Obama, Christie Rekindle a Political Friendship

President Obama today reunited with one of his biggest political pals of last year as he and New Jersey's Chris Christie did a post-hurricane tour of the Jersey Shore. Obama's big quote, as per the Star-Ledger:

• “We understand there’s still a lot of work to be done. There are homes to rebuild. There are businesses to reopen. ... But thanks to the hard work of an awful lot of people, we’ve got wonderful shops and restaurants and arcades that are opening their doors. ... America, bring your family and friends. Spend a little money on the Jersey Shore.”

The New York Times recalls that both men took grief from within their own parties after their close ties last year following Hurricane Sandy. But Obama got a big boost from a key Republican, and Christie's approval ratings went through the roof ahead of his own re-election bid. "The benefits of the political fellowship clearly outweigh the costs," concludes Michael D. Shear. (More President Obama stories.)