Biden Visits Maui
President Biden's ill-timed joke about the "hot ground" in Maui on Monday has sparked outrage from social media users on both sides of the aisle. Biden had been visiting the state to recognize the devastating wildfires that have taken the lives of over 110 people.
The moment occurred when Biden approached a search and rescue dog ahead of his remarks and the press corps surrounding him. After petting the dog, he joked, "You guys catch the boots out here? That’s some hot ground, man."
Harrison Metal founder Michael Dearing tweeted in response, "Nothing says leadership like yukking it up with the human-remains-sniffing dogs."
Nothing says leadership like yukking it up with the human-remains-sniffing dogs.
— Michael Dearing (@mcgd) August 21, 2023
Robby Starbuck, a conservative commentator, replied, "Imagine your loved one burned to death less than a month ago and when Biden finally visits after his TWO vacations, he jokes around about how hot the ground is. Sick."
Imagine your loved one burned to death less than a month ago and when Biden finally visits after his TWO vacations, he jokes around about how hot the ground is. Sick. https://t.co/BiAVKb0ou2
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) August 21, 2023
White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates criticized the backlash, calling it "classless and stupid."
"He's petting one of the dogs that's working hard searching for remains so survivors who've lost loved ones can have closure. This criticism is classless and stupid," Bates said in defense.
He's petting one of the dogs that's working hard searching for remains so survivors who've lost loved ones can have closure.
This criticism is classless and stupid. https://t.co/uJf99LxT1U
— Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) August 21, 2023
However, the outrage and criticism did not start with the President's joke. Biden's original response to the devastating wildfires had been seen by some as inadequate. During a press briefing on Aug. 14, he said he had "no comment" on the rising death toll in the area, only to later announce two days later that he and First Lady Jill Biden were planning on visiting the effected area "as soon as we can."
Maui resident Ella Sable Tacderan appeared on CNN Thursday to express her disgust with the White House's lack of effort and support.
"It's really affecting me because, where’s the president?" Tacderan asked Kaitlan Collins. "I mean, aren’t we Americans, too? We’re part of the United States. Why are we getting put in the back pocket? Why are we being ignored?"
At last count, over 850 people are still missing in Maui County due to the fires. Residents there are pleading for support and help in the wake of such immense sadness and destruction. It's unclear how President Biden will respond to the disaster and the criticism surrounding his delayed response to the wildfires, and gaffe in Maui.
NOW - Biden appears to fall asleep during a ceremony in Hawaii honoring the Maui fire victims.pic.twitter.com/pFGMPjqFqg
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) August 22, 2023