Staff Reports
President Biden recently took a scenic helicopter ride over Asheville, North Carolina, a region left in tatters by Hurricane Helene. Amidst the sightseeing, he encountered a landscape that looked more like a post-apocalyptic movie set than a thriving city. Flattened buildings, uprooted trees, and homes precariously perched on the brink of submersion painted an ominous picture. Tourists usually flock to the Blue Ridge Mountains for their beauty, but Mr. Biden’s aerial tour revealed only devastation.
Despite the unfolding disaster, the President made it clear that timing was of the essence when it came to his visit. He figured that arriving in the aftermath wouldn’t be a great photo op until the “active recovery” effort had gained some traction. So, while the residents were wading through murky waters that had turned Lake Lure a charming shade of dark brown, Mr. Biden was content to fly above, taking in the turmoil from his lofty perch.
Earlier, I took an aerial tour over Western North Carolina to survey the damage. What I saw was heartbreaking.
But back on the ground, we’re witnessing neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers and workers standing side-by-side, people leaning on each other.
That's America. pic.twitter.com/KO3tYIVpYF
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 2, 2024
In a bid to show he’s not just a spectator, Biden announced the deployment of 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist North Carolina’s overwhelmed National Guard. This move was likely motivated by a yoke of humanitarian necessity and the heavy weight of political pressure looming over the upcoming election. With the stakes high, these troops are set to expedite the distribution of essentials like food and medicine to areas that need them most, particularly in a state that may have largely forgotten how it feels to have a Democrat in the White House.
Biden’s itinerary didn’t just stop at North Carolina; he had plans to cruise through Florida and Georgia as well. As the Democrats scramble to secure their foothold in a crucial battleground state, the visit had all the makings of a well-timed public relations extravaganza. Ironically, while Biden plays good Samaritan in more favorable urban territories, his aerial views showcased rural regions characterized by a far more Republican sentiment.
Political dynamics are swirling, and the reality is that both parties might just be trying to outdo one another in the race to provide relief. Yet, the stark differences in the voter demographics of the storm-affected areas can’t be ignored. Analysts have pointed out how the rural, older, and predominantly white population in these counties may skew decidedly against the Democrats, presenting an electoral challenge that even a hurricane can’t wash away.
In the end, while Mr. Biden’s efforts to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene may appear altruistic on the surface, it is impossible to overlook the political undercurrents in play. As the recovery unfolds, the sensitivities of the electorate will likely hang in the balance, with both the President and state officials watching closely to see just how much of a political impact this disaster will have come election time.
