Sorry, but Bloomberg is being an ass

[SoCalDem]

This would be the perfect time for a presidential visit

He has his own security & vehicles
There is not much traffic to snarl (as is the usual happening)
The visit would not be a very long one

The people of NY probably would welcome a brief visit

[SugarShack]

1. So now its not right for a prez to tour a disaster? Bush got hammered for looking out of a plane!

[Seeking Serenity]

2. I'm sorry, but I disagree

I understand your point, but in an emergent situation like this, the last thing that local officials, the people with their actual boots on the ground helping folk, need is a presidential visit, with all of the security clearances and secured zones and everything that the Secret Service insists goes with a visit by a sitting president.

I know the president wants to show the people suffering that he's there with them, but as a purely practical, logistical standpoint, he can't be. And it is more likely than not that it will just gum up the works.

Mr. Obama, just keep doing your job. The people there know you care. That's enough.

[LynneSin]

5. I have to agree with you. We know what it can be like here in Wilmington

Anytime Biden is home in Wilmington there tends to be a traffic backup including roads blocked off. I remember one time earlier this year I was sick as could be and got stuck behind the barricades as they had roads blocked off as Biden was traveling thru. It's just part of what to expect when a Pres/VP is in town.

If there is a way that Obama can visit without blocking off streets then I think this is good. But if his security sets up baricades it could slow down emergency vehicles trying to get thru.

[jeaniec]

3. Another Reason Why Obama doesn't have to visit NYC

There's no political need for Obama to visit NY. Polls show 65 - 35 in favor of Obama. Who's kidding who?

[CatWoman]

6. well

it certainly isn't you....

[seabeyond]

15. are you suggesting the president of the united states should not visit disaster zones?

isnt that what got bush in trouble with katrina? isnt that an expectation of our president of the united states? to get close and personal with those suffering?

for real?

[NYC Liberal]

4. I don't know. I think it could wait.

Those visits do tend to get in the way, and right now it's not really necessary.

[randome]

7. Do you really think Obama is playing politics with this?

[NYC Liberal]

8. How did you get that from my post?

[randome]

11. Just saying that Obama wouldn't be proposing a visit if he thought it didn't serve a purpose.

[NYC Liberal]

12. Oh, well I'm not saying he wouldn't be doing it for no reason.

Just that I think it could wait at least a few days.

[randome]

14. My bad, then. No disrespect intended.

Granted, Obama and his advisors are not perfect but I think it's safe to assume they do not want to become a distraction.

Who was it who said this on MSNBC last night? I forget: "The best politics is to not play politics." I think they know this.

And I still have little context about the Bloomberg story. This post has few facts so I'm playing in the dark here.

[NYC Liberal]

17. Do you know if Obama asked to visit, or was Bloomberg just asked about it as a "what if"?

Obama might *ask* if he is wanted or needed, but I know he'd respect the wishes of the locals. Unlike Romney, he doesn't need a photo-op as he is doing well enough just doing his job at the WH.

On the other hand, I could definitely see Romney showing up unannounced and fucking everything up.

[randome]

19. So is Bloomberg making a big deal out of a 'what if' question?

That sounds counter-productive. He could have simply said 'No, thanks' and moved on to the next emergency without even mentioning it to anyone else.

[NYC Liberal]

20. I don't know. Bloomberg is an ass in general even when he does a good job.

He's not a particularly likeable guy.

See this video:

[randome]

9. I didn't see much in the previous post about this.

But from what little I saw, Bloomberg was not being overly critical. How about posting some context?

[lynne]

10. Sorry, don't think this is the right time. Maybe in a few days.

I'm in a swing state so I know the local resources that go into a Presidential visit. States hit by Sandy don't have those resources to spare right now. Saving those trapped, getting power restored, getting towns up and running is first priority.

A fly-over and a telephone call is the best thing the President could do at this point for those areas severely impacted. A visit can wait until they have the resources to handle it.

[Jennicut]

13. I think Obama offered but made no demands to Bloomberg about a visit.

It is fine with me either way. I would not want the President to get in the way either. I don't think Bloomberg meant anything by it. Besides, President Obama can always come to Connecticut, where I happen to live. We never get visits being a blue state Just kidding. He will be back to campaigning tomorrow. Back to the swing states where he should be for the election.

[yardwork]

16. The mayor of NYC has more important things to worry about right now than photo ops.

Traffic is heavy in the city today and will continue to be very heavy as people return to work without functioning subways.

[LisaL]

18. When are subways going to be back?

[HipChick]

21. I disagree...as many times as I have been cut off by Secret Service

I work in DC, and if the President happens to go by, you'll will be sitting for anything up to an hour...traffic will just sit still and that's just downtown...don't be on the Beltway, as you will not be going anywhere anytime soon...there are a of logistics that have to be arranged..its not as though, he can be dropped off via helicopter..

[RevStPatrick]

22. Mr. President... Please stay away from New York City...

This Brooklynite loves ya, man, but we don't need you to visit us this week.
We got your back, and we know you've got ours.
We need to do a lot of clean up and then maybe go trick or drinking tonight.

Leave the airports alone, let the cops do their overtime in the neighborhoods, the traffic should be clear for the street sweepers.

Stay away, Mr. Obama.
Thanks for your help, but please focus your attentions elsewhere.
We got you next Tuesday...

[BlueMTexpat]

23. I think that President Obama is intelligent enough to realize

when his visiting a disaster area might be more problematic for those who are trying their best to get things back in working order than not. Unlike Romney/Ryan, President Obama isn't big on pseudo-photo ops such as washing already clean dishes or buying up relief supplies and then pretending that they are from supporters.

IMO, the wiser course is to abide by the wishes of the local authorities who can better assess the situation on the ground.

I will not fault Bloomberg for this. He's at Ground Zero, so to speak, and has his hands full already.

[pointsoflight]

24. No big deal.