This is a really cynical post:
Politically this is going to be played up, international disaster relief is one of those truly bi-partisan things that the US does best and we are going to do it. The president and the Sec of State are going to get a lot of positive airtime concerning this crisis. That is not a bad thing, particularly if the relief is delivered promptly and effectively. We should be very pleased and proud that it happens. but in terms of cynicism, this is a political windfall for them both. Today on Morning Joe they are touching on this.
This will also give the media a chance to ignore some stories they don’t want to deal with, the health care back door deals, Harry Reid and Bill Clinton’s remarks, the foibles of Martha Coakley. The sec of state is unlikely going to be taking questions about her husband’s remarks and if anyone is as foolish to ask she will be able to turn it right around for dealing with something like this during a disaster.
Watch the Coakley campaign try to tie Pat Robinson to Scott Brown or press him to comment on it in the mistaken hope that any criticism of Robinson will hurt him among the right.
This also gives the president a perfect excuse not to intervene in Massachusetts, he is much too busy in the crisis.
Watch the banks and a lot of the companies who gave large unpopular bonuses throw money at the disaster relief and make sure it is publicized well.
One thing that will not get the press that it should will be how Americans will open up their wallets, slim as they are these days, to help out in Haiti. I wonder what Mr. Penn & Mr. Glover will have to say about that?
Ok that’s enough cynicism, go the the Anchoress for a good roundup and an excellent suggestion for your relief dollars.
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