What's the political wind (no oun intended) down there? Are people growling about slow response...no response? Are people getting everything they need? Will voting be a contention again because so many are displaced and homes distroyed. Is there a plan to get people to the polls who have lost their cars? Anyone in FL have insight into what political damage has been done...if any? Are people angry at the state or fed government over getting everything back into order?
Regardless that this is a "100 year Hurricane Season", Dems and Libs will do their best to take advantage of the destruction and tragedy in Florida..
Do Recall.. JANET RENO MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF DURING HURRICANE ANDREW..
The political climate will depend heavily on State and Federal aid getting in there quickly, and effectively..
Looting and other crimes will have to be dealt with "hard and fast", and some people's "feelings" may be hurt...
But in the final analysis, perception of "republicans" will depend much on how important Jeb Bush and G.W.Bush get life "back to normal" in Florida..
Any slacking on that agenda could very well cost Bush the entire state in November..
Ch. 13 took poll a few days ago in I-4 corridor. 51% Bush/38% Kerry. Jeb Bush is called the Hurricane Governor and his brother is the Crisis President. Every time a hurricane comes through, they both are on the news to reassure the people. Someone lied on Jeb and tried to say he rationed gasoline last hurricane but that was not true. One man in Pensacola had tears in his eyes after President Bush shook his hand twice. He said it was a defining moment in his life and he can't say enough what it meant.
No backlash against the government at all this time. I think Andrew taught the state a lesson.
Services after Frances were restored much quicker than w/Charley, near as I can tell.
Unfortunately, we're getting good at this stuff.
Overall, I think the response is definitely more positive towards Bush than negative regarding the hurricanes. I think after having had 3, and now soon to be 4, people are a little more understanding about aid being slow to get to them and power restored. Both Bush's have been in the state giving speeches of encouragement, and even helping out personally with the relief effort(like passing out ice). The dems are always going to think they are just trying to win votes, but from what I've seen on the local news, the response to this by many undecided's is very much in the president's favor.
I'm not sure about election day and voting. That's a good point regarding people with no cars. We've been signing people up for the last 72 hour volunteering thing here, maybe this point should be stressed that driving people to the polls may be one of the more important ways you can help this year.