Staff Reports
Amidst the turmoil of an approaching hurricane, the Vice President decided to step into the political ring rather than focus on the impending disaster. During a recent press briefing in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis was asked by a reporter about an unsolicited claim made by an anonymous source from NBC News. This source alleged that he refused to take a call from Kamala Harris following Hurricane Helene’s destruction. DeSantis, facing the seriousness of the situation at hand, deftly brushed aside the politically charged question, asserting that his focus was on the safety and preparedness of Floridians rather than engaging in a trivial back-and-forth over phone calls.
Not one to miss an opportunity to play the political game, Harris eagerly took up the mantle of accusation. She chided DeSantis for supposedly politicizing a moment of crisis, claiming that leaders should prioritize their constituents over political disputes. One might pause to think how one defines “playing politics.” It’s ironic, to say the least, that in accusing DeSantis of political maneuvering, Harris herself was expertly navigating the political waters during a time when she should have been rallying support and offering genuine concern for the Floridians facing the threat of a hurricane.
VP Kamala Harris responds to @NBCNews reporting that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is refusing to take her call on Hurricane Helene:
"Playing political games with this moment … is just utterly irresponsible and it is selfish." https://t.co/Cr3NXing2g pic.twitter.com/0XtfEItg5z
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) October 7, 2024
While DeSantis is fully engaged with FEMA and focused on disaster recovery, Harris’s track record raises serious questions about her commitment and effectiveness as a leader during crises. Just days prior, instead of attending to the needs of crisis-stricken states, she chose to attend a campaign fundraiser. Furthermore, her attempts to project involvement in disaster relief, including a poorly staged photo op pretending to be briefed by FEMA, reek of insincerity. The paper was blank, and her headset wasn’t even plugged in—it’s hard to believe that this sort of behavior is what Florida residents require during their most desperate hours.
Yet, Harris’s missteps don’t end there. She was busy appearing on a popular sex podcast rather than prioritizing visiting the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. In a time when her presence could provide comfort and assurance to those affected, she opted for a publicity stunt instead. This behavior epitomizes a complete disregard for the responsibilities that come with political office, especially when lives hang in the balance.
When it comes to leadership during disasters, Governor DeSantis consistently rises to the occasion, making significant contributions towards recovery efforts, often serving as a model for other governors. His proactive approach ensures that federal assistance reaches those in need, and he has repeatedly cut through bureaucratic red tape to streamline disaster relief. Harris, on the other hand, has shown a fundamental inability to handle crises effectively, which is evident in her failure to address ongoing issues like the border crisis.
Ultimately, Florida residents, who know both leaders quite well, are likely to favor the demonstrated competence of DeSantis over the empty platitudes and political gamesmanship exhibited by Harris. When it matters most, it appears that one leader is prepared to rise above and act decisively while the other remains mired in political theatrics.
