Editorial cartoons for Oct. 13, 2024: Hurricane disinformation, Florida’s one-two punch

Disinformation is running rampant about relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, as Repubilcan presidential nominee Donald Trump seeks an advantage over Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Republicans representing areas in the path of the storms rebuked members of their own party for spreading falsehoods, CNN reported.
Editorial cartoonists took note. The gallery’s lead image, by Mike Luckovich, characterizes the hurricane of disinformation as bigger and more destructive than the storms themselves. Michael Ramirez, Walt Handelsman and Luckovich mock Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bizarre claim that humans control the weather. Several cartoonists superimpose Trump’s likeness on the hurricane.
Others noted the double whammy experienced by Florida residents less than two weeks apart. Steve Breen draws it as a motorcycle gang beating up on a retiree. Nick Anderson’s Uncle Sam is still dazed by Helene when Milton comes barreling down the road. Michael Ramirez’s Uncle Sam is shown in contemplative prayer for hurricane victims.
The presidential campaign continues to be a dominant topic. Jack Ohman, Breen and Handelsman comment on the attention Trump and Harris are paying to a handful of swing states that will decide the election. Dana Summers criticizes Harris for serving “word salad.” Jack Ohman’s Trump and JD Vance can’t imagine why women aren’t flocking to their side. Bill Bramhall notes Melania Trump’s support for abortion rights.
Other news events in the gallery include the revelation in journalist Bob Woodward’s new book, “War,” that Trump sent Covid-19 tests to Russian leader Vladimir Putin; Israel’s widening war; and the death of Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy.
Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate.