By Trevor Hunnicutt
LAS VEGAS - Vice President Kamala Harris abruptly cuts short her campaign trip to take part in briefings on the federal response to Hurricane Helene. She plans to visit the storm-ravaged southeastern United States.
Harris is flying back to Washington from Las Vegas, Nevada, where she was on a presidential campaign trip, to participate in briefings at FEMA headquarters.
This change in plans was prompted by criticism from Republican candidate Donald Trump, who accused Harris of not being involved enough in the disaster response. Trump himself is visiting the region.
The storm caused devastation in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, resulting in at least 90 fatalities, power outages, and destroyed roads.
Harris was briefed on the federal response while traveling on Air Force Two to campaign stops in the Western United States. She also spoke with governors of affected states to discuss their needs.
She plans to visit the storm-hit region as soon as possible without disrupting emergency operations.
Trump is visiting Valdosta, Georgia, to receive a briefing on storm damage and assist in relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Harris' campaign has announced stops in Pennsylvania and Michigan, with vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance set to debate.
Over 3,300 federal personnel are involved in the hurricane response, focusing on search and rescue and power restoration.
Analysis:
VP Harris' decision to prioritize the federal response to Hurricane Helene over her campaign trip showcases her commitment to disaster relief efforts. This move could impact her image positively among voters, especially in the storm-affected states. On the other hand, Trump's visit to the region highlights his involvement in the crisis, potentially boosting his support in those areas. The upcoming visits and debates by both campaigns indicate the importance of addressing natural disasters in the midst of a competitive election season. Overall, the response to Hurricane Helene will play a significant role in shaping the narrative of the 2024 presidential race.
