Trump, it does not matter for him if it is nonsense or not. These false claims still catch attention because of the scale of the natural disaster at the moment, contributing to the political campaign especially in the battleground states that were influenced by the hurricanes.
For vice president Kamala Harris, this may be a moment to make the aiding process effective and showcase her commanding capacity at uncertain times. Although this is true, Harris points out Trump's focus, calling his misinformation as “...extraordinarily irresponsible. It’s about him; it’s not about you.” She criticizes the fact that Trump is taking advantage of the event for his political campaign when people’s lives are on the line.
Whether aiding the community, or utilizing it to attack political figures, politics around storms are nothing new. With incidents like President George W. Bush’s poor response to Hurricane Katrina destroying his second term in 2005; and President Barack Obama gaining a sense of trust with his effective management of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. As Harris criticizes Trump’s association of the storm with an effective political campaign, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis argues against her. He claims that Harris is the one trying to “politicize the storm…just because of her campaign.” While, President Joe Biden had described DeSantis as “cooperative” and “doing a great job…”
3 comments:
The top stories that I’ve seen covering the hurricane are either Florida men doing crazy things or people trying to call out politicians for essentially helping citizens through the hurricane just to help their campaign. I agree that with a huge election coming up in just under a month that there’s no way this wasn’t going to be a political debate. It’s just interesting who is actually helping and who is spreading lies about the other party to make themselves look better, because it’s not working.
I’ve also seen claims from the right, conspiracy theories that the hurricane was fabricated by geoengineers to prevent right-wing voters in Florida from voting. This conspiracy is a clear example of scapegoating as the popularity of the democratic party continues to rise. This is clearly an echo of Trump’s previous statements that the Biden Administration took money from FEMA in order to spend it on migrant programs at the Southern border, ironic considering he did that exact thing when he was in office. Currently FEMA and SBA is able to provide helicopters, coast guard and federal responders to provide immediate aid to those affected but that it might not be enough if another disaster came along. While I’m curious whether Biden will redistribute more money to be able to provide immediate relief if that was the case, I am confident that this isn’t just a facade. He has no problem supporting Ron DeSantes, saying he is doing a good job and he actually has the interests of the American people at the core.
It's alarming to see misinformation spread, especially when people face threats to their safety and livelihoods. The specific usage of FEMA's funds has been pretty clearly communicated, and should not be manipulated for the sake of political agendas and advancement. Effective leadership in moments of crisis is vital; it should be a time when the nation is supporting each other through hardships, not twisting facts for selfish gains. Instead of spreading false information, I think a real leader would speak up in a more effective way if they felt more immediate aid and support was necessary, if they felt it’s ridiculous that victims are “only receiving $750”. With a platform and a net worth like Trump’s, he could certainly help out, especially if his number one goal is to help victims of the hurricanes. Past presidents have shown how responses to disasters can shape public trust, so we need our leaders to rise above themselves and genuinely assist those in need.
In times of crisis, there should be a focus on helping those affected. I find it sad that the Florida hurricanes are used as political talking topics. Natural disasters are almost unpredictable and they don’t choose who they affect or discriminate based on a political party so the response to them shouldn’t be either. It is also amazing false claims are being made to catch attention. Even when politicians should help with the disaster, they end up fighting over who is doing the right thing and who is wrong. Times like this are for teamwork and collaboration, not acts that break the trust between people and those able to assist them in their hardships.
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