The Latest: Harris says it’s not time to ‘play politics’ over hurricane recovery

Vice President Kamala Harris said it’s not time to “play politics” as she visited Florida on Friday to survey the devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia, calling for a united response from the federal government and state officials.

“The first and most important thing we need to be able to do is deliver results to the people in need,” she told reporters, standing alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Harris’s visit came as the Biden administration and Florida officials work to deliver aid and coordinate recovery efforts. Her appearance with DeSantis, a Republican presidential hopeful, comes as political tensions simmer in the aftermath of Idalia’s landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for Florida on Wednesday.

“It’s time for us to come together,” Harris said, while pledging continued federal support. “We understand the devastation here and we’re committed to providing the help that is needed, as well as we know how to.” She urged “the very best of this country” to help Florida get back on its feet.

“We have been working on this before the hurricane,” she added. “We know what we have to do. We’ve been on the phone every single day in the last few days. And now we are on the ground. We’re here on the ground, not just to take a look, but to continue to coordinate to make sure that we are fulfilling what we are responsible to fulfill and also that we are coordinating with our federal, state, and local partners. Because that’s what’s going to get the job done.”

Harris flew over the ravaged Florida Gulf Coast earlier Friday with DeSantis. She also spoke with business owners and residents at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

“Thank you for being here, I appreciate it,” DeSantis said, while thanking Harris for her “generous” comments.

DeSantis’s comments come after the governor had sought aid from Biden without overtly praising the president. DeSantis had previously criticized Biden’s policies and handling of federal assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian last year. But DeSantis on Friday stressed the importance of cooperation over any political differences.

DeSantis, while appearing alongside Harris, said he had had positive communications with both Harris and Biden.

“We want to make sure the people are getting help. We’re all on the same team here,” he added.

Meanwhile, Idalia is expected to turn toward the Atlantic coast, threatening areas along the coast with flooding.

“The risk for substantial and widespread flooding is expected across eastern North Carolina and into southeast Virginia through at least early Saturday,” the National Weather Service’s weather prediction center said.

The storm has knocked out power to millions, leaving communities from Florida to North Carolina bracing for potential days without electricity.

Florida Power & Light said it was working to restore power as quickly as possible and had sent in crews and equipment ahead of Idalia’s arrival.

With power outages and flooded roads hindering access to the affected areas, local, state and federal emergency workers are struggling to assess the full extent of damage.

As emergency response efforts continue, the federal government and state officials are expected to ramp up recovery assistance in the days to come, as President Biden promised on Thursday, saying “the federal government will be there, we will do everything in our power.”

“We have every resource at our disposal,” said Harris, echoing the administration’s promise of continued assistance.