Barack Obama flies to meet storm-affected families as Mitt Romney back on the campaign trail

He will go before cameras with New Jersey's Republican governor, Chris Christie, who is a prominent supporter of Romney and a frequent critic of the President. But the Governor praised President Obama's handling of the response to Superstorm Sandy.

Obama's decision, which comes less than a week before the US election has put pressure on his Republican challenger Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts governor needs to be seen to show compassion for storm’s casualties along the East Coast, but he can't afford to waste valuable campaign time with the contest in deadlock.

Romney planned three full-blown campaign rallies today in Florida, the largest competitive state. The storm had little impact on Florida, so Romney hopes he can campaign there without appearing too callous.