Obama Skips Visiting Tornado Ravaged South – Goes On 3-Day Fund-Raising Tour Instead

Sara D. Davis / Getty Images

What did Paul Ryan call Obama last Wednesday? Oh yeah, The campaigner in Chief. It’s about time someone said it. He’s been on a non-stop self promotion tour since he was elected. It never stops. This week, in the wake of these devastating tornadoes, Obama is choosing to  embark on a three day tour out West where he hopes to raise millions for himself and fellow Democrats.

Keith Koffler of White House Dossier writes:

The tornadoes, part of a storm that rampaged though six states Saturday, resulted in one of the worst disasters of any kind in the United States since the Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Scores were left injured or homeless while 45 people were killed – about four times as many as died in the Gulf oil rig explosion and the subsequent oil spill last year. In North Carolina alone, there were nearly two-dozen storm-related deaths Saturday, with 130 homes destroyed and an estimated 700 more damaged.

Not only is Obama staying away from the region, he has said almost nothing publicly about the tragedy beyond an interview with a North Carolina TV station and a very brief mention at a White House prayer breakfast. The president has failed to make the kind of national, attention-getting public statement presidents offer during crises to comfort victims by expressing the condolences of the nation and to seek charitable aid.

Sunday, he went golfing. On Monday, he did sign a disaster declaration for North Carolina, which will free up federal assistance to the state.

Vice President Biden has also failed to show up. He’s cooling his heels today at home in Wilmington, Delaware. The disaster did not even merit a visit from Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar who – without any apparent irony – was in Boston Tuesday announcing a new wind energy project.

Meanwhile, the South is bracing for more, as forecasters say severe storms and tornadoes could hit the region again today.

Not sure how wise Obama’s actions are, considering  Charlotte, North Carolina was chosen as the site for the 2012 Democrat Convention.

Hat tip: Brian B.

Linked by Michelle Malkin in Buzzworthy, and Doug Ross, thanks!