President Biden visited Georgia on Thursday to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, but his words rang hollow amidst the administration’s botched response to the disaster. Speaking in Ray City, Biden called for unity and bipartisanship, yet his actions and policies have consistently fallen short of this rhetoric. As he struggled to articulate his thoughts, Biden claimed that “in times of crisis, we must put politics aside” and work towards a common goal, but his administration’s track record tells a different story.
Biden touted his administration’s infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, which he referred to as a $368 billion climate bill, revealing the true intentions behind the legislation. He emphasized the need to help those affected by the storm, but his words were at odds with the administration’s handling of the response. Biden’s attempt to sound conciliatory and non-partisan was undermined by his own history of divisive rhetoric and actions.
As a long-time politician, Biden has often prioritized partisanship over unity, from his time in the Senate to his presidency. His infamous “Battle for the Soul of the Nation” speech ahead of the 2022 midterms, in which he demonized his opponents, was a prime example of this. This rhetoric has continued, with Biden and other Democrats using inflammatory language to attack their opponents, including former President Trump.
The administration’s handling of the hurricane response has been marred by missteps and controversies. Vice President Harris’s offer of $750 to hurricane victims has been criticized as woefully inadequate, while DHS Secretary Mayorkas has admitted that FEMA is out of funds, despite previously claiming otherwise. The agency’s priorities have been called into question, with reports of funds being spent on illegal immigrants and “equity” initiatives.
FEMA’s response to the criticism has been defensive, with the agency prioritizing public relations over actual support for those affected by the storm. As the administration continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, its actions will be closely watched to see if they match the rhetoric of its leaders.
