Will Obama visit OK?

[CTyankee]

I hope he will. I was thinking this morning about how much comfort he brought to the parents and kids at Sandy Hook and how he walked on the beach with Christie after Hurricane Sandy.

Clinton spoke at Oklahoma City after the bombing. I think the President can give the people some hope that this country cares about what happens to them and that the government is not their enemy.

I was moved in particular about the descriptions of public school teachers who were shielding children with their own bodies and there were some comparisons with the teachers at Sandy Hook. That is a profound statement all by itself...

I hope Obama goes to OK if he possibly can.

[Arkana]

1. Probably. He visited NJ after Sandy.

[CTyankee]

2. All I saw was that he was sending the FEMA director, which is good, but I think Obama

needs to go there. Otherwise, the OK people will feel that since their state is red, he doesn't care. And that would be a shame.

[nevergiveup]

3. He is president of the United States.

This is a terrible disaster. He will go to Oklahoma.

[geek tragedy]

4. They don't want him there, so probably best to monitor from DC. nt

[CTyankee]

5. I wondered if the governor wanted him to come, then it might be easier.

I'm sure the people who were devastated would like to see him. But you are right about the politicians not wanting him there. I doubt if the governor would say "stay out." He IS the President.

[geek tragedy]

6. I doubt it. I didn't want Bush in NYC after 911. Wouldn't have wanted

him here after Sandy.

That probably applies for how Oklahomans feel about Obama--they'd just say he was there doing a photo-op.

[CTyankee]

8. But that is what a president does. And I'll bet those people without homes would welcome

him. Maybe not every one, but enough would. If he came with the governor it would show respect.

[geek tragedy]

15. Presidents shouldn't go where they're not welcome.

They've always hated Obama in Oklahoma, and they will always hate him. They haven't stopped hating him.

When people experience tragedy, they don't want to be forced to share space with people they hate.

There's no need for him to be there.

[winter is coming]

7. I have mixed feelings about this. Yes, it would be nice to see him there, but

a Presidential visit would be a real hassle/strain for those folks right now, and they've already got enough on their plates.

[CTyankee]

9. Perhaps that's why we haven't seen an announcement.

He doesn't need to dash down and get in the way. Clinton went to OK City after the bombing...

[MNBrewer]

10. I don't know.

[GoCubsGo]

11. Yes. He will.

He will wait a few days, but he'll visit, just like he did after the Joplin and Tuscaloosa tornadoes.

[Poll_Blind]

12. He will, but not for another day or two. I was thinking about this yesterday. Basically....

...the main goal is to get food and water to these people right now. Yesterday Obama called the governor and told them if they needed anything or if they needed him to cut through red tape for them, he was their man to do it. At this particular moment and for this particular disaster, there isn't a good reason to gum up everything by having the president visit immediately.

But he'll be there soon. I have little doubt of that.

PB

[cynatnite]

13. He will when it's appropriate. n/t

[Marrah_G]

14. I'm sure he will once thing are more under control

It would do far more harm then good if he went there now. The best thing he can do is help coordinate from DC.

[pinboy3niner]

16. He will make a statement in a few minutes (10 Eastern)

Watch at whitehouse.gov:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/05/21/resources-and-information-those-affected-oklahoma-tornadoes

[HappyMe]

17. He might.

I don't think it would be a good idea for a few days. They are still picking through the wreakage for survivors. They need the roads clear for emergency vehicles, and resources are strained as it is.

[CTyankee]

18. Oh, absolutely. He needs to let them do their job there. I didn't mean to imply that he

would tear down there immediately. Perhaps if there is a large service, he could go to that. He wouldn't have to speak, just be present and pay respects. I don't see how that would be so terrible.

[HappyMe]

19. I don't think it's terrible idea at all.

I'm sure he might go whenever he thinks it's appropriate.