A curious thing is happening in the US, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Chris Christie, the bulky Republican Governor of NJ, a previous harsh critic of Obama, is putting politics aside to team up with his opponent.

More than that, he is actually outspoken in his praise for the President, on several separate occasions extolling Obama’s quick actions and help in cutting through red tape to advance necessary aid to stricken areas. With less than a week to go before the US elections, this is unprecedented.

Prior to the chaotic arrival of Sandy, Obama was lagging in the polls. His dispirited, lack-lustre performance in the debates, his seeming unwillingness to use Romney’s own gaffs against him and, of course, his previous four-year struggle to set America to rights, might cost him the Presidency. At least, a week ago, that would have been the safe bet. Now, the odds have shifted.

Nature, it seems, has something to say. While the aftermath of the hurricane spells further gloom for Americans, it couldn’t have come at a better time for Obama. Wisely, he has suspended all election campaigning concentrating instead on leading his people, possibly one last time. To the stricken electorate, this move, coupled with a strong working relationship with Christie, could spell a turning point in the election.

Romney, working up his own storm on the campaign trail in Florida today, may prove no match for Sandy.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-01/obama-tours-storm-ravaged-new-jersey/4345118?WT.svl=news0

Of course, it could be argued that Christie is playing a game of his own. Tipped to be the next Republican candidate should Romney fail to secure the Presidency this time round, Christie may be using this opportunity to display his own leadership skills, with his willingness to bury the hatchet with Obama. Sadly for Romney, that hatchet appears to be falling his way.

This is Christie’s last chance for another eight years, should Romney secure the White house. Renowned for being as sharp as he is blunt, it is hardly cynical to suggest Christie is taking advantage of Sandy’s destruction to advance his own position, despite any protestations to the contrary.

Romney now finds himself squeezed between a rock and an overweight fellow Republican. Not being President, and therefore not needed in this time of crisis, he is the proverbial fifth wheel and there’s little he can do except continue on the campaign trail. It will be interesting to see what he says over the next few days, as he can scarcely be seen to denigrate a President who has chosen, in the final hour (no doubt acting on the advice of his campaign manager), to fall upon his sword for the sake of the American people.

Add to this interesting mix the final ingredient: fear. In times of trouble, people tend to stick with what they know. In the countdown to the election, reeling from the damage of the storm, facing projected costs in the tens of billions of dollars and, now more than ever, in need of aid and welfare, America is faced with choosing between a President who is seen to ‘be there’ when needed and who understands, more than Romney, what lies ahead, and a candidate who has vowed to strip away the very funding needed to recover from such disasters; one who is, as yet, un unproven leader, both nationally and abroad.

Sandy has already cast her vote. Christie, it seems, has too. It remains to be seen if America will follow suit.

Added: Independent Bloomberg has also now endorsed Obama. Curiouser and curiouser.

Well said, scribbler.

Added to the points you have already raised is the memory in the minds of Americans of the debacle that ensued in the wake of Hurricane Katrina - presided over by a the Bush Administration.

Scribbler well said share your interest in this.
Weather will play its part in our election too or post it.
First concede defeat, Gillard will not win.
But Abbott,s plan to reach the same reduction target clearly is a shonk, he after the election, seeing how few country,s do it that way will stick with current plans.
Or if Turnbull replaces him, before the election, in one of a few back on the rails moves by him, Turnbull will turn the election in to a landslide.

Scribbler>> More than that, he is actually outspoken in his praise for the President, on several separate occasions extolling Obama’s quick actions and help in cutting through red tape to advance necessary aid to stricken areas. With less than a week to go before the US elections, this is unprecedented <<

Remember Scribbler that every sentiment that comes from their lips has been sanctioned by their campaign and spin advisers. So I am not sure you can take any praise as praise, more ploy than praise I would surmise.

Belly>> Or if Turnbull replaces him, before the election, in one of a few back on the rails moves by him, Turnbull will turn the election in to a landslide >>

Landslide for who Belly?