A.G. Gancarski
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision not to meet President Joe Biden as he tours damage from Hurricane Idalia is drawing criticism from a familiar force.
Late Friday, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried took the Governor for task for putting politics over storm recovery.
“On behalf of the Florida Democrats, I would like to extend a warm welcome to President Biden as he tours the counties hardest hit by Hurricane Idalia,” said Fried. “From disaster relief to infrastructure investments, President Biden continues to show up for Floridians.”
“Though the circumstances are tragic, Floridians appreciate knowing that their president has their back. The empathy he shows to people who are suffering is why he got elected — it’s one of the marks of a true leader, and it’s why President Biden is the right person to lead us through these difficult times,” Fried added.
“Unfortunately, Ron keeps showing us what divisive leadership looks like. In times of crisis, the American people expect our leaders to put aside their differences and find strength in unity. By refusing to meet with President Biden, he’s proving again what we’ve known for years — Ron will always put politics over people. I hope his fundraisers in Iowa are worth it.”
The Governor’s spokesman says the state couldn’t be assured of security for the President as he tours the most storm-stricken areas in the state, even though such concerns weren’t an issue in the aftermath of 2022’s Hurricane Ian.
“We don’t have any plans for the Governor to meet with the President tomorrow,” Jeremy Redfern says. “In these rural communities, and so soon after impact, the security preparations alone that would go into setting up such a meeting would shut down ongoing recovery efforts.”
Meanwhile, Florida’s most recent former Governor will meet Biden. Sen. Rick Scott will be “in Suwannee County with Biden to receive a briefing from local officials and meet with families impacted by Hurricane Idalia. I’ll be urging him to support the immediate passage of my Federal Disaster Responsibility Act – families in Florida and across the U.S. need this relief ASAP.
10 comments
Rodney D.
September 2, 2023 at 9:07 am
He’s a great governor, he really seems to care…about what, I have no idea.
Dahlia Canes
September 2, 2023 at 9:11 am
How petty and childish this Governor is…if the attention is not on him or benefitting his campaign, it’s a no go. What a prima-dona…
These people need help… you weren’t hesitant about asking for federal aid now where ya?
Michael K
September 2, 2023 at 9:13 am
That’s our little governor. Always putting Casey and his personal political aspirations above all else. More division, never unity. Truly unfit to serve on the world stage.
Joey Fechlies
September 2, 2023 at 9:24 am
Good for DeSantis. He has better things to do than show up for a Demi photo op. Nothing makes Demi has beens like Fried madder than Republicans who refuse to kiss up. I’ll bet Joe Feckless gets the same reception he got in Hawai’i. Ain’t gonna be pretty. Somebody needs to tell Joe its his presidential duty to check on the alligator situation. A good close inspection is in order. Give him some marshmallows.
Silly Wabbit
September 2, 2023 at 10:46 am
You kwazy.
Tjb
September 2, 2023 at 11:42 am
The people and leaders of Hawaii praised President Biden’s support and response to the Maui disaster. The only people who criticized the President visit are the folks who follow media sources such as Fox News, Truth Social and other deranged sources.
PeterH
September 2, 2023 at 10:36 am
You can see above how the wingnut MAGA crowd responds!
Since DeSantis’s election depends on this MAGA “basket of deplorables” …… it’s understandable why DeSantis would distance himself from the president who’s spent his entire administration cleaning up the economic and international mess Trump left behind.
My Take
September 2, 2023 at 1:36 pm
I know little about Nikki.
But judging her by the people who dslike her, she comes off looking quite well.
Wanda New
September 2, 2023 at 2:48 pm
I firmly believe that Floridians and the United States is so much more deserving than anything DeSantas. Has to offer. His belief is whatever he thinks is better than a one else do offer. He’s so into himself and his family. He is a very selfish and self centered person has no business in politics. It’s his way or the highway. When he doesn’t get his waist way, he pouts like a spoiled brats.
Randall
September 2, 2023 at 7:27 pm
Who would want to meet with Joe Biden. HI a liberal state and people didn’t even want Joe there. No one trust or believes him. Joe go back on vacation.
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