US President Barack Obama's re-election bid could be helped by superstorm Sandy because people look to leaders during times of emergency, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani says.
Obama has suspended campaigning in the lead-up to the November 6 poll as he returns to Washington DC to oversee the national response to Sandy.
His rival, Republican candidate Mitt Romney, has also slowed down his efforts in the race for the White House.
Giuliani, a former Republican presidential candidate who is in Sydney to speak at the Property Council's annual conference, told reporters Obama's campaign might receive a boost simply because he was leading the nation during the emergency.
However, he said the real question wouldn't be who is be better at handling a national disaster, but who was best for the economy.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I think ultimately the American people are going to decide this based on ... who is better to guide us during these economic difficulties," he said.
