Obama, Christie laud 'working relationship' on storm

David Jackson, USA TODAY | USATODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Obama in N.J.: "We are here for you" Speaking in Brigantine, New Jersey Wednesday President Barack Obama told those recovering from superstorm Sandy: "We are here for you, and we will not forget." (Oct. 31)

President Obama, Chris Christie tour storm damage -- and praise each other

Burned houses, busted boardwalks -- and a puckish tribute to Mitt Romney

White House aide says politics not part of the tour

President Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie -- the newest political odd couple -- pledged Wednesday to work together to repair the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy along the Jersey shore.

The Democratic president praised the Republican governor -- and backer of White House challenger Mitt Romney -- for his "responsive and aggressiveness" in launching efforts to restore power, clean up streets and cities, and produce clean drinking water.

"I just want to thank him for his extraordinary leadership," Obama told reporters after spending more than three hours in damaged parts of the New Jersey. The president also promised federal help to local officials and residents throughout the northeast who suffered major storm damages.

Christie, normally an outspoken critic of Obama's policies, praised his leadership during Hurricane Sandy, saying the president "sprang into action immediately," and has exhibited "concern and compassion" for the residents of New Jersey and the northeast.

"It's been a great working relationship," Christie said.

Obama and Christie spoke after a helicopter tour that included sights of charred houses, sand-packed and water-logged streets, and busted bridges and boardwalks.

At least one Jersey resident showed some puckish political humor; on the sand at Point Pleasant Beach, someone wrote ROMNEY in large letters.

Obama and Christie also traded compliments during a meeting with local residents. "I want to let you know that your governor is working overtime" to help repair the damage, Obama said.

"The entire country has been watching what's been happening -- everybody knows how hard Jersey has been hit," Obama said, adding that his "top priority" is to get power restored.

"The country comes to help because you never know when someone is going to get hit by a disaster," Obama said.

Christie told his constituents, "it's really important to have the president of the United States here."

The governor, wearing a blue polar fleece, slacks, and white sneakers, greeted Obama earlier in the afternoon at the airport in Atlantic City. The president wore khaki pants, a blue windbreaker and brown hiking boots.

The two men and Craig Fugate, administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, boarded Marine One helicopter for their tour. Obama and Christie also planned to speak with local officials about rescue and recovery efforts.

While the Atlantic City boardwalk appeared to be intact, observers saw mountains of sand covering city streets up and down the Jersey coast. Pools and pools of standing water also dotted the landscape.

In Beach Haven, on Long Beach Island, entire streets were underwater. Buildings were boarded up or bore broken windows.

Some of the worst damage occurred at Seaside Heights, where roads were covered by either water or sand. Both the boardwalk and a nearby carnival got smashed by Hurricane Sandy, leaving wood fragments everywhere. A fire that burned down at least eight houses still smolders. Other homes lost their decks to the storm's fury. Abandoned cars remained on a bridge knocked down at one end.

Earlier in the day, Obama visited FEMA headquarters in Washington for another briefing on recovery plans.

The president also called the New York University-Langone Medical Center to thank doctors and nurses for evacuating more than 200 patients as the storm approached, said White House spokesman Jay Carney.

One topic Carney would not address: What impact, if any, will the storm have on Obama's fortunes on Election Day next Tuesday. Carney said the president is dealing with governors, mayors and other local officials "regardless" of political party.

"This is a time to focus on what was a devastating storm and the terrible aftermath of that storm," Carney said. "This is not a time for politics."