President Joe Biden commended GOP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, praising him for being cooperative and doing a great job. This comes in contrast to Vice President Kamala Harris' criticism of DeSantis for allegedly playing political games instead of focusing on storm response.
Despite Harris' remarks about DeSantis' actions being irresponsible and selfish, President Biden expressed his support for the Florida governor, stating that DeSantis had been fully cooperative and supportive in handling the hurricanes. Biden also mentioned that he had personally assured DeSantis of his appreciation for the governor's efforts.
DeSantis, on the other hand, denied receiving any calls from Harris' team and refuted claims of politicizing the storms. He accused Harris of engaging in political gamesmanship and questioned her sudden interest in the storm response, suggesting it was driven by political motives.
Both Biden and DeSantis emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand and ensuring that necessary support is provided to affected areas. DeSantis highlighted his administration's efforts to reallocate resources to assist smaller communities with limited resources.
As Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Helene and prepares for Hurricane Milton, officials are urging millions of residents to evacuate to ensure their safety. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the severity of the situation, warning that staying in evacuation areas could be life-threatening.
The ongoing developments in Florida's storm response highlight the complexities of managing natural disasters and the importance of effective coordination between federal and state authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
