Harris-Waltz campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond and Fox News host Martha McCallum got into an argument Tuesday over the Biden administration's response to Hurricane Helen.
In an interview on Fox News Channel's “The Story,” McCollum questioned why more assets weren't pre-prepared for the storm. Richmond disagreed and claimed to the contrary, adding that the hosts were looking for a “soundbite”.
“Assets were pre-positioned before Helen, and that happens every storm, in coordination with (Federal Emergency Management Agency) FEMA and others,” Richmond told McCallum.
“Look, this is too serious, so what we don't do is retaliate. I saw 1,500 people die in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. So this could be cute, or it could be offensive to you.” “Maybe, but this is real life,” he added.
The interview began by playing a soundbite in which Jason Beck, a baseball coach at Montreat College in North Carolina, explained the situation in the state.
“We didn't get any help. But then the community, which is a small town, came together and the police department and people came together. And when there was no food at all, we were literally cut off. The mountain was cut “from one side,'' Beck said.
“But to see communities coming together in front of FEMA and the National Guard and people pulling everything together,” Beck added.
McCallum called it “great news” that neighbors were helping each other, but asked the city of Richmond why it took FEMA a week to get going. of The New York Times reported Last week, it was announced that FEMA and other officials were facing obstacles as they tried to follow Helen to more remote parts of North Carolina.
But Richmond quickly shut down McCollum.
“It took less than a week for FEMA to get into action. Second, I went through Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and after a devastating storm, it took a long time to get everyone where they were. It’s going to take some time,” Richmond said.
Richmond later added that the administration intends to make sure people understand that aid is available.
“There's assistance you can apply for. We'll help you rebuild. We'll help you get people out,” Richmond said after a brief exchange with McCallum.
Last week, NewsNation reported that the death toll in North Carolina from Hurricane Helen had exceeded 130.
Last week, President Biden toured the hurricane-affected area of Asheville, North Carolina, to assess the damage caused by Helen. Harris visited North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Saturday.
Biden also announced over the weekend that he would provide $100 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help with emergency repair costs from Hurricane Helen.
NewsNation is owned by Nexstar, which also owns The Hill.
