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Jimmy Williams
Vice President Kamala Harris will assess damage caused by Hurricane Helene during visits to Georgia and North Carolina this week, just over a month before Election Day. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, is set to tour the disaster zones in Georgia on Wednesday, with a stop in North Carolina planned in the following days, according to campaign aides who spoke under the condition of anonymity.
Harris’ team is working closely with local officials to ensure that her visits do not interfere with ongoing disaster response efforts. The deadly storm, which wreaked havoc across the South, has intensified the political spotlight as both parties ramp up their campaign efforts in key battleground states.
Harris had originally been scheduled to accompany her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, on a Pennsylvania bus tour this week. However, the campaign adjusted plans after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Walz will now be joined by Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, while Harris focuses on assessing the storm’s impact in the South.
President Joe Biden is also slated to visit North Carolina on Wednesday, where he will tour the hardest-hit areas, including Asheville, by helicopter. The president’s visit aims to avoid disrupting local emergency efforts, following reports of extensive flood damage and power outages in the region.
After her Georgia visit, Harris is expected to resume her campaign schedule with stops in Wisconsin and Michigan later this week. Her North Carolina tour will follow soon after.
Trump’s Response and Political Tensions
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, visited Georgia earlier this week but drew criticism for spreading misinformation about the federal response to Hurricane Helene. Despite pledging not to politicize the disaster, Trump claimed that President Biden had ignored calls for aid from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp—a statement that was quickly debunked by both Kemp and White House officials.
The timing of the storm’s aftermath, just weeks before the election, has made the recovery efforts a focal point of political debate. Harris and the Biden administration have emphasized the need for continued support for the affected communities while balancing campaign responsibilities.
Republican nominee Trump, who has consistently polled ahead on issues of disaster response and handling crises, visited Georgia on Monday to meet with residents and business owners affected by the hurricane.
Balancing Campaign and Recovery
As the campaign season enters its final stretch, the response to Hurricane Helene could influence voters in key states like Georgia and North Carolina. Harris’ visit underscores her commitment to the communities impacted by the storm while keeping her eye on the election. The campaign is attempting to strike a balance between showing leadership in times of crisis and maintaining a strong presence in battleground states.
The vice president’s North Carolina visit is expected to take place sometime after the weekend, as her campaign carefully coordinates with local officials to ensure resources remain focused on recovery efforts.
