Obama tours New Jersey coast to inspect Hurricane Sandy recovery

WASHINGTON, May 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday toured the New Jersey coast to inspect the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, two days after a trip to tornado-hit Oklahoma.

Obama visited the U.S. state of New Jersey in the company of Governor Chris Christie. Speaking to a crowd of over 3,000 at Asbury Park, Obama stressed that rebuilding efforts in such a storm-ravaged region were not measured in weeks or months, but in years.

"So let's have some good times on the New Jersey Shore this summer. And next summer and the summer after that, and all year long, America, bring your family and friends. Spend a little money on the Jersey Shore," said the president, adding that the place was "as special as ever" even after "a tough couple of months."

"Part of the reason I wanted to come back here was not just to send a message to New Jersey, but send a message to folks in Oklahoma: When we make a commitment that we've got your back, we mean it," said Obama.

Obama traveled to the Oklahoma City area, the capital of the state of Oklahoma on Sunday to visit affected victims and communities. A massive tornado blasted Moore, the southern suburbs of Oklahoma City metropolitan area last Monday, and killed over 20 people.

The duo of Obama and Christie toured the affected communities in New Jersey nearly seven months ago amid the closing days of the presidential campaign, shortly after the region was devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

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