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Thus far, President Obama has done all the right things in response to Tuesday's catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. He hastily dispatched American ships, transport planes, and more than 2,000 troops to help distribute supplies, search for missing victims, and maintain order in the devastated Caribbean nation. At a press conference on Thursday, meanwhile, the president also pledged $100 million in immediate US aid.

But there's one pledge Mr. Obama hasn't made: to visit Haiti himself. 

And he should, as soon as possible.

When disaster strikes in the United States, after all, presidents traditionally travel to the stricken areas to offer symbolic as well as material support. A presidential visit signals the nation's concern for the victims, drawing renewed...