Washington (CNN) -- When Chris Christie praises President Barack Obama as "outstanding" and "incredibly supportive," you know something extraordinary has occurred. Obama updated on Sandy; praised by Christie In this case, it was once-in-a-lifetime Superstorm Sandy, which caused the outspoken Republican governor of New Jersey to declare a state of emergency and seek federal help for widespread devastation. Interviewed Tuesday on NBC, Christie described Obama's response as "outstanding," and he told CNN that the president had been "incredibly supportive and helpful to our state." "This is much more important than any election," Christie told CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight." Obama has "been outstanding to deal with on this and I look forward to seeing him tomorrow so he can see for himself what this hurricane has done to my state," Christie said Tuesday night.
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Mitt Romney surrogate Chris Christie praises President Barack Obama's response to Sandy
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The superstorm focuses attention on the role of government in disaster relief
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Romney advocates a state-led approach, but his campaign promises enough funding
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Obama emphasizes federal, state and local cooperation
Romney has made political dysfunction in @placeholder a target of his campaign, blaming Obama for what he calls failed leadership in being unable to forge a deficit reduction deal with Republicans.