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MONTHLY ARCHIVES
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One Thousand Miles Away, Obama Deals with Hurricane Gustav
August 31, 2008 7:18 PM
TOLEDO, OHIO – Before introducing the man at the top of the ticket at an economic forum on the roof of the Toledo Public Library Sunday, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., asked supporters to pray for those about the feel the wrath of Hurricane Gustav.
"It’s a magnificent day today, but a lot of our friends down in New Orleans, where my daughter went to school, are battened down for something that may be even more devastating than what happened in Katrina,” Biden said. “Pray God it won’t. At mass this morning, 7:15 mass, I along with a lot of other people prayed for those folks down there, so I mean it sincerely.”
It’s a tricky thing, asking for votes at jubilant campaign rallies while thousands of miles South a natural disaster looms. Biden and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., have decided to handle it by mentioning Gustav frequently on the campaign trail, activating supporters, phoning federal, state, and local officials to be debriefed and to offer help – and otherwise to campaign as previously scheduled.
“I hope it doesn’t sound corny, but say a little prayer,” Biden continued in Toledo. “Say a little prayer, because these folks have been through, you know, they’ve been through hell. And pray God this Gustav decides to take a turn or something but it doesn’t look real good now.”
Obama earlier in the day mentioned Gustav as well.
“There is enormous urgency in making sure that people take the evacuation seriously,” he told reporters after leaving church in Lima, Ohio.
To that end, Obama called in to four New Orleans, La., TV stations and one radio station to urge residents to leave.
“It appears that we have made progress and the coordination among state, local, and federal governments are better than with Katrina,” Obama told WGNO-TV, the ABC News affiliate. He said his “main message is for everybody to follow instructions, you must evacuate, you can't take a chance. If you do not evacuate, you put yourself and others in danger.”
Obama has continued to hammer away at the positions taken by his rival Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, on issues such as the economy. A big, jubilant campaign rally was held Saturday night in Dublin, Ohio; another one will be held this evening in Battle Creek, Michigan.
But Obama has assiduously avoided anything that could be interpreted as politicizing the storm.
As recently as Thursday night’s nomination acceptance speech Thursday night Obama was hammering the Bush administration for its inadequate response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita – “We are more compassionate,” he said, “than a government…that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes” – today his comments were all about how the government has learned its lessons.
He has in the past attacked McCain for opposing various post-Katrina funding bills, but today he told WGNO-TV that he and McCain agree on pushing FEMA for immediate relief for the area.
Asked if McCain’s visit to the region was appropriate, Obama said, “I think that with a big storm like this raises bipartisan concerns and I think for John to want to find out what is going on is fine.”
As for whether or not he would visit, Obama said, “The thing that I am always concerned about is, in the middle of the storm is, whether we are drawing resources away from folks on the ground, because the Secret Service and various security requirements sometimes it pulls police and fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job. I am assuming that where (McCain) went that wasn’t an issue and we are going to try to stay clear of the area until things have settled down and then we will probably try to figure out how we can be as helpful as possible.”
Over the weekend, Obama has phoned Louisiana Gov Bobby Jindal, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, Sen. Mary Landrieu, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, and FEMA director David Paulison. Aides said he was mainly trying to learn the latest about the path of the storm, gauge the work that had been done to help evacuate the old, infirm, and people with special needs, and to assess how well federal, state and local authorities are cooperating.
The Democrat also offered any assistance he could, though practically speaking there is little a first-term junior senator from Illinois can do right now.
Obama today said he called upon on his network of volunteers and donors to mobilize to help citizens of the Gulf Coast.
“Since we’ve got a network of volunteers, donors all across the country is to try to coordinate with officials to figure out what will be most useful if we can get volunteers, if we can get donations where they can be directed,” he told reporters. “We probably won’t know entirely who needs the most help and what is the best way to do it without getting in people’s way, until we actually see what happens over the next 48 hours.”
By early afternoon, a blog post on the Obama-Biden website told supporters how they could help.
- jpt
August 31, 2008 in 2008: Democrats, McCain, John, Obama, Barack | Permalink | Share | User Comments (143)
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Are these going to be the same volunteers that he sent to help Iowans in the aftermath of tornadoes and floods? Oh wait, he didn't send any to them - they weren't getting quite the same new coverage that New Orleans and Obama are getting. Way to play the cameras Barack.
Posted by: Jazz | Sep 1, 2008 8:40:28 AM
“I hope it doesn’t sound corny, but say a little prayer,” Biden continued in Toledo. “Say a little prayer, because these folks have been through, you know, they’ve been through hell. And pray God this Gustav decides to take a turn or something but it doesn’t look real good now.”
How sad is this statement! Needing to apologize for saying a prayer.
Posted by: Biden-CORNY Guy | Sep 1, 2008 8:11:50 AM
Another fundraising opportunity for Obama. Cash is King for this guy!
Posted by: Don't Contact Me | Sep 1, 2008 8:07:46 AM
If that is the case, Obama needs to shut-down and stop trying to act like Bush.
Posted by: Sally298 | Sep 1, 2008 6:48:45 AM
Did you even read what he said. Obviously not. He is staying out of the way and will use his network of people if need be to help monetarily or otherwise. I guess you think McCain/Palin have any plans except to get a photo op out of.
Help will be needed AFTER THE STORM HITS. McCain and his Barbie doll need to stay out of the way until then!
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 7:21:32 AM
Please use some common sense people. Why would any of you want these candidates in the way. Obama is not the present President and Bush should have his ### down there! It would be different if he were the current President, but he's not.
THINK PEOPLE!
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 6:45:43 AM
------
If that is the case, Obama needs to shut-down and stop trying to act like Bush.
Posted by: Sally298 | Sep 1, 2008 6:48:45 AM
Please use some common sense people. Why would any of you want these candidates in the way. Obama is not the present President and Bush should have his ### down there! It would be different if he were the current President, but he's not.
THINK PEOPLE!
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 6:45:43 AM
At least Obama thought this out.
As for whether or not he would visit, Obama said, “The thing that I am always concerned about is, in the middle of the storm is, whether we are drawing resources away from folks on the ground, because the Secret Service and various security requirements sometimes it pulls police and fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job."
I am sure that they will be a bigger help after the fact instead of getting in the way now. I have to agree with him. To me McCain/Palin are looking for a photo op and acting as if they are doing something.
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 4:26:28 AM
__________
WOW!!! Obama is using Bush's same word during Katrina.
Posted by: Sally298 | Sep 1, 2008 6:35:52 AM
I am glad I did not give Obama my personal information to use as he pleased.
Posted by: willie | Sep 1, 2008 6:29:23 AM
Obama has finally worn me out. I can't stand him any longer..
Posted by: BS | Aug 31, 2008 11:54:05 PM
I agreed and I am African American. I find myself turning the channel when he speak and that is sad.
Posted by: Quincy | Sep 1, 2008 6:27:43 AM
Wow! Obama gives the same excuse Bush did in not visiting New Orleans.
I wonder if the press will react the same as Bush.
Posted by: Dave in lv | Sep 1, 2008 5:17:00 AM
Why would you want these candidates down there being a distraction? Bush SHOULD be there he is the sitting POTUS!
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 5:23:34 AM
Wow! Obama gives the same excuse Bush did in not visiting New Orleans.
I wonder if the press will react the same as Bush.
Posted by: Dave in lv | Sep 1, 2008 5:17:00 AM
At least Obama thought this out.
As for whether or not he would visit, Obama said, “The thing that I am always concerned about is, in the middle of the storm is, whether we are drawing resources away from folks on the ground, because the Secret Service and various security requirements sometimes it pulls police and fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job."
I am sure that they will be a bigger help after the fact instead of getting in the way now. I have to agree with him. To me McCain/Palin are looking for a photo op and acting as if they are doing something.
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 4:26:28 AM
At least Obama isn't down there just to get a photo opportunity - like ol' man McLame. Good for Obama!
I hope they have John on a leash so he doesn't get lost in all the chaos ... he looked pretty confused today.
Although, I'm sure PTA Sarah has everything under control...after all, her state borders Russia!
Posted by: mark | Sep 1, 2008 4:14:13 AM
From this Democrat - Our prays are with everyone. Stay safe. Stay safe Niece and family we know you are heading to safety to Georgia!
Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint"
Posted by: Cooday | Sep 1, 2008 4:10:48 AM
If Gustav hits, maybe the Obama Team can sell the Greek Temple and send the $6 million as relief money. Or, or, he can text message his billions of supporters at 3 a.m. to ask for a handout.
Posted by: uh oh | Sep 1, 2008 1:50:05 AM
He has already said they will mobilize their email list to get supporters to volunteer to help monetarily and physically if need be. I don't find your post one bit funny either. You are condemning him before he has even done anything.
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 2:00:32 AM
If Gustav hits, maybe the Obama Team can sell the Greek Temple and send the $6 million as relief money. Or, or, he can text message his billions of supporters at 3 a.m. to ask for a handout.
Posted by: uh oh | Sep 1, 2008 1:50:05 AM
That tells me he wants to continue to take this country down the tubs.
On my previous post this should read tubes...not tubs....OOPS!
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 1:47:50 AM
Hillary Clinton is a Liar along with Obama they will tell you a bold face lie and not even blink. We can bring up some video of there bold face lies. They will tell you anything to get elected. McCain I really don't know to well. Actually McCain from what I have researched is the lesser of the 2 evils. Can't vote for any of them.
I can tell you yes I did vote for Arnie at least he's trying. But these Democrat Congress women in California are flakes Pelosi, Boxer, Feinstein, Waters they tell more lies than Carter has little pills..
Posted by: BS
Everything I am against is what McCain stands for. All politicians lie including McCain.
If you care about our troops leaving Iraq, don't vote McCain. If you care about women getting equal pay for equal work, don't vote McCain. If you care about the future of this country, don't vote McCain. If you care about finding alternative energy sources, don't vote McCain. Drilling is NOT the answer.
If you think GWB's policies have taken us in the right direction, by all means vote for him. McCain has voted with him 90% of the time. That tells me he wants to continue to take this country down the tubs.
That saying ends in Carter has "liver" pills.
Posted by: J | Sep 1, 2008 1:44:36 AM
Hillary Clinton is a Liar along with Obama they will tell you a bold face lie and not even blink. We can bring up some video of there bold face lies. They will tell you anything to get elected. McCain I really don't know to well. Actually McCain from what I have researched is the lesser of the 2 evils. Can't vote for any of them.
I can tell you yes I did vote for Arnie at least he's trying. But these Democrat Congress women in California are flakes Pelosi, Boxer, Feinstein, Waters they tell more lies than Carter has little pills..
Posted by: BS | Sep 1, 2008 1:37:52 AM
Yes he is! Our Democratic controlled legislator is at fault (A bunch of do nothings) can't even pass a budget with out putting all sorts of pork into it. It's been 2 months now and still no progress.. Reminds me of the Democrat controlled cogress we have.
Posted by: BS | Sep 1, 2008 1:24:04 AM
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