New York, NY: Today, Hurricane Sandy answered the question on everyone’s mind by endorsing Obama for president. Some may argue that the question on everyone’s mind was more likely “When will it stop?” or “What can we do to help those affected by the storm?” But those who would suggest something like that are simply out of touch with American media.
While people along the coast are abandoning their homes and preparing for the worst, both candidates have been hard at work making sure they don’t miss this campaign opportunity. Obama cancelled not one, not two, but three rallies to deal with fallout from Sandy, showing that the American people come before politics. At least, until Thursday. So far, photo ops have abounded, including one of him posing next to what was at first thought to be a beached whale. It was later revealed to be Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey.
In the meantime, Romney has put aside a busy schedule of tax dodging to bring supplies to those hardest hit, using his own campaign bus as transport. He’s even offered to tie rescue dogs to the roof. This effort gives a glimpse of how Romney intends to make up for shortfalls in FEMA funding after his proposed cuts. He will require all campaign buses to do the work originally assigned to trained professionals.
Both of the candidates have been closely followed by the media and Congress, two entities well known for their ability to keep perspective. Both sides were well-aware that a natural disaster this close to election day could be a game-changer. They took shots at one another, with Bush’s former FEMA director calling Obama’s response “too quick” and liberal media citing Romney’s campaigning during a disaster as evidence he shouldn’t be president and that everyone should vote for Obama.
But polls have shown a slight bump for Obama, demonstrating that the hurricane was just what the Democrats needed. This is nothing new, according to top Republicans, who have always complained about the weather’s liberal bias. Ever since Al Gore’s An Uncomfortable Truth, Republicans have had a hard time winning the climate towards the side of skeptics.
However, Republicans remain hopeful in the face of the Sandy tragedy. Romney campaign supervisor Mack McDougie was quoted as saying, “It’s not too late. There could be a conservative flood on the horizon, maybe an earthquake that only targets union halls or a tornado that wipes away abortion clinics. I mean, here’s hoping.”
(To all those still dealing with Sandy, stay safe!)