asked me to express his regrets for not being able to be here but, you know, he's doing the job a president should be doing. [ cheers and applause ] and first and foremost on behalf of the president, i want to thank all the first responders throughout this country. you know, there are folks from all over america heading to my part of the world to the east coast to help now. they're coming from all over. >> well, mitt romney and paul ryan have canceled all of their campaign events tomorrow and at their last event in ohio romney asked people to help if they can. >> i want to mention that our hearts and prayers are with all the people in the storm's path. sandy is another devastating hurricane by all accounts and a lot of people are going to be facing some real tough times as a result of sandy's fury and so if you have the capacity to make