John Bel Edwards: Now is not the best time for President Obama to visit

[Stellar]

More :NOLA

Gov. John Bel Edwards spent much of a Thursday press conference (Aug. 18) sticking up for fellow Democrat Barack Obama and generally complimenting the federal government on its response to the Louisiana Flood of 2016.

"I am not complaining about our federal partnership in any way" Edwards said, responding to comments about the president not coming to Louisiana. "The president is welcome to visit whenever he wants to visit."

Edwards said a presidential visit could cause additional problems for flood recovery efforts. Obama's motorcade requires many roadways to be shutdown -- and many local streets are still closed because of the flooding. Also, a presidential visit puts a strain on law enforcement. First responders shouldn't be pulled away to deal with Obama, when they are needed for search and rescue missions still, Edwards said.

"Well of course the president can't be everywhere" Johnson told the media. "I can tell you the president has been closely monitoring the situation."

According to Johnson, 950 FEMA workers are already on the ground in Louisiana. The U.S. Coast Guard arrived just hours after the severe rainstorm hit.

"He is very much on top of it," Johnson said of Obama. "I know he has a very busy schedule this fall and in the coming days."

"When you are the chief executive of the U.S. government, you can't be everywhere, including places you would like to be," he said.

Rachel Maddows interviews the Gov Bel Edwards of Louisiana.... (Video)
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/louisiana-struggles-as-tragic-flood-continues-747029571562

ETA: Trump, Pence to visit flood-ravaged Baton Rouge area Friday
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/trump_pence_to_visit_baton_rou.html

[deathrind]

1. It's a no win situation.

If the Preaident does not visit he is criticized as not caring.

If he does visit he is criticized for causing road closures and blocking the flow of aid into the affected areas.

He should hold off on going there for now IMO. Let the people in the ground get the situation under control and make sure all affected have received initial help/aid needed before he goes there.