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But the reality is that disasters, like any major test of leadership, have political implications, favouring some and damaging others.

Consider the political fallout from Hurricane Katrina on the administration of George W. Bush, which was heavily criticized for its laggard response. And just this week in Japan, the administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda came under fire when it was revealed that billions of dollars in tsunami-relief funds were diverted to non-relief projects over the past year.

In the case of Hurricane Sandy, however, President Obama stands to benefit. First, the disaster gives Mr. Obama a platform that allows him to do what he does best: talk in reassuring, uplifting tones about hope for the future.

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[np_storybar title=”Romney limits attacks on Obama as U.S. recovers from Sandy” link=””]

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney held back from his usual attacks on President Barack Obama on Wednesday with the East Coast reeling from storm Sandy, but the positive tone did not extend to other Republican speakers at his events.

As Obama traveled to New Jersey to survey the damage with Republican Governor Chris Christie, Romney staged a show of strength in Florida, where polls give him a narrow edge in the most populous swing state. He appeared with two of the state’s most popular politicians, Senator Marco Rubio and former Governor Jeb Bush.

Rather than blasting Obama for what he typically calls failures to turn around the economy, Romney did not mention Obama’s name, instead saying a change in course is needed and that he would bring Americans together if elected on Tuesday.