politics swirl 

President Biden departed the White House this  morning to visit storm-ravaged Florida, where he will meet with Floridians impacted by Hurricane Idalia, tour damage and thank emergency responders.

But in a stark departure from his previous visits to the Sunshine State in the wake of major disasters, Biden apparently won’t be joined by the state’s firebrand governor and GOP presidential candidate, Ron DeSantis.

When asked what happened to the meeting – after the president had said Friday the two would meet – Biden told news media as he was departing, “I don’t know,” but confirmed that he will not see DeSantis.

Upon landing, the president and first lady Jill Biden met with GOP Sen. Rick Scott, federal personnel, local officials and first responders in Live Oak, Florida, for a response and recovery briefing. 

Biden and Scott – who wore a baseball cap with “45” embroidered on the back – offered praise for one another, with the president thanking Scott for keeping him updated and the senator applauding Biden for the administration’s “fast” response.

“Your nation has your back and we’ll be with you until the job is done,” Biden said Saturday.The president and the first lady took an aerial tour of impacted areas before delivering remarks

 

Last edited by Spunky (9/02/2023 5:43 pm)