WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden makes a politically charged visit on Wednesday to inspect the aftermath of deadly Hurricane Ian in Florida while also presenting a united front despite bitter disagreements with Republican critic and potential 2024 opponent, Governor Ron DeSantis.
Authorities say at least 76 people -- more than 100 according to US television networks citing local officials -- died in one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States.
The Category 4 hurricane flattened whole neighbourhoods on the Sunshine State's west coast, knocking out power for millions of people, with hundreds of thousands still waiting for electricity to be restored Tuesday, and then tore up into North Carolina.
READ: Rescue efforts continue as Florida takes stock of Hurricane Ian devastation
For Biden, who visited hurricane-hit Puerto Rico on Monday, the Florida trip also has an inescapable political dimension, taking him into the stronghold of both DeSantis and Biden's scandal-plagued predecessor in the White House, Donald Trump.
The Democrat, who says he wants to seek a second term despite already being the oldest man ever in the job at 79, could realistically end up facing a rematch with Trump in two years or a challenge from the up-and-coming DeSantis.
DeSantis has been a caustic critic, as he builds his brand of muscular right-wing politics in a bid to replace Trump as the biggest name in the Republican party. Biden has returned fire, painting DeSantis as part of what he says in an increasingly extreme right.
READ: Hurricane Ian damage toll in the billions, will slow US growth
The hurricane, however, has prompted a truce, with phone calls between the two men and acknowledgement from DeSantis that the federal government was quick to provide assistance.
The visit is "above politics," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
"There will be plenty of times, plenty of time to discuss differences between the president and the governor," she said. "Now is not the time."