### Axelrod's Comments on Storm Impact Spark Controversy Amid Tight NC Race

Former Barack Obama strategist David Axelrod's comments about severe storms affecting voter turnout in North Carolina have ignited a heated debate over the politicization of natural disasters. On his podcast "Hacks on Tap," Axelrod speculated that the "killer storms" hitting western North Carolina, particularly Hurricane Helene, could disrupt voting patterns in the upcoming November election.

Axelrod contrasted the resilience of "upscale" and "liberal" voters in Asheville, who he believes will find ways to vote despite the storms, with Trump supporters in more rural, storm-ravaged areas. "I'm not sure a bunch of these folks who've had their homes and lives destroyed elsewhere in Western North Carolina, in the mountains there, are going to be as easy to wrangle for the Trump campaign," Axelrod asserted.

The remarks provoked strong reactions from conservative figures. Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, suggested on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Axelrod's comments reflect a broader issue with the Biden administration's disaster response. "I fear that Axelrod's point is why [Vice President Kamala] Harris and [President Joe] Biden are letting these people drown," Hemingway stated. Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce also criticized Axelrod, accusing him of underestimating rural Trump voters' capabilities in a sharp rebuke posted on X.

In response to the backlash, Axelrod redirected focus onto Trump’s false claims about disaster relief funds. He condemned Trump for spreading misinformation about rescue money being diverted to immigrants, further inflaming the situation. Axelrod's retort highlighted disparities between the actual allocation of disaster relief funds and Trump's allegations.

The controversy unfolds as North Carolina plays a pivotal role in the upcoming presidential election. Polls show a narrow race between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. A recent Washington Post survey released on October 1 showed Trump leading by a marginal 2-point difference over Harris. FiveThirtyEight's polling average as of October 6 placed Trump with a slight 0.8-point lead.

Hurricane Helene’s impact remains a critical factor, as the Category 4 storm has caused severe damage across southeastern states, including North Carolina. Reports indicate at least 225 fatalities with approximately 75 active missing persons cases in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

The storm’s timing presents additional challenges because early voting in the state has already commenced. Concerns loom over the potential disruption of mail-in ballot collection and polling place availability, possibly affecting voter turnout.

Amid the electoral tension, Trump has perpetuated unsubstantiated claims about FEMA diverting disaster relief money to illegal immigrants and inaccurate statements regarding Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s interactions with the federal government. Fact-checkers and media outlets have debunked these claims, further intensifying the political strife.

The joint editorial board of The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer issued a strong rebuke against Trump, decrying his dissemination of misinformation in the wake of the storm's devastation.