Staff Reports
President Joe Biden, after much delay, has finally decided to show up in East Palestine, Ohio, a whole year after a devastating train derailment and toxic chemical spill. However, it’s doubtful that his visit will do him any favors with voters or help to improve his approval rating. In fact, it may just serve as a reminder of his lack of urgency and disregard for heartland Americans.
Trump Sees Right Through Biden's Ploy as East Palestine Visit Is Finally Announced a Year After Train Disaster via @WestJournalism https://t.co/KNYjJ2ys7m
— Beri (@sniffydogs) February 1, 2024
This visit comes in stark contrast to former President Donald J. Trump’s response to a similar disaster. Trump visited the scene just weeks after the accident, offering words of compassion, reassurance, and much-needed supplies. By his side was Republican Senator J.D. Vance, standing in unity with the affected community.
Trump’s presence was presidential and demonstrated his genuine concern for the American people. Biden, on the other hand, couldn’t be bothered to show up himself. He sent Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in his place, but this only highlighted the administration’s insulting response.
Biden’s excuse that he didn’t have enough time in his schedule to visit East Palestine is hardly believable. As evidenced by the Biden Vacation Tracker, he has taken a total of three weeks off in the two months following the incident, spending a whopping 40 percent of his time in office on vacation.
It’s no wonder that the residents of East Palestine may feel more inclined to spit on Biden rather than welcome him with open arms. And while Biden’s team may see this visit as an empty gesture to appease the American people, it is likely to backfire and remind heartland Americans that their president didn’t show up for them when they needed it most.
There seems to be more to this visit than meets the eye. Trump himself seems to think that Biden is just trying to climb out of the hole he dug for himself. As he warned on Truth Social, Biden might not like what he finds in East Palestine. It’s clear that Trump believes Biden’s presidency has been a disaster and that his reception in Ohio won’t be a warm one.
