Posted on 08/27/2011 11:04:24 AM PDT by mandaladon
WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency's command center on Saturday as Hurricane Irene began making its way up the East Coast, and 6,500 American troops were told to be ready in case they are needed for relief work.
The center helps coordinate the government's response to natural disasters such as this weekend's hurricane, and the president offered encouragement to emergency management staff from across the federal government.
"Everybody here, you guys are doing a great job," Obama told dozens of workers who were at their computer stations. The workers wore red or blue vests with their job descriptions on their backs.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told 6,500 active duty troops to be prepared for a possible order for them to help with Hurricane Irene relief assistance. Panetta issued a prepare-to-deploy order for the troops from all branches of the military if support relief efforts are required, spokesman George Little said.
The request for the possible help came from states in the path of the storm.
Obama, accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and his assistant for homeland security, John Brennan, said he was monitoring the situation closely. He thanked everyone for their efforts.
"''This is still obviously going to be a touch and go situation for a lot of communities, but knowing that they've got an outstanding response team like this will make all the difference in the world," he said. "Especially because you all are not going to get any sleep for the next 72 hours or so."
Earlier Saturday, Obama got a fresh update on the storm from his emergency management team.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
good luck. Were all counting on you
I thought that perhaps he was checking in at FEMA to be sure there were an adequate number of Hospital “Corpsemen” on duty.
Yep! Obummer, the do nothing for the American people “Present” going for the re-election photo-op.
BozO chimes in days after all preparations and precautions are underway, late to the party as always. Useless./
Awww, let’s give him a break...ahem...it’s tough to look stupid and useless at the same time.
pissing contest between Christie and Obummer in my opinion.
Someone opened a can of stupid and Odummy and Christie popped out.
My goodness. Now he’s trying the up close and persaonal routine! Remember, this guy will do anything t9o get re- elected, then turn right back into his damage at all costs mode.
Obummer is an arrogant a$$hole.
That’s a good time for the President to drop in for a group hug... right in the middle of a hurricane.
Now, now! A$$holes are useful. They let $hit OUT.
Can’t say the same for Hussein- who is useless and FULL of it!
As for this meeting- lemme sum it up...
‘ There’s gonna be RAIN- and WIND, maybe EVERYWHERE. Then it will go away- meanwhile, lets milk this thing.”-B.O.
Maybe we can do something if an actual photo is released today.
WISDOM even through the smoke and mirrors. Congratulations!!!!
That’s all this occupant of the Oval Office: A moving photo op.
He will barge in an anybody doing their job just to grab the spotlight.
There was absolutely NO REASON for The One making announcements about evacuating.
That belongs to officials paid to do the job—at all levels.
He just cannot stand to sit back & not attempt to micromanage everything.
A black Jimmah Carter all over again.
What a POS.
"Obama Says Signs Point to "Historic" Hurricane Irene"
by Fox News | August 26, 2011 |
Finally! Some shovel ready jobs.
Does anyone with any common sense think that this is ANYTHING other than a desperate attempt to look “leader-like”?
Didn’t think so.....
RLTW.
"There's a hurricane coming?"
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