This, via ABC News, is something that Donald J. Trump, president* of the United States, said on Tuesday afternoon.

"I think that Puerto Rico was an incredible unsung success. I think Puerto Rico was incredibly successful. Puerto Rico was actually our toughest one of all because it is an island. I actually think it is one of the best jobs that's ever been done with respect to what this is all about."

Not long ago, a study increased the death toll in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria from 64 Americans to 2974 Americans, which is one helluva rounding error. It is hardly necessary to point out that FEMA's response to the catastrophe in Puerto Rico was as disastrous as the storm was and, in any case, Frontline already has pointed it out sufficiently.

A damaged road in Toa Alta, west of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 2017. AFP Contributor Getty Images

I would hope the response to what looks to be a massive natural disaster on the Carolinas and Virginia will be a considerable improvement. I suspect it might be, this being the continental United States and all, and also, too, white people. In any case, I am sure the president* will tell us that the response is an "an incredibly amazing success" even before the gales stop blowing.

Charles P. Pierce Charles P Pierce is the author of four books, most recently Idiot America, and has been a working journalist since 1976.

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