“Additional details will be announced in the coming days. The President is mindful of the impact that his travel has on first responders and wants to ensure that his presence does not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts,” Earnest said. “He is also eager to get a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods, hear from more officials about the response, including how the federal government can assist and tell the people of Louisiana that the American people will be with them as they rebuild their community and come back stronger than ever.”
While critics skewered Obama's decision to stay on Martha's Vineyard and play golf while Louisiana families were dealing with the devastation, Gov. John Bel Edwards took a different tone, suggesting that perhaps Obama should wait a bit before arriving, since his large entourage requires resources that could otherwise be going toward families.
GOP nominee Donald Trump and his vice presidential running mate Mike Pence are already in Louisiana touring the flooded areas, while Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has spoken with Gov. Edwards via phone to offer him her condolences.