Hurricane Helene has left a trail of devastation across the southeastern United States, with entire communities reeling from the impact of the Category 4 storm. The hurricane made landfall in Florida before cutting a destructive path through six states, leaving at least 110 people dead and thousands more displaced. Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee were among the worst-hit regions, with emergency services scrambling to rescue residents trapped by floodwaters. Amid this national tragedy, however, the response-or lack thereof-from the Biden administration has raised significant concerns. For many Americans, it has reinforced fears that the US is being led by a “Potemkin presidency,” where optics are prioritized over meaningful leadership.

As Helene battered the Southeast, the nation watched in horror as news reports chronicled the storm’s devastation. Asheville, North Carolina, witnessed unprecedented flooding, with some hospitals forced to airlift patients to safety. Emergency services were stretched to their limits, and state and local officials called for federal assistance. Yet, despite the severity of the disaster, both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris appeared disengaged from the crisis.

President Biden, who has often been criticized for his frequent vacations, spent much of the weekend at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Vice President Harris, meanwhile, was seen at political events, including a campaign rally in San Francisco on September 28 and a fundraiser in Los Angeles the following day. By the time she capped off her weekend at a rally in Las Vegas, many Americans were left wondering why the country’s top leaders seemed so disconnected from the urgency of the situation.

The White House did issue official statements, along with a “fact-sheet” outlining actions the administration had taken to address the crisis. However, for those who have observed the Biden administration’s previous disaster responses, these gestures rang hollow. Critics argue that the administration’s efforts to handle Hurricane Helene have been largely symbolic, offering more in terms of public relations than actual, on-the-ground relief.

The perceived lack of leadership during Helene has reignited concerns about the functionality of the current administration. Many Americans are increasingly skeptical of whether President Biden and Vice President Harris are capable of managing the federal government during crises. These concerns are not unfounded. Since taking office, Biden has frequently appeared out of touch or unprepared, raising questions about who is truly running the government.

A term that has gained traction in describing this administration is “Potemkin presidency,” a reference to the false facades set up by Russian nobleman Grigory Potemkin to impress Empress Catherine II during her visit to Crimea. In this context, it suggests that the Biden administration is more concerned with presenting the appearance of leadership than actually exercising it. The optics of Biden giving speeches or attending global events might make it seem like he is in control, but the reality, critics argue, is that major policy decisions are being made by unelected officials and bureaucrats behind the scenes.

Evidence of this dynamic has surfaced on multiple occasions. Biden himself has admitted that he could get “in trouble” with his staff if he strays from prepared talking points. Such comments have fueled speculation that the president is merely a figurehead, taking direction from White House aides rather than leading from the front. This perception has been particularly damaging in moments of crisis, like the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, where poor decision-making led to chaos and loss of life.

Vice President Harris has also struggled to project authority, often appearing evasive or ill-prepared when questioned on critical issues. Despite being next in line for the presidency, Harris has faced criticism for her limited engagement with the media and the public. Critics argue that her handlers keep her away from situations where she might be forced to confront tough questions or make difficult decisions. If Harris were to win the presidency in the upcoming election, many fear that she would continue the pattern of symbolic leadership, with real power residing in the hands of unelected actors behind the scenes.

Beyond the administrative shortcomings, the response to Hurricane Helene highlights a deeper issue: a perceived disconnect between the Biden-Harris administration and the American people. The optics of Biden relaxing on a Delaware beach while residents in the Southeast faced life-threatening conditions struck many as deeply out of touch. Similarly, Harris’s decision to prioritize campaign events over crisis management sent a message that political ambition was being placed above the needs of the country.

This detachment has been a recurring theme throughout the administration’s tenure. Critics argue that Biden and Harris have prioritized international issues-such as the war in Ukraine-over pressing domestic concerns. While billions of taxpayer dollars have been funneled to support Ukraine’s defense, Americans continue to struggle with rising inflation, housing shortages, and increasingly frequent natural disasters. For many, the administration’s focus on foreign aid, coupled with its disorganized domestic response, suggests a government that is more concerned with global prestige than the well-being of its own citizens.

The consequences of this leadership vacuum are profound. The fallout from Hurricane Helene is just the latest example of how the administration’s inaction is putting American lives at risk. When disasters strike, people expect their leaders to act swiftly and decisively. The inability of Biden and Harris to manage these crises not only erodes public trust but also leaves communities vulnerable and underserved.

If the US continues down this path of per formative leadership, the consequences could be even more severe. In the face of mounting challenges-ranging from climate-related disasters to geopolitical tensions-America needs leaders who are both willing and able to tackle these issues head-on. The illusion of leadership will no longer suffice.

As the country heads into another election season, voters must carefully consider whether they are willing to endure another term of a “Potemkin presidency.” If the administration’s response to Hurricane Helene is any indication, America cannot afford four more years of inaction, disorganization, and misplaced priorities. The stakes are simply too high.