Vice President Kamala Harris visited an emergency operations center in Augusta, Georgia, where she sat for a briefing and thanked assembled officials for "doing God's work." Harris is in the state to get an up-close look at the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

Harris told the emergency workers, "You all leave home, you leave family members who are in need of help and support to go and help people who are perfect strangers to you. And you do this work in these moments of crisis around the clock with an intention and with a level of care and love for community that is unmatched. And so I'm here to thank you."

Harris' visit was an additional political test in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. She is trying to step into a role for which President Joe Biden is well known – showing empathy in times of tragedy – in the closing stretch of her White House campaign.

The vice president's trip was an opportunity for her to continue showing her leadership and ability to get things done, as opposed to her opponents, Donald Trump and JD Vance, who want to dismantle the government's role in providing basic services.

WATCH: Harris delivers remarks on recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene in Augusta, Georgia

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