President Obama has canceled an appearance in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, instead choosing to go to Washington, D.C., to oversee the federal government’s response to the potentially life-threatening disaster.
The move, while befitting of a commander in chief, may not be totally without its political motives. At least four battleground states will be affected by the hurricane, including North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and New Hampshire.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney canceled a slew of events in Virginia on Sunday, but is expected to stop in Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa on Monday.
The president has declared national emergencies in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, D.C., Maryland and Rhode Island. That gives a green light to the federal government to dole out aid to state and local authorities.
UPDATE: 12:24 p.m. Team Romney has announced they are canceling the GOPer’s appearance in Wisconsin on Monday, in addition to Paul Ryan’s rallies in Florida. All events scheduled for Tuesday have also been cancelled. “Gov. Romney believes this is a time for the nation and its leaders to come together to focus on those Americans who are in harms way,” a Romney spokesperson said. Tune into Hardball tonight at 5 p.m. to get the latest on Hurricane Sandy and its impact on the election. Joining us will be Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and more. Recommended
