Obama on Isaac: Don't 'Tempt Fate'

Tells Gulf residents 'you need to take this seriously'
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 28, 2012 10:14 AM CDT
Obama on Isaac: Don't 'Tempt Fate'
President Barack Obama speaks about Tropical Storm Isaac, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Obama kept his advice for Gulf residents short and sweet in a press conference today, which came complete with one line that nearly all media outlets are seizing on: "Now is not the time to tempt fate." He made that along with a few other comments at the White House, following a briefing by Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

  • "I encourage all residents of the Gulf Coat to listen to local officials and follow their directions, including if they tell you to evacuate. We're dealing with a big storm. Now is not the time to tempt fate, and now is not the time to dismiss official warnings. You need to take this seriously."

Obama had earlier declared a state of emergency in Louisiana. Meanwhile, Isaac gets nearer to hurricane status, per the National Hurricane Center's Twitter feed. Its latest tweet reads: "Tropical Storm # Isaac Intermediate advisory 29A issued. Reconnaissance aircraft find isaac nearly a hurricane" (More President Obama stories.)

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