We Feel Your Pain, But We Also Have a Plane to Catch
When disaster strikes in an election year, candidates are never far behind. How Obama and McCain handled their visits to the flooded heartland:
Where They Went
Obama: Quincy, lll., on June 13, two days into the crisis and four days before two of the area's three levees were overtopped.
McCain: Columbus Junction, Iowa (population: 1,900), on June 19, a week into the crisis, the same day President Bush visited the state.
What They Did
Obama: Grabbed a shovel and filled about 20 sandbags held open by a local 10-year-old Boy Scout. Gave speech, prayed for victims.
McCain: Surveyed damage with the mayor and gave a gift to an Iowa National Guardsman getting married that day. Gave speech, stayed 30 miles from Bush.
How They Did
Obama: Bonus points for getting there fast, and for steering clear of Iowa at the request of the governor, who feared a visit would sap resources from the recovery effort.
McCain: If you arrive at a disaster on the same day as Bush, you got there a bit late. Also blew off the Iowa gov's request to stay away, but no harm, no foul.
Visit Time
Obama: 75 mins.
McCain: 80 mins.
© 2008
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Member Comments
Posted By: jpsidney @ 06/23/2008 9:48:07 AM
Comment: Just shows you two things we have someone who is willing to work to help us be responsible and another to patronize us into believing that he cares. Im a Republican and I am so sure that OBAMA is and will be working for me as President. Its priceless that he was willing to get dirty and get there fast. Shows me that he will Be there in Washington, let us not forget the vactions Bush took while in office even with Katrina. My heart goes to the people affected by this event and hope that they are able to see at least who will be working for them and not just there for Photo opps. Thank you Mr. Obama for touching the land and feeling the pain of those who own it. J P SIDNEY
Posted By: jpsidney @ 06/23/2008 9:47:51 AM
Comment: Just shows you two things we have someone who is willing to work to help us be responsible and another to patronize us into believing that he cares. Im a Republican and I am so sure that OBAMA is and will be working for me as President. Its priceless that he was willing to get dirty and get there fast. Shows me that he will Be there in Washington, let us not forget the vactions Bush took while in office even with Katrina. My heart goes to the people affected by this event and hope that they are able to see at least who will be working for them and not just there for Photo opps. Thank you Mr. Obama for touching the land and feeling the pain of those who own it. J P SIDNEY
Posted By: Mike_D @ 06/21/2008 10:12:54 PM
Comment: I like the fact that Obama filled some sandbags and showed the hard-work component of his personality. I kind of don't like fact that McCain didn't honor Gov. Culver's request, just to score political points in the swing state.But, I am glad both candidates did visit this terrible accident. Prayer goes to those in troublesome times. Remember, just keep Hope. ;)