Christie: I Did Not Embrace Obama

A day after President Barack Obama earned reelection, Governor Chris Christie dismissed critics who have accused him of bolstering the president during Obama's post-Sandy visit to New Jersey.

“I wouldn't call what I did an embrace of Barack Obama," Christie said. "I'm a guy who tells the truth all the time and if the President of the United States did a good job, I’m going to say he did a good job."

Speaking to reporters as Winter Storm Athena prepared to batter the already storm-shocked state, Christie was also quick to dismiss speculation of a 2016 presidential run, saying that the life and death issues inherent with back-to-back storms have made politics a minor focus for now.

“I've got a job to do in New Jersey. My future, whatever it is will take care of itself. I'm honored to be the governor of New Jersey,” he said.

The continuing questions about whether Christie had an effect on the Presidential race came one day after he dismissed rumors that he had turned down an opportunity to campaign for presidential Mitt Romney in Pennsylvania.

Appearing at a school in Westwood, he said the story had been spread by "know-nothing, disgruntled Romney staffers who don't like that I said nice things about the President of the United States."

Christie said that he had spoken with Romney before Sandy hit the state last week and that Romney had asked him to join him at an event. Christie told Romney that he would not be able to help if Sandy caused serious damage.

"Those who fear that they may be blamed if things don't go well look for other people to blame," Christie said.

Christie said he had voted for Romney Tuesday morning.

Christie warned Wednesday that Athena could knock out power and cause additional flooding.

“We may take a setback in the next 24 hours. You need to be prepared for that,” Christie said during a press conference at Long Beach Island.

Power outages may increase during the storm, which is set to bring a heavy, wet snow and wind gusts as high as 55 mph to the state.

However, the governor was hopeful the pause in recovery efforts would be brief. He noted 11,000 utility workers remain in the state and the clear weekend forecast would allow the recovery push to continue in earnest.

“I appreciate that we’re all tired,” Christie said. “I want to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.”