Biden hopeful hurricane cleanup could end 'rabid partisanship'

President Biden on Thursday said he’s hopeful that cleanup from Hurricane Helene could end the "rabid" partisanship in the United States, after he visited Republican-controlled states Georgia and Florida.

Biden surveyed hurricane damage in both states and met with local officials. He did not meet with GOP governors Brian Kemp of Georgia or Ron DeSantis of Florida.

“Moments like this, it’s time to put politics aside,” the president said in remarks in Georgia. “It’s not one state versus the other, it’s the United States. You know, there’s no Democrats or Republicans out here ... only Americans are here. I’ve been committed to being president for all Americans.”

He touted the bipartisan legislation that has passed under his administration, including the infrastructure law, and said that more money from those bills have been spent in red states than in blue states.

“Who needed help? It’s not based on party,” Biden said. “I hope we begin to break down this rabid partisanship that exists. I mean that sincerely. There’s no rationale for it.”

Biden met with some Republican lawmakers while on the ground in the two states. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joined the president for a briefing and tour in Keaton Beach and Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) greeted him when he landed in Moody.

Although Kemp didn’t join him in-person in Georgia, the president said he talked to him earlier in the day. They also spoke on Sunday. Former President Trump falsely said on Monday that Kemp tried to reach Biden but couldn’t.

Harris traveled to Georgia on Wednesday and Kemp did not join her visit either. The two spoke on Monday.

Trump and Kemp are expected to be together in Evans, Ga., on Friday to receive a briefing and deliver remarks.