Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is joining the growing list of high-profile politicians visiting the southern United States in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Harris arrives in North Carolina, which is still recovering from the devastating storm, just a day after Republican Donald Trump made a similar trip. Trump, however, used his visit to spread false claims about the federal response to the disaster, claiming that climate change is a “scam.” Harris, on the other hand, is focusing on conveying empathy to those affected by the storm.
Earlier in the week, Harris visited Georgia, where she helped distribute meals and comfort families who had lost loved ones in the disaster. Her efforts to connect with those affected by the storm are a departure from her usual campaign trail stops, where she typically focuses on policy issues. By visiting the disaster zone, Harris is trying to demonstrate her ability to show compassion and understanding in times of crisis, a quality that her opponents, particularly incumbent President Joe Biden, have demonstrated in the past.
Harris’s visit to North Carolina comes as part of a broader Republican strategy to discredit Democratic efforts to address climate change. Trump has suggested that climate change is not a major threat, and has instead focused on downplaying the severity of the storm. “I think it’s one of the great scams of all time,” he said in a recent visit to Fayetteville, North Carolina. In contrast, Democrats like Harris and Biden have called for immediate action to address the climate crisis, citing the devastating impact of storms like Hurricane Helene.
Despite the political backdrop, Harris’s visit is focused on providing support and solidarity to those affected by the storm. “We are here for the long haul,” she said, echoing a phrase she often uses on the campaign trail. By emphasizing the importance of human connection and community, Harris is trying to transcend partisan politics and focus on the fundamental human needs of those impacted by the disaster.