DeSantis Snubs Kamala's Call But Earns Biden's Praise Over Hurricane Response: 'He's Fully Cooperative'

President Joe Biden praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday for his cooperation as Hurricane Milton approaches the state. This happened the day after Vice President Kamala Harris complained that DeSantis had disregarded her request for help after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida the previous week.“The governor of Florida has been cooperative. He said he’s gotten all that he needs. I talked to him again yesterday,” Biden stated at the White House. He mentioned that he provided DeSantis with his personal phone number, indicating a willingness to communicate directly. “Every governor, from Florida to North Carolina, has been fully cooperative,” Biden said, underscoring a collaborative approach to managing the crisis.As a Category 4 hurricane, Hurricane Milton is predicted to be among the strongest to hit Florida in more than a century. It is expected to land somewhere close to Tampa on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Biden stressed the need of state and federal officials being prepared and working together, cautioning about the possible consequences. In a Monday speech, Harris blasted DeSantis for being "utterly irresponsible" by ignoring her call. She underlined how crucial it is for leaders to put aside their political differences in times of crisis. Harris said that "leaders ought to prioritize the needs of the people during times of crises." She charged that DeSantis was engaging in political posturing at a crucial juncture when Floridians required assistance.DeSantis responded to Harris’s comments on Tuesday, asserting that his priority is the people of Florida, not political posturing. “It’s not about you, Kamala, it’s about the people of Florida,” he said during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.” He voiced doubt about Harris's call's timing, speculating that it was made for political purposes because the election was quickly coming. The governor reminded everyone that he had handled storms under Presidents Trump and Biden without turning the issue into a political football. He questioned Harris' abrupt involvement in the present situation, pointing out that she hasn't contacted out during previous hurricanes. "Why is she trying to parachute in all of a sudden?" DeSantis inquired, making it clear that he would prefer to talk about storm readiness over politics.Despite the tension, DeSantis stated that federal officials have provided necessary support as they brace for potential damage. He assured that Florida has marshaled all available state resources and is prepared for a robust response to Hurricane Milton. “All of our requests have been answered,” he confirmed, indicating a level of preparedness in the face of a potentially devastating storm.