Yes, you're right, they are.
But the political climate in CA right now is new ground. People who have never voted before registered just to vote for Arnold, and they are watching to see what he's going to do. It's these voters, these who are very moderate, or are apolitical who need to be reached right now. It doesn't have to be much, but it has to be something that will stay in the minds of people later - rather than Davis' posturing. And right now, all they have to remember other than the fires, is Davis was here. He cared enough to try and do something.
And Davis is telling everyone that the feds haven't bothered to respond, not that he delayed. Where is the rebuttal?