Obama to flood-ravaged Louisiana: ‘you’re not alone’

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) – President Barack Obama sought to reassure Louisianans on Tuesday, telling the state’s beleaguered residents that they are not alone as they recover from historic flooding.

“Even after the TV cameras leave, the whole country is going to continue to support you and help you until we get folks back in their homes and lives are rebuilt,” Obama told reporters after touring the extensive damage in Baton Rouge.

“Sometimes once the floodwaters pass, people's attention spans pass,” he said, while stressing that “this is not a one-off. This is not a photo op issue.”

Torrential flooding prompted by heavy rains devastated roughly 60,000 homes, forcing thousands of residents to find temporary housing across the state. At least 13 people were killed during the natural disaster.

The American president faced biting criticism from his Republican opponents last week when he opted to stay on vacation in upscale Martha’s Vineyard instead of visiting the state.

"I guarantee you, nobody on this block, none of those first responders -- nobody gives a hoot whether you're a Democrat or a Republican,” he said. “What they care about is making sure they're getting the drywall out, the carpet out, there's not any mold building, they get some contractors in here and they start rebuilding as quick as possible.”

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, greeted Obama when he arrived at Baton Rouge's Metropolitan Airport. He previously said that Obama should wait a couple of weeks to visit the state given the strict security requirements and massive personnel presence that presidential trips entail.

Edwards finds himself not unlike many of the residents he governs with his home, the governor’s mansion, badly damaged by the flooding.

Prior to departing Baton Rouge, the White House said Obama will meet with the family of Alton Sterling, who was fatally shot by police on July 5 sending demonstrators to Baton Rouge's streets.

Obama will also meet with the families of deceased and injured officers of the Baton Rouge Police Department and East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office.

Three officers were ambushed and killed, and three others injured, in Baton Rouge two weeks after Sterling's death.