To some extent voters "reward" an incumbent for doing something good for them. Many of the auto workers in Ohio and their families might lean Romney but vote for Obama because of the auto bail out. The group once known as "Reagan Democrats" because of their conservative social views, likely feel not only more confident that Obama will protect their jobs, but also that they "owe" him their vote because he saved the auto industry. Romney, they know, would have let it fail.
So as so many retirees from New York and New Jersey now consider who to vote for it Florida, one can't help but think they might be leaning to Obama as they watch him work with FEMA to competently handle the relief efforts that are protecting their friends and families in New York and New Jersey. As they watch events unfold from the safety of their gated communities, the impulse I think would be to say "Good man. Don't come down here to campaign while rescue and relief work is needed there." "Romney, didn't he want to privatize relief efforts?"
Obama's work is not going to affect the elections in New York or New Jersey, but Florida looks again to be razor thin and his work to save the northern states may increase his standing in the south. Of couse the increase should not be much, but the race is so close it could make a difference.