The White House dodged multiple questions Monday about whether President Joe Biden would meet with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida.
The pair met last year following the condo collapse in Surfside but have engaged in many proxy battles since then as DeSantis rises as a possible 2024 presidential candidate.
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“What the president believes is that it’s important that federal resources are provided for the people of Florida,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “It’s about the people of Florida. It’s not about public officials, especially in this time.”
A reporter had asked if it was important for Biden to have a conversation with the governor given the circumstances.
The storm is expected to hit the state with strong winds as soon as Monday evening. By midweek, it’s expected there will be heavy rainfall. DeSantis has urged residents not to panic-buy but has also not mentioned a meeting with Biden.
Jean-Pierre said the president aims to rise above partisan politics when it comes to life-threatening situations.
“[Biden] is president for folks in red states and blue states. He’s going to keep that commitment,” Jean-Pierre said.
The reporter, NBC News correspondent Kelly O’Donnell, pressed again.
“Is there any concern if there is a perception that there might be politics or personalities or disagreements among individuals that would get in the way?” she said. “Not so much the flow of information, but if people are wondering if there’s anything that could stand in the way of the response?”
Biden and DeSantis have not met to discuss the hurricane so far, and Jean-Pierre gave no indication of whether they will any time soon.
DeSantis is beginning to outpoll former President Donald Trump and is outraising both Trump and Biden this year. He has yet to announce for 2024 but is drawing widespread speculation to do so following the midterm elections.
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The press secretary noted that Biden never met with Gov. Tate Reeves (R-MS) during the Jackson water crisis yet was able to get the federal government involved in the response. Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell will be in tomorrow’s press briefing, Jean-Pierre added.
