Political Gain

Considering in his very first statement he was asked what kind of effect the storm will have on this election and he answered, (paraphrased), "I don't care about that. My priority is to get help to those who need it, and the election will work itself out next week.", that pretty much shows he did NOT use this storm for political gain. Politics were placed aside, and Chris Christie worked with Obama, together, and had glowing things to say about him and Fema. It may come is a surprise, considering no republican in congress will ever work with Obama, so when you see all the things he does where he doesn't need to consult with the obstructionist GOP, and process and progress actually occur and that earns him praise, I can see where you would be confused. He prepared for the storm, handled it swiftly, as any commander in chief would. Mitt Romney had said to dismantle Fema and held a fake canned food drive. The way that Mitt Romney does not know how to lead is helping Obama gain politically, and this storm was an unfortunate way of very literally showing the contrast between the two candidates. Obama has made it so many other states are helping on the east coast. You are being given some wrong information.

What do you mean he doesn't want other states to help? Romney is the one who wants to dismantle FEMA. He feel states should handle things themselves. How was the south supposed to recover after Katrina and how is the Northeast supposed to recover after Sandy. Gov. Christie of New Jersey, a Republican, actually praised Obama's response to allowing the states to be declared disaster areas before Sandy hit. I suppose you feel that Obama should have done nothing.

Ok, I think you may have things misinterpreted here. I'm a native of Jersey, and trying to fit in all of the utility crews, first responders, and construction workers has been a logistical nightmare in and around the affected areas. Geographically, they couldn't fit everyone into the state, and especially NOT onto the islands (or what's left). Where did you see that he specifically stated that no one from other states are not allowed to help? I don't think that Obama nor Christie is really worried about the election at this point-there are billions of dollars of destruction just in Jersey alone; New York will also be very costly. It will take years to rebuild. But there needs to be a system, and that is what Christie, as governor, is trying to do, NOT Obama. If anything, I think that the President has stepped aside to let Christie handle the situation because he (Christie) will know how best to deploy aid. It isn't too different from the time immediately following 9/11 and Guiliani and other aid workers specifically requested certain items in aid boxes. Right now, if anyone is looking to boost his political career, it is Romney. As I said, I'm a native of Jersey; the last time I checked, I can tell you the last time a "businessman" ran for political office and failed his constituents miserably was Jon Corzine. Oh, and didn't he further cheat his customers by being responsible for the failure of his Wall Street investing firm by losing millions of dollars? He was a Democrat. I happen to be a Democrat, but I like the President for many of the same reasons that Colin Powell likes him, but I ALSO like what Chris Christie's doing in Jersey and would vote for him if I moved back. What the President and Governor did was demonstrate the power of bipartisanship, something sorely lacking in Washington these days...

They knew it was coming and that it was going to be bad. B.O. could have had things at the ready and possibly gained some votes from those who didn't pay attention for the last four years. B.O. is nothing but lip service.

I think when a catastrophe strikes, the number one who will be in the hot seat is the leader himself. He will be judged on what, when and how he will solve the problems affecting his constituents... Too bad for Obama that the hurricane strikes amidst election time... When will be your election?

My thoughts and prays are with everyone that has been affected by hurricane Sandy.. I will say it flat out I do not like Obama because of several desicions he has made throughout the last four years in office! This is more evidence that shows he is not the right person leading this country.. There are many many people out there that need help.. Other states are willing to give it.. Not allowing it makes me wonder what his true agenda is here?? We are suppose to be a country; United States, United we stand, United we fall.. I really do not like when politics get in the way of doing the right thing.. Helping our fellow citizens.. Please dont take this the wrong way.. But if we can sit there and help other countries.. WHY cant we stop for a MOMENT and HELP ourselves??? I have not heard of any other country stopping everything they are doing to help another country in the world.. As much as we do.. Pride or what ever may be the case; Obama should get his head out of the clouds and down here in the real world.. Lifes are at stake here... Obama states he for the people... Actions speak louder then words.. I just hope someone else becomes president...

I didn't know he didn't want other states to help. I know that people from all over are coming in to help....like all the runners from the marathon that didn't happen...a gas company from California came with a whole truck of gas....and red cross workers from all over.....I do think in some ways he is using it...very visible.

Yes just like a good politician. They all take advantage of these things. its a shame.

Of course Obama is at least in part using this in his political agenda. However, he is mainly doing his job as president: absorb facts, direct, press releases, etc. In my opinion, Romney is using this entirely for his public image. Check out which effected areas he is helping and which effected areas he is ignoring. Romney is directing all of his efforts toward the areas that can help him win the election, and ignoring the states that he does not feel helping with push up his numbers. In contrast, Obama is touring based on facts, damage reports, etc and sending help based on need... and not politics. Christi is very well known for speaking his mind, and has thanked, repeatedly, Obama for his efforts, encouragement, and fairness.