Chris Christie actually said...

I cannot thank the president enough for his personal concern and compassion for our state and for the people of our state.

I was on the phone again last night with the president personally. He has expedited the designation of New Jersey as a major disaster area. ...

It is beyond anything I thought I would ever see.

We're at a moment now where evacuation is no longer possible, and we will no longer be able to come and rescue people.