Trump visits flood-devastated Louisiana

BATON ROUGE — Offering consolation, expressing regret, cutting ties with a controversial aide. Donald Trump’s campaign turnaround plan on Friday featured the unorthodox candidate acting much like a conventional politician struggling to revive a presidential bid on the ropes.

Trump headed to flood-damaged Louisiana to express solidarity with residents cleaning up after devastating flooding that left at least 13 people dead. The trip made for a pointed contrast to President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who both have yet to go, although Obama announced later Friday that he would visit next week.

The typically brash and spotlight-seeking billionaire offered notably restrained remarks as he surveyed the waterlogged wreckage.

“Nobody understands how bad it is,” Trump told reporters, after briefly helping unload a truck of supplies while cameras captured the moment. “It’s really incredible, so I’m just here to help.”

Later, in his second visit to Michigan in less than two weeks, Trump called for African-Americans to support him, saying black voters cannot expect change otherwise.

Speaking to an almost all-white audience of about 6,000 people, Trump appealed directly to black people for votes.

“You live in poverty,” he said. “Your schools are no good. You have no jobs. What the hell do you have to lose?”