2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumLouisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, angling for Trump Cabinet, "Secretary of Kissing Trump's Ass"
John Bel Edwards: Louisiana Governor Says Donald Trump's Visit Following Flooding Was Helpful
"Because it helped to shine a spotlight on Louisiana and on the dire situation that we have here it was helpful, Edwards said on CNN. Before, he said he hoped the visit wouldn't be a "photo-op."
vadermike
(1,415 posts)Is this guy a democrat or a doofus ?! Wtf
MohRokTah
(15,429 posts)madaboutharry
(40,209 posts)It's politics.
PJMcK
(22,035 posts)nolabear
(41,960 posts)He's not saying he loves Trump. He's just saying attention helps. It also keeps him out of the bs while he's trying to help his people.
Edwards just might save Louisiana from the after effects of Jindal. Maybe.
Stonepounder
(4,033 posts)then tells the media that Trump's visit was 'helpful'?? WTF?!?!
SheriffBob
(552 posts)revolting!
Thinkingabout
(30,058 posts)To Louisiana Edwardstold them the first responders were still in the rescue and recovery mode of which they were. Some did not even get to check on their homes because the roads were flooded. It was smart for the Obama Adminstration to check before running to Louisiana and taking away the first responders from doing needed services, Trump on the other hand is like a bull in a China closet, did not think about taking away the first responders. What was not shown was the people working to get their houses cleaned out and repairs started to allow them to return to their regular life. He did not have to boat through water to get to the location where he never removed his coat and rolled up his sleeves to help.
PJMcK
(22,035 posts)Donald Trump's ham-handed attempt to show compassion will backfire. In fact, it's already started:
http://www.rawstory.com/2016/08/where-is-the-fcking-check-louisiana-relief-worker-spits-fire-over-trumps-flood-zone-photo-op/
Besides, President Obama controls FEMA. He'll take care of our fellow citizens. Donald Trump brought Play-Doh.
I hope Hillary Clinton's opposition research people have added this to their seemingly endless list of ammunition.
Thinkingabout
(30,058 posts)kevink077
(365 posts)he has to throw conservatives a bone once in a while. This is a far far right state (except N.O). He helps dems more than hurts them.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Thinkingabout
(30,058 posts)onecaliberal
(32,850 posts)brooklynite
(94,518 posts)oberliner
(58,724 posts)He is looking out for his state and can use any and all attention he can get.
If Trump's visit led to an uptick in contributions, then that is a good thing for Louisiana.
Miles Archer
(18,837 posts)First, it has been documented in by a number of sources that Obama was asked not to show up immediately due to the drain it would provide on local resources. That's sound thinking, and valid, but it's not being widely reported. What's being reported...or, more accurately, what's making headlines...is the accusation that he chose to remain on vacation, but Trump showed up.
The Governor made the statement that he was concerned about Trump's visit being a photo op, but it wasn't. And in his defense, no one...apparently...told him Trump was coming:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/us/politics/donald-trump-louisiana-flood.html
and, from the same link:
I understand the role politics plays in this, I understand that if the Governor had criticized Trump for coming it would have been a political hot potato that no one should be handling at a time of disaster. I get it, he probably had no choice but to thank Trump.
and then there's this, once again from the same link:
Jacqueline DeLatte, 30, who was picking up a box of food for everybody I know, who lost everything they have, said Mr. Obama should have come to Louisiana by now, and thought it inexcusable that he had not. This did not, however, leave her receptive to Mr. Trumps visit.
Hes just trying to show off, honestly, she said. Hes just here to see what votes he can get.
So by thanking, Trump, the visit is put to rest, instead of an ongoing attack on the Governor "refusing help" from Trump.
My guess is that, in his heart of hearts, outside of doing what is best for Louisiana in the moment by not allowing the circus to mushroom, that the Governor knows a photo op when he sees one.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)The politics of it are frustrating, and Trump is clearly milking it for political gain.
But from a practical standpoint, I know that Gov Edwards (D) has been upset at how little attention this disaster has received in the media (also, in part, due to the non-stop Trump coverage). The storm doesn't even have a name, and yet has caused massive devastation and property loss requiring much outside assistance.
Since the press seems keen on commenting on every single move Trump makes, that fact that he went to Louisiana, even for a politically calculated BS photo op, did at least get people talking about the situation for a day or two and led to a bit more coverage of the flood, which could mean increased donations.