At a time when a train carrying toxic materials derailed, pushing dangerous substances into the environment, the people of East Palestine, Ohio, are crying out for help. The feckless Biden administration, as usual, slow-walked the matter, refusing to do anything substantive for the people they are tasked with safeguarding.

In fact, President Joe Biden couldn’t even be bothered to make a quick visit to the region to show that he cares about the people being impacted. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg did nothing but politicize the matter, trying to blame it on Trump. He later said he would get around to making his way to the town on Thursday. Nevertheless, the federal government’s response to the disaster is moving about as fast as people counting votes in Arizona.

But you know who showed up? The Orange Man What Is Bad™ did, and boy, did he make the most of the visit.

While Biden was in Ukraine embracing Volodomyr Zelensky, Trump brought pallets of water and cleaning supplies to the people of East Palestine. During Trump’s visit, a reporter asked what message he has for President Biden.

Trump’s answer was succinct, but fitting: “Get over here.”

I asked President Trump what his message to Joe Biden was.

His response: “Get over here.” pic.twitter.com/eX9pKargCq

— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) February 22, 2023

As of this writing, Biden has still not deigned to visit the town. But he did tweet about it, so I guess that’s supposed to be good enough.

Residents of the town clearly saw where Biden’s priorities lie. A young mother blasted the president for his lack of concern over the matter. “It’s not surprising [President] Biden chose going to Ukraine over us. Why would he care about us? He knows we’re not going to vote for him,” she said during an interview with Fox News.

Meanwhile, where was Trump? He was buying lunch at McDonald’s for residents of the town and also for police and firefighters. He was handing out water and other supplies to those who needed them. Given the fact that these folks cannot trust their local water supply, the gesture was a welcome one.

And this, dear reader, is precisely what Trump needed to do. Yes, some of his haters are pooh-poohing his visit, accusing him of engaging in a photo-op. But none of that matters. The fact of the matter is that he was the first national political leader to show up.

But not only that, he also bought McDonald’s. Grabbing Big Macs for the people is classic Trump, and one of several reasons why people love him in the first place. It is exactly what he needed to energize his base – and possibly even people outside of it.

Since Trump first announced his presidency, his campaigning seemed a bit lackluster, which is not a hugely big deal considering it is still pretty early in the process. He has not done many major rallies since he threw his red hat into the ring. But now, this might just be the kickstart he needs.

The reality is that the former president must remind people of why they voted for him in the first place. Yes, he has to tout his policy achievements. But being seen hobnobbing with regular everyday folks is one of his most endearing characteristics.

Also, it must be said, this is not exactly something that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is seen as his most dangerous opponent, is known for. Other than hitting the ground after the hurricane last year, DeSantis has not been commonly seen interacting with regular folks in his state. As much as we all hate it, photo-ops are important when it comes to currying favor with voters; the perception that the governor is not a personable individual might be a weakness going into the 2024 presidential primaries.

Moreover, if Trump continues to do these things, it might just reawaken much of the support he has enjoyed among the conservative base. Current polling shows him leading DeSantis, which is a turnaround from what it was showing late last year. If Trump wants to gain, and maintain momentum, he better make sure he remembers why he got elected in the first place.