US Politics Election Extra: Disinformation & Using Hurricane Helene as a Campaign Event
Table of Contents 📖
"Drop that mic, as far as I'm concerned, for Jessica Tarlow."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:17⏩
Jonathan opens with a quick hello and introduces the topic: The politicisation of Hurricane Helene and the spread of misinformation surrounding the disaster and the government’s response.
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Biden’s Proactive Response
🎦 00:17-01:46⏩
Jonathan addresses the claims that Biden was inactive during the hurricane, highlighting that Biden and his administration had prepared for the hurricane in advance by:
- Activating FEMA and securing funding before the hurricane hit.
- Coordinating relief efforts remotely.
Jonathan pushes back on the criticism of Biden’s approach, arguing that it’s more effective for a leader to coordinate aid efforts than to be on the ground, potentially hindering relief work.
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Trump’s PR Stunt
🎦 01:46-04:52⏩
Jonathan criticises Trump for using the hurricane as a campaign and PR opportunity, pointing out that:
- Trump visited the disaster zone, surrounded by supporters, creating a campaign-like atmosphere.
- He used a podium constructed from debris, which Jonathan sees as distasteful.
- While Trump did raise funds via GoFundMe, Jonathan argues that this was not Trump's money and that the government, through FEMA, was already providing tangible aid.
Trump’s False Claims
🎦 04:52-07:48⏩
Jonathan calls out Trump for spreading misinformation, such as claiming that Georgia’s Governor Kemp couldn’t reach Biden. He provides evidence that contradicts Trump's claims:
- A statement from Governor Kemp confirming that he had spoken to Biden and that Biden had pledged his full support.
- Kemp stating that Georgia had everything they needed due to the pre-emptive measures taken by the Biden administration.
North Carolina’s Experience
🎦 07:48-09:10⏩
Jonathan brings in further evidence to counter Trump’s narrative, this time highlighting North Carolina’s experience:
- Quotes North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper who confirmed that Biden and Harris had also pledged their full support.
- Cooper states that FEMA was already providing assistance with federal teams and resources.
Trump Jr.’s Hypocrisy
🎦 09:10-11:47⏩
Jonathan tackles Donald Trump Jr.’s criticism of the Biden administration’s response, calling him out for hypocrisy by highlighting:
- Governor Cooper had already stated that they had received the necessary support.
- Trump Jr.’s previous criticism of aid to Ukraine, suggesting that those funds should go to US citizens.
- During Trump Sr.'s presidency, North Carolina received less than 1% of requested aid after Hurricane Matthew.
- The Trump Foundation’s history of misusing charitable funds, for which they were fined.
The Reality on the Ground
🎦 11:47-13:25⏩
Jonathan addresses a comment from a Trump supporter who criticises the government's response based on their mother’s experience in the Carolinas. Jonathan highlights that:
- Immediately sending aid workers into a disaster zone can be counterproductive and may hinder relief efforts.
- The commenter is using their mother's situation to score political points, rather than focusing on the bigger picture and the logistical challenges of providing aid in a disaster.
Project 2025 and the Politicisation of Aid
🎦 13:25-17:10⏩
Jonathan uses the opportunity to highlight the dangers of Project 2025, which outlines plans to dismantle key government agencies like FEMA, the National Weather Service and eliminate federal disaster funding. He suggests that instead of criticising Biden, the focus should be on how a potential Trump administration would handle such disasters, given their stance on these agencies and their history of inadequate responses.
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Viewer Experiences and Trump’s Behaviour
🎦 17:10-19:34⏩
Jonathan shares a viewer’s account highlighting Trump’s behaviour during his visit to the disaster zone. The viewer points out:
- Trump's visit was more about self-promotion and spreading misinformation about Biden's response.
- Starlink was already accessible, contradicting Trump’s claims.
- Trump’s lack of empathy for those affected by the hurricane.
Jessica Tarlow’s Mic Drop Moment
🎦 19:34-22:48⏩
Jonathan praises Jessica Tarlow, a liberal commentator on Fox News, for her rebuttal of the narrative being pushed by Trump and his supporters on the hurricane relief efforts. He highlights Tarlow’s key points:
- Trump lost Georgia in the previous election.
- Starlink was already being provided, funded by FEMA, not Elon Musk.
- Biden has a track record of acting swiftly in such situations.
- Trump has a history of making false claims and denying aid, using North Carolina’s experience with Hurricane Matthew as an example.
- FEMA personnel, National Guard and search and rescue teams are already on the ground.
- Criticising Biden for not visiting immediately is unfair.
- Governor Cooper himself will inform the President when a visit is appropriate.
Jonathan’s Final Thoughts
🎦 22:48-23:56⏩
Jonathan expresses his disgust at the politicisation of the hurricane, reiterating that Biden and Harris are taking the appropriate actions. He stands by his criticisms of Trump and his supporters, believing that their attempts to exploit the situation for political gain are despicable.
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Wrap up
🎦 23:56-23:56⏩
Jonathan ends by acknowledging that his views may annoy some viewers but emphasises that they are his own and he believes they are justified. He signs off with a "take care guys".
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