President Joe Biden planning trip to storm-ravaged Texas, but 'I don't want to be a burden'

[DonViejo]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Omaha Steve (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: USA Today


Joey Garrison

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Friday he plans to visit Texas next week following the state’s brutal winter storm that left millions without power but will only go when he determines his presence won't be a “burden."

"The answer is yes," Biden said of a visit to Texas, adding his plan originally was to go in the middle of next week. "But I don’t want to be a burden. When the president lands in a city in America it has a long tail.”

The president said he will make the trip when he decides he won’t get in the way of the state's recovery. A decision on a date is likely to come early next week, he said.

Biden, who this week approved a federal emergency declaration for Texas, did not say where in Texas he might visit. He said he plans to sign a major disaster declaration for Texas as well.


Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/02/19/president-joe-biden-planning-trip-storm-ravaged-texas-next-week/4508040001/

[dubyadiprecession]

1. Geez, I hope Texas's plan for succession doesn't fall apart, because of the results of this storm.

Cause Texas needs it’s independence!

[IronLionZion]

10. Their power grid seceded 2 decades ago

To liberate from those job killing regulations like insulated pipes and deicing measures.

[PatrickforO]

12. I think this freeze may actually turn Texas blue, and I don't mean blue

from cold, either.

People are pissed because they have essentially been victimized by privatization and deregulation. And, just wait until these poor Texans who lived in freezing cold with no water get GIANT PRICE GOUGED bills for their power.

Democrats are jumping into that breach to educate people about sane policies - those based in pragmatism and not ideology.

[drray23]

15. I agree. Democrats are also jumping in to help right now

Both AOC who has raised 2 millions so far and Beto who is coordinating on the ground efforts with an army of volunteers have done more than the republican legislature or politicians.
People will remember during the next elections.

[IronLionZion]

17. Republicans encourage people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps

which is impossible considering their epic infrastructure failings with water pipes and roads, not just power.

[PatrickforO]

18. Yeah, for sure - the ol' GOP hyper-individualism. Problem is, people can't pull on

anything with frozen hands.

And, did you see Biden's presser today at the Pfizer plant in Kalamazoo?

Inspiring. Biden is inspiring. His leadership has been rock-solid so far, and the best yet at educating the American people about what is going on and what he is trying to do.

I don't want to be gushy here, but the Democrats seem to be 'born again hard' in terms of their outreach, communication, and ability to deal with right-wing talking points.

All that said, just imagine how your blood would boil if you didn't have power or water for days during frigid weather, and THEN got a $1,400 power bill. That is going to happen to Texans, and they are going to be PISSED. Talk won't be about seceding from the US. It will be about electing people who actually care about them, and fixing their privatized, deregulated power grid.

[Make7]

2. I've never understood why some people think the President should visit ongoing disaster areas.

The amount of security procedures required for a Presidential visit actually hinder recovery efforts because it pulls personnel away from higher priority tasks.

[LiberalLovinLug]

9. Lets be honest.....its a photo op.

But, I would ad, sometimes photo ops are a good and necessary thing for a leader to do. Especially for anyone actually suffering from the disaster. It at least shows that the national leader is very much aware and on the case.

[drray23]

16. which is why he wants to time it as to lessen that problem

The reason leaders visit is to show empathy to afflicted people, to show them they are there to care and do something about it. Its more than a photo op if they are geniune about it, which of course Biden is.

[Initech]

3. Wow that's a huge difference from the last guy!

Trump would hold a ticker tape parade for himself, then 5 MAGA rallies where he'd declare this is a false flag and denounce anyone who came up with a competent plan that was better than his.

[Thunderbeast]

4. He should be working on a plan with FERC

to offer re-integration of the Texas grid into the national system. Of course, sane regulation would be part of any deal. Texans would be assured of a more reliable electricity infrastructure backed by generation resources beyond state lines.

Texas is turning blue. This is a palpable demonstration of how government CAN act for the good of it's citizens.

[efhmc]

11. Unfortunately many of those who literally turned blue from the cold will forget this

the instance we go over 90 degrees.

[lunasun]

5. I bet he's not going with a box of paper towels for a photo op and good news about the stock market

[LaMouffette]

6. I nominate Joe Biden as the most lovable and considerate guy in America!

What a relief that Joe is our president instead of that, that . . . THING.

[Budi]

7. Hope he speaks to BETO. He should be recognized for his incredible ..

..organizing skills, fundraising, directing assistance to when the calls for help came in, as well as Judge Hildalgo of Houston all the many volunteers on the ground as well as our elected & nonelected Texans, who stepped up to assist Beto's call for organizing in their communities.

This is the work & deeds of basic humanity & BETO lead the way for his State, without self promotion or brag.

That humility & dedication to others in need, before himself, is the measure of a sincere leader & friend.

I hope President Biden invites all the unsung heros for their moment of recognition.

They represent the people of Texas we never hear of or know about.


💙

[IcyPeas]

14. this is exactly what I thought too.

He (Beto) and AOC deserve thanks.

[Budi]

19. Beto thanked AOC. President Biden should recognize those Texans who don't get public ..

recognition from even their own state leaders.

President Biden should recognizze those who made over half a million phone calls, connected those in need, to the closest resources for People & Pets & Livestock

Those who spent days manning phones & delivering needed supplies from donor centers, calling for proper medical assistance & rides to shelters & connecting all services throughout all counties/cities in the big State of approx 30 million people.

President Biden hopefully will applaud the many unnoticed & unnamed who gathered under Beto O'Rourke's organizing abilities.

The many leaders of churches, local groups, schools, organizations, Political Leaders within Texas like Julian & Joaquin Castro, Judge Hildago of Houston, etc who called for donations, directed their own organizations to fundraise & phone bank & connect local assistance to those in need.

This was a group effort of volunteers across the State.


No. I hope to see President Biden lift up those who go unnamed, who will be voting in 2022 & 2024, as proof of the generous people of Texas that aren't the loudest voices in the media, yet have the profound ability to be so generous & with humility because after this week, it is THEY WHO HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE TX TO A DEMOCRATIC Govt.

They are who should be held in honor.
They are who will gather to cast their vote for change.

This storm not only exposed the corruption at the very top, it unified voters of a State, that were already good & giving into a force & under the incredible leadership skills of our next Govenor Beto O'Rourke.

This is the case President Biden should make.

This is about thanking those in Texas whose names no one kmows, & a case for Beto in 2022.

Bring it on home Joe!
Welcome to the very beginning of a new Texas govt under the gracious leadership of Beto O'Rourke.

[Botany]

8. Grown ups are back

"The president said he will make the trip when he decides he won’t get in the way of the state's recovery."

[packman]

13. You can bet he won't be throwing out snow shovels or paper towels

to those suffering souls

[Omaha Steve]

20. After a review by forum hosts....LOCKING

Anticipatory. Will be LBN when he makes the trip.