What's happened
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Vice President Kamala Harris are in a public dispute over disaster response following Hurricane Helene and as Hurricane Milton approaches. DeSantis has reportedly refused Harris' calls, accusing her of politicizing the situation, while Harris criticizes him for neglecting the needs of Floridians during a crisis.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Josh Marcus from The Independent, DeSantis stated, "I have zero time to entertain these political games," highlighting his focus on the people of Florida. In contrast, Harris emphasized the need for collaboration during crises, stating, "Moments of crisis... should really be the moment that anyone who calls themselves a leader says, I’m going to put politics aside." Rebecca Falconer from Axios reported that DeSantis labeled Harris as 'delusional' for her accusations, asserting that he has been focused on leveraging resources effectively. Edward Helmore from The Guardian noted that the political stakes are high as the response to Hurricane Helene becomes a contentious issue just weeks before the presidential election.
How we got here
The conflict arises as Florida deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage and loss of life. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall soon, intensifying the urgency of the situation and the political tensions between state and federal leaders.
Common question
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Why is DeSantis avoiding calls from Harris during the hurricane crisis?
As Hurricane Helene recovery efforts continue and Hurricane Milton approaches, political tensions are rising in Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis is reportedly dodging calls from Vice President Kamala Harris, raising questions about the impact of politics on disaster response. Here are some common questions people are asking about the situation.
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How Do Political Relationships Affect Disaster Response?
The intersection of politics and disaster response can significantly impact recovery efforts during crises like hurricanes. Recent events involving Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Vice President Kamala Harris highlight the complexities of political dynamics during natural disasters. This situation raises important questions about the implications of political standoffs on effective disaster management and recovery.
More on these topics
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Ronald "Ron" Dion DeSantis is an American attorney, naval officer, and Republican politician. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019, and he represented Florida's 6th congressional district in Congress from 2013 to 2018.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the 50 United States.
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Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. With a population of over 21 million, Florida is the third-most populous and the 22nd-most extensive of the 50 United States.
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Hurricane Milton is an active tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico currently approaching the Yucatán Peninsula. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, and fourth major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton formed from a long...