Former Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., thanked Trump on CNN Friday for visiting her state and calling attention to the flooding there that has killed 13 people and left thousands homeless.

"I want to thank Mr. Trump for coming to Louisiana," she said. "I think the governor's admonition of not using it as a press op is a good one, but he brought attention to our state, and we need that now."

Her comment was much kinder than that made by the state's Democratic governor, John Bel Edwards, who said Thursday that Trump shouldn't show up just for a photo-op.

"Instead we hope he'll consider volunteering or making a sizable donation to the La. Flood Relief Fund to help the victims of the storm," he said.

Still, Trump's appearance turns the tables on President Obama, who remained on his Martha's Vineyard vacation instead of touring the site. Trump's visit also one-upped Hillary Clinton, who made a phone call to Louisiana to talk about the flood, but has not visited yet.