Chuck Todd emphasizes the urgent need for national support in rebuilding Los Angeles after recent disasters
Los Angeles: With the Trump era about to kick off again, there’s a big challenge ahead—rebuilding the city. It’s the second-largest in the U.S., and it needs a solid plan.
Every presidency I’ve seen has faced unexpected crises that derail their best plans. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a pandemic, things rarely go as expected.
Some Republicans are talking about putting conditions on aid for California, while Trump is busy blaming local Democrats for the destruction. But that strategy might backfire on him once he’s in office.
It’s not just Democrats who are affected; many Republicans have lost their homes too. The focus should be on how well the federal government can respond to this crisis.
Rebuilding efforts in places like New York and New Orleans showed that it takes more than just local resources. Federal help is crucial for recovery.
If Republicans play politics with aid for California, they might find themselves in a tough spot when they need help for their own states after disasters.
Two wrongs don’t make a right, but some politicians seem to think that’s the way to go. It’s a dangerous mindset that could lead to more unrest.
Still, I believe that Republicans in disaster-hit areas will realize they can’t ignore California. They’ll be judged on how effectively they use federal resources for recovery.
Another reason rebuilding L.A. is vital? The 2028 Olympics. Hosting the games is a chance to show off a revitalized city, just like Paris did.
Smart leaders in California will know how to work with Trump, who will be president during the Olympics. They can use this opportunity to gain his support.
But there are political risks for current leaders. If they don’t handle this crisis well, they might not recover in the public’s eyes.
After Hurricane Katrina, many politicians struggled to regain trust. It’s all about how they respond after the disaster strikes.
Right now, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass seems a bit overwhelmed. She might be great at collaboration, but this is her first big executive role, and it’s a tough situation.
However, it’s too early to write her off. Everyone involved will be judged on how quickly they can help the city recover.
In the beginning, both Bass and Governor Newsom have come off as defensive. I get it; the criticism can be harsh, but they need to focus on the crisis, not the noise.
They could learn from Janet Reno, who took responsibility for her decisions and gained public trust. Owning up can actually boost popularity.
Rebuilding L.A. will reshape California politics for years to come, especially with the Olympics on the horizon. If they can pull it off, voters will remember who helped.
Future candidates for governor will need solid plans for dealing with natural disasters and rebuilding efforts. Voters might look for fresh faces with new ideas.
If Newsom finishes his term, it’ll mark 16 years of Democratic control. That’s a long time, and people might be ready for a change.
In the end, the focus will be on rebuilding L.A. and ensuring affordable housing for Californians. Everything else will take a backseat for now.
Good luck, L.A.! Just like other cities have bounced back, I believe you will too. If any place knows how to create a comeback story, it’s Los Angeles.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
