The threat of global warming and climate change are hot political topics, embraced by liberal politicians and much of the news media. So are hurricanes, which became a contentious partisan subject beginning in 2005 when former President George W. Bush was criticized for his administration’s response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The same thing has happened to President Trump — first during Hurricane Maria, and again as Hurricane Florence continues on a destructive path through North Carolina.
“The media is getting ready to portray Hurricane Florence as Donald Trump’s Katrina. Do not doubt me. No matter what happens in the aftermath here, Trump is going to be blamed for this hurricane and its aftermath, and they’re going be calling it Trump’s Katrina — even, maybe, before it hits. You watch,” predicted talk radio host Rush Limbaugh.
Headlines from news accounts and analyses featured by major news organizations in the last 48 hours suggest that Mr. Limbaugh’s prediction has come true:
• “Trump’s hurricane tweets show he can always go lower” (CNN)
• “Trump takes on Florence with ’I alone can fix it’ attitude” (MSNBC)
• “It’s time to declare the White House a disaster area” (Washington Post)
• “Take cover! Trump strikes again!” (The Hill)
• “Trump tries to rewrite history on Maria as Hurricane Florence approaches” (Politico)
• “Media batter Trump with storm criticism” (Fox News)
• “Trump politicizes death toll from Maria” (CBS News)
• “Trump faces political risks as Hurricane Florence looms” (USA Today)
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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