Staff Reports
The events of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 left an indelible mark on the political landscape, particularly for the Republican Party. The media’s relentless criticism of President George W. Bush, mostly centered around his supposedly inadequate response, was fueled by a variety of factors, including race. The narrative pushed by many outlets focused on the fact that the majority of victims were black, and in their minds, this was a convenient scapegoat to hammer the Republican president for what they deemed a sluggish response.
Fast forward nearly two decades later, and the shoe is on the other foot. Hurricane Helene has recently wreaked havoc across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, with the overwhelming majority of the affected populations leaning conservative. In this bizarre twist, the Biden-Harris administration’s response has been nothing short of glacial—two days passed before FEMA issued an emergency declaration, and Governor Brian Kemp had to throw a fit just to expand the coverage. Wouldn’t it be a marvel if the press held this Democrat administration to the same fire they lit under Bush?
Don't Expect Biden and Harris to Receive the Katrina Treatment Over Helene – The media and Democrats are happy that they are dragging their feet because the hurricane victims are conservative https://t.co/Tmhbw0LSpl
— Lois Levine Fishman (@FishmanLevine) October 7, 2024
When Hurricane Katrina hit, victims were left languishing for days, with many resorting to theft just to survive. Yet today, after Hurricane Helene has left conservative voters scrambling for assistance, the same media outlets that once depicted Bush as a callous leader have moved on to other topics, abandoning those affected by the latest disaster. The left had plenty to say when the victims were predominantly black, but now the victims are mostly white, and suddenly it’s crickets from the media establishment. One can’t help but wonder if there’s a certain narrative only meant for specific demographics.
The response to Hurricane Helene has been marred by bureaucratic foot-dragging that would put a tortoise to shame. The 82nd Airborne wasn’t activated until nearly a week after the storm. Even local and civilian rescue efforts, driven by generous Americans stepping up to help, have faced obstacles from bureaucratic red tape. Despite good intentions, governmental inefficiencies have hampered local efforts, leaving many stranded. What happened to the urgency and compassion during Katrina that sparked nationwide outrage? It’s nowhere to be found when it’s a predominantly conservative area in need.
The contrast is stark. Erick Erickson points out how the New York Times had robust coverage of alleged failures in the aftermath of Katrina just five days post-disaster. Now, with Hurricane Helene, the same paper seems more concerned with the January 6th Capitol riots than the plight of those in the Southeast. The lack of media uproar raises questions that the mainstream press is eager to avoid: is there a bias based on race and politics influencing the narrative surrounding these disasters? Observers suggest that it’s not just about geography; it’s about ideology.
As the federal government and media continue to ignore the plight of those affected by Helene, it becomes increasingly clear that conservative Americans deserve accountability for the lack of urgency. The silence from the press is deafening, particularly when comparing the current response to the onslaught of coverage during Hurricane Katrina. The onus is now on conservatives—media outlets, social media users, and everyday citizens—to demand recognition of these inequities and hold the current administration accountable for its inaction.
