Editorial: Biden too slow on the draw over Maui disaster

Where’s the Joe Biden of 2021?

That was the year the president, who endorsers touted for his sense of decency, visited several states upended by natural disasters.

“Empathy matters,” said Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren in 2020. “And in this moment of crisis, it is more important than ever that the next president restores Americans’ faith in good, effective government.”

In December of 2021, Biden visited Kentucky to survey damage and pledge federal support for the victims of more than 30 devastating tornadoes that killed dozens and left thousands more in the region without heat, water or electricity, the Associated Press reported.

A month after he took office, Biden went to Houston to survey the damage from a historic storm. He toured Idaho, Colorado and California to survey wildfire damage over the summer. After Hurricane Ida struck, Biden went to Louisiana as well as New Jersey and New York in September.

Biden consoled a family in Manville, N.J. post-Ida, according to the Washington Post, Their  home was destroyed by a fire that began alongside the flooding.

“Well, thank God you’re safe,” Biden told them.

We’d bet those who survived the catastrophic wildfires on Maui could use a visit and words of comfort from the president right about now.

Biden’s initial response to the deadliest wildfires in the country in more than a century was anything but empathetic. On Sunday, he was riding his bike on vacation in Delaware. As Newsweek reported, several reporters camped outside asked whether he could stop riding to talk about the devastating blazes, Biden responded: “We’re looking at it.”

According to Bloomberg correspondent Justin Sink, Biden, after sunbathing on the beach near his home, replied “no comment,” when asked about the death toll on the island.

Did he learn nothing from East Palestine, Ohio?

That was the site of a fiery train accident in February, in which freight cars carrying hazardous materials derailed, spewing toxic chemicals into the air.

Biden still hasn’t visited the area, and took heat for it.

He took heat for his Maui remarks as well, and on Tuesday said he’d travel to the island “soon” to view the devastation.

Why isn’t he there already?

“My wife Jill and I are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we can, that’s what I’ve been talking to governor about,” he said. “I don’t want to get in the way – I’ve been to too many disaster areas, but I want to go and make sure we got everything they need. I want to be sure we don’t disrupt the ongoing recovery efforts.”

Oprah visited Maui, visiting wildfire survivors at shelters on the island.

“Mahalo Nui Oprah for following through! She returned with cots, pillows, and toiletries for the people in the shelter in Wailuku. She even spent some time with the people there. It was very much appreciated,” local non-profit group Kako’o Haleakala posted on Instagram.

Biden has toured other disaster sites without disrupting recovery and rescue efforts. A presidential visit, particularly in time of crisis, lets people know that they are seen and heard and matter.

Buckle up on Air Force One ASAP, Mr. President.

Empathy matters.