U.S. President Barack Obama got a first-hand look at some of the damage from Hurricane Irene. On Sunday Obama walked the streets of flood stricken New Jersey, where he assessed the damage and offered assurances to residents. As a group of people gathered round him in the streets he pledged his support. U.S. President Barack Obama said, "I know it's a hard time right now. You guys hang in there. We'll do everything we can to help you." Obama was joined by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a budget-cutting Republican who has bucked some of his party by calling for federal help. U.S. President Barack Obama said, "As President of the U.S. I want to make it very clear that we will meet our obligations. " Irene cut a swathe of destruction from North Carolina to Vermont and was blamed for at least 40 deaths. Economic losses have been estimated at more than $10 billion.