Biden and DeSantis put political rivalry aside – for now – as President tours hurricane damage

President Joe Biden was in Florida to see first-hand the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, once again putting a spotlight on his icy relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis, the combative Republican leader posed to potentially challenge the Democrat for the presidency in 2024.

For the time being, Biden and DeSantis have put their budding political rivalry aside, and their administrations have worked in concert since the hurricane’s deadly collision with Florida’s west coast. That was on display Wednesday.

Shortly after touring the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast communities by helicopter, Biden was greeted at Fisherman’s Wharf by DeSantis and his wife, Casey, where they talked for several minutes among the wreckage.

In a joint appearance moments later, Biden and DeSantis emphasized to reporters that their two administrations, though often at odds, are working closely together on the rescue and recovery efforts.