Trump: Sandy will help Obama 'a lot'

NEW YORK, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. real estate executive Donald Trump said Thursday Barack Obama's handling of the response to Hurricane Sandy is a boost for the president's campaign.

During an appearance Thursday on CNBC's "Closing Bell," Trump -- who has campaigned for Republican nominee Mitt Romney -- said coverage of the storm's aftermath, with images of Obama consoling people who have been affected by the storm, are likely to help Obama win the election Tuesday.

"I think it would have absolutely been Mitt Romney except for the hurricane," said Trump. "I think the hurricane has had a profound effect and it's going to help President Obama a lot.

"It's a big boost for the president," Trump said. "It shouldn't be necessarily, but it is."

Trump at one point during the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination came out on top in preference polls among Republicans, but he ultimately decided against running.