Hawaii could end up becoming 'Katrina crisis' moment for Biden

The death toll in the wildfires in Hawaii has risen to more than 100, as announced by Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Tuesday, making it the deadliest fire in the United States in over a century.

US President Joe Biden has signed an emergency declaration for the disaster and ordered deployment of federal assets on the island.

While the wildfires were raging, Biden was on vacation in Delaware. On Sunday, when asked about the Hawaii wildfires, Biden hesitated briefly before saying, "No comment". The response has drawn widespread criticism, with both Biden fans and critics admitting the answer was "extremely poor".

On returning from his vacation, however, Biden said he and his wife would be traveling to Hawaii soon.

Next year being an election year in the US, the wildfires have come as a godsend for opponents of Biden and the Democrats to slam Biden and the current administration, while some predict the disaster could end up being Biden's "Katrina crisis" moment.

The Katrina crisis refers to Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans and other areas in August 2005, and then President George W. Bush hesitated to visit the disaster-hit area, and even his response to reporters' questions were not particularly impressive.

The crisis severely damaged Bush's reputation, leading to people coining the term "lame duck "president for him. Some analysts point out that, compared to Bush, Biden is facing a more awkward situation this time, as Bush was already in his second term in 2005.

The 2024 US presidential election is just around the corner, and Biden, who turned 80 last year, will once again face questions about his "fitness for office". Biden will have to confront meticulous and critical scrutiny in that regard.

Moreover, Biden was planning a vacation at Lake Tahoe, which might now have to be cut short. As observers point out, considering that more and more US people are suffering because of "Bidenomics" while the Hawaii disaster area is still ablaze, this is not good for the president to be on vacation.

The contrast and association can easily evoke negative empathy among ordinary US people, jeopardizing Biden's bid for another four years in office.

BEIJING NEWS