but he avoided questions about his previous stance on the role of fema. meanwhile president obama stayed in washington to visit the red cross and attend briefings, coordinate governors and utility ceos. i think he has handled it well. reporter: either a compassionate decision or calculated one depending on who was calling into ron verb s radio show in youngstown, ohio. you are on the air, nick, go ahead, please. where was he when it happened in benghazi. four people died. he flew to las vegas. he learned his lesson, that s all. reporter: one republican s mind that seemed to change at least for now. governor chris christie. i want to thank the president personally for his personal attention to this. reporter: obama will be with christie in new jersey. and sandy will be in canada. and what it all means for the election is still destined to be a november surprise. i m bill weir in youngstown, ohio. announcer: world news now continues after this from our