The University of Miami was part of a crucial day for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. It was the second stop following the Hurricane Sandy campaign hiatus. Romney spent Wednesday traveling Florida with a who's who of Florida Republicans that included Senator Marco Rubio and former Governor Jeb Bush.
In a state uniquely associated with hurricanes, at a university nicknamed "the hurricanes", former Governor Mitt Romney dealt with the hurricane in the room: how will he switch from a sensitive public figure dealing with Hurricane Sandy back to stump speeches and political barbs.
"We come together in times of trial and this is one of those times for millions of people in our country", said Romney.
Romney tip-toed around the issue of federal relief during times of disaster. He never once mentioned FEMA. Instead Romney encouraged people to give what they could to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.
Romney said, "Do your very best in your prayers, in your thoughts and with your funds if you can. And uh..."
And then, the political pivot.
Romney said, "And in six days there's some other things I'd like you to do."
With that, the Romney campaign was back on the trail extolling the virtues of small business, energy independence and bold action against Iran.
Romney spoke for more than 20 minutes to a crowd of a few thousand, including Onix Delafe, a small business owner from Southwest Ranches. Delafe was pleased with how Romney handled the transition back to politics.
"He asked for donations. Prayers”, Delafe said. “But at the same time, the same thing Obama's doing, he's trying to rally. That's what he's here for.”
Gustavo Delafe, a recent college graduate and Onix's son, added, "I think the message that Romney was trying to promote was that of a free society that we do have the ability and we do have the heart of American people to be able to use our own dollars to give to those less fortunate."
Perhaps the first sign of recovery after superstorm Sandy, is when the politicians get back to politics as usual.