Obama to supporters: Vote early, just like me

Near the end of his two-day campaign blitz through six swing states, President Obama today will make a pit stop in Chicago to cast his ballot in the presidential race. Mr. Obama will be the first sitting president to vote early in person, and in doing so he is aiming to set an example for his supporters. Both the president and rival Mitt Romney are racing through battleground states in the final weeks of the election seeking not just to win over voters but -- in states with early voting -- to convince them to vote before November 6.

Early voting has grown more popular in each recent election cycle, and this year should account for at least one third of the ballots cast, according to CBS News polling unit estimates. In 2008, when Mr. Obama decisively won a number of swing states, some polling experts said they knew he had won a week before the election because of early voting results.

Polls suggest a closer race this year, and that bears out in the early voting results available so far. While more Democrats have voted in a few key states, Republicans have the edge in others.

• Campaign 2012: complete coverage

Obama campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters Wednesday that Mr. Obama is "pounding the pavement" during his two-day trip "because he feels this is a pivotal time, and every single extra doorknob, every single extra phone call could make all the difference in what we think will be a razor-thin election." Early voting, she said, "is a big priority for us."

The Romney campaign, meanwhile, argues that its "unprecedented" on-the-ground efforts are producing impressive early voting results. While it may be behind in a number of states now, the campaign says it will gain ground.

"Past trends in Iowa, North Carolina, and Nevada show that Republicans turn out for early voting in greater numbers as we get closer to Election Day," Rick Wiley, political director for the Republican National Committee, said in a memo Wednesday. "We've seen that already in Iowa and Ohio, and we are seeing the same trend develop again this year in North Carolina and Nevada, meaning the Republican advantage will grow in coming days. Moreover, our superior ground game and organization will continue to drive Republicans to vote early right up to Election Day."

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[jwardly8]

Vote early before more of my poop hits the fan... hehe then I can overwrite congress again and give another 1.5 billion to muslim brotherhood probably more this time I got nothing to lose hehe... or my good friend Oil tycoon Kaiser who graciously donated to my 2008 campaign, I will give him another 528 million to help His company Solyndra.. hurry vote... I will tear this country apart piece by piece... after all like I said and Michelle said in the video in kenya ...KENYA s Obama's homeland,... I am happy to be home, well go home you bum get out of our house

[DavidMoolten]

Now, more than ever the votes of fair minded people are essential, and that vote should be for Obama. So go vote. Vote for justice, accountability, a man who says what he means and does what he says. Vote for what is decent and right for America, all of America. Vote for the man who will stand up for women's rights, for equal rights, for equal pay, and the chance for a good life for all Americans, not just the wealthy. Vote for the future, for technology and education and a decent world for our children. If you think deeply and unselfishly you will see Obama is not only the better choice, but that he is truly special. You likely won't see the likes of a statesman of Obama's caliber again in your lifetime. In their own time most of the great presidents from both parties have been tested by events, and many faced a challenging path to election-- Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, Kennedy. Obama will be compared by history to such men. Look at his steady hand in foreign policy. Getting the job done with Bin Laden. Ending wars successfully rather than starting them recklessly. Effective and respected when working with world leaders. Look at his courage in taking the difficult path with healthcare—so badly in need of change. Look at his foresight in moving America towards clean energy, and away from dependency on foreign oil, and environmental damage from fossil fuels. Take the long view, the unselfish view, the righteous and patriotic view. Vote for Obama.

[HAMPSHIRE238]

R U NUT'Z?????

[Verascity]

My whole family has already voted - and NOT for the "we're going control everyone with our version of religion" Republicans.

[mikesfilms]

Pie in the Sky. Romney desperate last days of campaign. Promising jobs (12 million) and indiscriminate wealth to everybody including the 47% of Americans he savaged behind closed doors for paying no taxes. And he'll do it all lowering the Rich Tax. Greatest 2-face politician in History.

[WYATTBUCHANAN]

Our nation gave us the right/privilege to vote. If we do not vote, our opinions would not be heard. This is because our politicians represent their constituents and express the people's opinions. If we abuse our right of voting the politicians could not speak for us and once again, as stated before, the politicians would get too comfortable with not having to answer to us.

Voting in political elections is not a right, nor is it a privilege. Then what is it? I contend that it is a grave responsibility.

Everyone must make every attempt to get to the polls and cast your vote. Electing the men and women who represent us in city, county and national government is nothing to be taken lightly. When it gets right down to it, anything less than a 100-percent turnout shows a level of apathy that simply should not exist. Not that we unrealistically expect a 100-percent turnout. You won't find that in any municipality across the nation. Sadly, there will always be people who will not participate in the important tasks and decisions of their community.

But as they say if you don't vote, shut up, you don't have a voice to complain when things don't go the way you want.

[empirebuilder]

Obama wants everyone to vote early before more emails are exposed on the Benghazi fiasco, lousy economic news and forecasts and his waning popularity and credabilty take a another broadside

[ManOfSteel-Velvet]

A friendly reminder:

Protest against Republican politicians and their policies in this news forums or others won't change reality on the ground.

Talk is cheap but actions are priceless! Please get out and vote!

If you are patriotic, truly love your families and concern about your children's and your grand children's future, then please go out and vote.

let's deny this used car salesman Mitt Romney the presidency and evict all backward, stupid, anti-science, anti-women Republicans out of office.

Let's re-elect President Obama and vote in Democrats so we can retain control of the Senate and regain the control of the House. This one action of yours will have more impact than all of your writings combined!

Thanks for reading.