Former President Donald Trump expressed confidence that his supporters impacted by Hurricane Helene will vote on Election Day, stating they would do so ‘even if they have to crawl.’ He criticized the Biden administration’s response to the hurricane and highlighted efforts by his family to facilitate voter access, suggesting that the inadequate response may ultimately benefit his campaign in critical swing states like North Carolina and Georgia.
Former President Donald Trump maintains a firm belief that his supporters who were affected by Hurricane Helene will turn out to vote on Election Day, asserting that they will do so “even if they have to crawl” to reach the polling stations. In an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, which aired recently, he acknowledged the significant impact of the hurricane on Republican regions, stating, “Many people are dead. They don’t even know what it’s going to be in terms of the number … hundreds are missing.” Despite the catastrophic effects of the hurricane, especially in swing states such as North Carolina, Trump expressed confidence that the storm’s aftermath would not deter his supporters from fulfilling their civic duty. He emphasized that arrangements are in place to assist voters, mentioning that his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, is actively working to ensure voter accessibility in the areas most impacted by the storm. He remarked, “We’re trying to make it convenient for them to go out and vote.” Furthermore, Trump critiqued the Biden administration’s response to the hurricane, suggesting that it may inadvertently bolster his support in the region. “I think we’re going to do great in North Carolina, because the response has been so bad to the hurricane – this response has been horrific,” he stated. While President Biden characterized the federal response as “robust,” Trump contested this assertion based on his observations during his visits to the affected areas. He remarked, “He doesn’t know what robust is. He should be there. And [Vice President Kamala Harris] should be there. She shouldn’t be at fundraisers.” In his assessment, Trump asserted that local communities were left underserved during the crisis, claiming, “They don’t have any people here” to assist with the recovery efforts. According to the latest RealClearPolitics average of polls, Trump leads Harris by a narrow margin of less than a percentage point in North Carolina and is ahead by 1.5 points in Georgia.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, particularly across southern states such as North Carolina and Georgia, discussions around voter turnout amid crisis situations have gained traction. The hurricane struck on September 26, 2023, as a formidable Category 4 storm, resulting in significant casualties and widespread damage. The political implications of the disaster response and recovery efforts have emerged as a focal point in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections, with candidates contemplating how these factors might influence voter behavior.
In summary, former President Donald Trump remains optimistic regarding voter turnout among his supporters in hurricane-stricken areas, asserting that they will make every effort to vote despite the challenges faced. He criticized the Biden administration’s response to the hurricane, believing it may sway public opinion in his favor. The political landscape remains dynamic, with Trump holding narrow leads in critical states, underscoring the importance of effective disaster management in shaping electoral outcomes.
Original Source: nypost.com
