Biden, Harris pledge federal aid after touring devastation from Helene [Video]

President Joe Biden called Hurricane Helene “a storm of historic proportions” after taking to the skies on Wednesday to survey damage across the Carolinas. “The nation has your back. We are not leaving until you are back on your feet completely,” Biden said at an operational briefing after his aerial tour. Vice President Kamala Harris took a break from campaigning and called for unity during a separate stop in hard-hit Georgia. She thanked first responders, met with survivors and handed out supplies. “The strength of who we are is that we come to each other’s aid in a time of need,” Harris said. As of Wednesday evening, at least 189 people were dead. Search and rescue missions continued. Residents in several places were still without critical services. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said mountainous terrain in some impacted areas is presenting challenges. “As we look at the infrastructure damages to water, …