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Yesterday, President Obama took an aerial and walk-through tour to explore the damage that Hurricane Sandy left in New York.

VIDEO: Talk That Ish! Obama Talks Tough On Taxes, Sen. McCain & Susan Rice! 

During the three-hour tour, Obama spoke with residents in Staten Island, one of the most ravaged boroughs in NYC, and stopped by a FEMA relief center. He was joined by Secretary of Housing/Urban Development Shaun Donovan; Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano; NY Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Speaking on a Staten Island street that was demolished by Sandy’s wrath, the President called for unity and action.

“During difficult times like this, we’re reminded that we’re bound together and we have to look out for each other. And a lot of the things that seem important, the petty differences, melt away.”

He also made the announcement that the Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan will oversee long-term redevelopment in the region.

In a private meeting, Obama spoke with parents who lost their two young boys in the superstorm. 

“I expressed to them, as a father, as a parent, my heartbreak over what they went through,” he said adding that they are “still obviously a little shell-shocked” but are thankful that the NYC police lieutenant stayed with them until the bodies were found.

Check out photos from Obama’s visit to NYC above and video below.