During his visit to Hawaii, which is still recovering from the severe wildfires that claimed over 100 lives and left many unaccounted for earlier this month, President Biden experienced an unusual interaction with Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii.
After evaluating the destruction caused by the wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, an incident occurred during a press conference. A podium microphone caught Schatz offering Biden a drink of water. However, Biden seemed not to respond and moved away. It’s not clear whether Biden intentionally ignored Schatz or simply didn’t hear him.
This trip was marked by criticism, with voices from both political parties expressing concern over Biden’s perceived lack of public support for Hawaii in the wake of the disaster.
The critique intensified when, during his vacation in Delaware, Biden, when queried about the increasing number of fatalities in Hawaii, chose not to comment. This statement was perceived by many as insensitive given the challenges faced by the people of Hawaii.
On Sunday, official sources from Maui County and the Maui Police Department verified the death toll, but as investigations go on, this figure may rise.
WATCH:
Biden looks tired and confused. The Democrat senator from Hawaii suggests he have a sip of water. No response. He shuffles away.
Pray for Maui. pic.twitter.com/v8p1Sf2Wyc
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) August 21, 2023
