Staff Reports
Joe Biden’s latest photo op took him to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he decided to survey the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton. The devastation was significant, with nearly 800,000 Floridians left without power and at least 17 lives tragically lost. Not one to miss a chance to make the situation about himself, Biden arrived with his usual mix of empathy and self-centered storytelling.
In an astounding display of tone-deafness, Biden claimed that the storm’s impact was not as catastrophic as initially feared. Of course, for those who have lost their homes or loved ones, that sentiment is about as comforting as a wet blanket. Instead of focusing on the real suffering of the survivors, he launched into a tale from his own life, attempting to relate to their plight through a minor incident involving a lightning strike at his Delaware home back in 2004.
Journalist: “Do you have anything you’d like to say to the hurricane victims?”
Biden: "We gave everything we had."
Journalist: “Can the federal government provide them with any additional resources?”
Biden: "No." pic.twitter.com/PwUTvTvCCi
— S p r i n t e r (@SprinterFamily) October 1, 2024
The President recounted how he experienced a fire that forced him out of his house for seven months, attempting to draw a parallel to those who have lost everything. What he glossed over, however, was the fact that this fire was a mere kitchen mishap, quickly controlled and not even remotely close to the devastation faced by hurricane victims. His obsession with centering the conversation around his own trivial experiences highlights a troubling pattern: the continued effort to relate personal anecdotes to immense tragedy, all while being completely out of touch with the genuine struggles others endure.
This isn’t the first time he’s engaged in this egocentric behavior. The residents of Maui, who suffered from a deadly fire, were subjected to similar self-indulgent rhetoric when Biden mentioned he “almost lost” his wife, his classic Chevy, and even his cat. This kind of comparison to their obliterated possessions only amplifies the insensitivity. Floridians, faced with catastrophic damage and loss, could benefit from a leader who listens rather than one who needs to make it all about his personal narrative.
The sheer audacity doesn’t stop there. On top of his misguided attempts at empathy, Biden has thrown around vague threats regarding “disinformation” related to hurricane responses. This reckless approach raises eyebrows, especially when one considers that he, himself, may be guilty of perpetuating misinformation. The gall of implying that questioning the government’s performance could lead to consequences shows a disturbing level of incompetence. Floridians facing real disasters deserve more than half-hearted reassurance and a barrage of self-congratulatory stories. It might be wise for Biden to step back, take a moment, and truly hear the voices of those he’s meant to serve.
