The Memo: Biden faces test in tornadoes' aftermath
By Niall Stanage - 12/13/21 06:49 PM EST
President Biden faces both a test and an opportunity in the aftermath of the tornadoes that wreaked havoc on Kentucky and several other states over the weekend.
The federal response to the disaster will be closely scrutinized for any shortcomings, and Biden will suffer political damage if that proves to be the case.
On the other hand, a strong response from the Biden administration to the tragedy, which has killed dozens, has the potential to breach the nation’s gaping political divides. And the president’s capacity for empathy, which even some of his ideological opponents acknowledge, should help him meet the moment.
Biden will visit Kentucky on Wednesday, where his ability to show compassion and care for those afflicted is likely to be on full display.
“So many people are facing immense, immense loss,” the president said at the White House on Monday.
The administration knows the stakes, substantively for the people of the affected areas and politically for the president.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/585647-the-memo-biden-faces-test-in-tornadoes-aftermath