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Just days before the election, a new ad pulls no punches in making the case that the presidential candidates' response to Hurricane Sandy reveals a core difference: President Obama's leadership during this national crisis has been strong and steadfast, but Mitt Romney has continued to try to obscure his extreme views, including statements about making radical cuts to FEMA.

In this week's address, President Obama thanks the brave first responders and National Guardsmen for their tireless work following one of the worst storms in our nation's history, and reassures the millions of Americans affected by Hurricane Sandy that their country will be there for them during the long road to recovery.

President Obama discusses on going cleanup and recovery efforts along the East Coast in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. November 3, 2012.

America has come too far to turn back now, and as the President reminded voters in Springfield, Ohio earlier today, there's still more work to do. That's why President Obama is fighting for the change that gets folks back to work and strengthens the middle class by making smart investments in energy, education and training, growing small businesses, promoting technology and innovation, and reducing the deficit in a balanced, bipartisan way.

As recovery and clean up begins along much of the East Coast, we know that people across the country are asking what they can do to offer to aid their fellow Americans.

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, with the arrival of the historic Super Storm Sandy, the President worked alongside FEMA officials and the American Red Cross, addressed the nation and federal agencies on emergency preparedness and recovery, and visited with some of those affected by the storm.

Today, at a grassroots event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, President Obama laid out the closing argument he will make to the American people in the final days of the election. The President is fighting for the same things he's always believed and run on -- that this country cannot succeed without a growing, thriving middle class.

In the decade before President Obama took office, middle-class security was undercut by the same top-down, failed economic policies that Mitt Romney is now promoting. While Romney thinks that means 'change,' the President will continue to move our country forward to real change that boosts the middle class and creates a stronger future for all Americans.

President Obama tours a New Jersey neighborhood that was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. October 31, 2012.

The President discusses relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. October 30, 2012.

This is a serious storm, but we are going to do what it takes to keep people safe and secure, and make sure the communities affected get the assistance they need. FEMA is working with state and local governments to respond effectively. We all owe a debt of thanks to the first responders who will be dealing with the immediate impact of the storm.

If you live in the storm's path, please listen to state and local authorities about where and how to take shelter and stay safe -- and encourage your friends and family to do the same. If you are asked to evacuate, please take that seriously.

For more information on how to prepare for this storm, visit Ready.gov.

And if you'd like to find out how to support relief efforts where they're needed most, please visit the Red Cross or your local relief organization:

http://my.barackobama.com/Red-Cross

Michelle and I are keeping everyone in the affected areas in our thoughts and prayers. Be safe.

Barack