As you read this article and as I type these words, millions of people are suffering in the East Coast from the loss, pain and suffering caused by Hurricane Sandy.
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Countless Americans lost their homes and businesses and a number lost family members from the superstorm. The damage caused by Sandy is unprecedented, and because much of the architecture in states like New York and New Jersey weren’t built to withstand such conditions, hundreds of communities have fallen apart.
As we wonder why and how this happened, there’s one thing that we don’t have to worry about and don’t have to seek to find, and that’s leadership. Unlike George Bush who was nowhere to be found and slow to respond when Hurricane Katrina washed out New Orleans, President Obama faced “Frankenstorm” head on. Days away from the presidential election in one of the most tightly contested races in recent history, Obama suspended his campaign to take charge during a national crisis. He put politics aside, crossed party lines and used strategy to lead the country in the midst of Sandy’s aftermath.
Obama’s heroic and immediate action even landed him an endorsement from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an Independent who openly criticized the President and neglected to endorse any candidate in 2008.
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Obama’s demonstrated leadership speaks volumes and he’s proven that he has what it takes to continue to lead our country in the right direction.
Stepping Up
The president made a quick call to bring his re-election campaign to a halt in order to return to Washington, DC and steer the country out of Sandy’s destructive path as much as possible. He made that clear during a press conference on Monday when he declared that “the election will take care of itself next week” and that “his number one priority is saving lives” at a storm briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington. He’s also made it clear that any state governor could call him directly if they have a problem getting the aide they need.
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Crossing Party Lines
Putting politics aside, Obama reached out to work hand-in-hand with Republican Governor Chris Christie to make sure that New Jersey has the proper resources it needs, despite the fact that the GOP governor is a surrogate for his opponent Mitt Romney. Gov. Christie gave Obama a tour of his state and praised him for his bipartisan help, stating, “I cannot thank the President enough for his personal concern and compassion.”
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Empathizing With Victims
By touring New Jersey, one of the states hardest hit by Sandy, Obama was able to see first hand how residents are suffering. Obama not only demonstrated strength and leadership, but he sent the message that he can empathize and comfort those who are in pain from the devastation.
Barack Obama knows how to step up in a time of need. We can count on him in times of trouble and to lead the country forward over the next four years.
