Obama Presses on After Final Debate
CLEVELAND -- Barack Obama is back on the campaign trail today, on the day after his final debate with Hillary Clinton before next Tuesday's primaries. Campaign staffers believe Obama's performance last night was strong, but maintain that he must continue to reach out to voters in order secure the nomination.
For months, the campaign has argued that despite debates and endorsements, voters gravitate to Obama once they get to know him.
"She is better known in many parts of the community, so it's very important for me to talk to voters directly in town hall meetings, in round tables, taking tours of plants," Obama told reporters at a press conference earlier in the week.
"She may feel that that's not necessary, but I think it's very important that voters directly have a chance to lift the hood and kick the tires and get a better sense of what my candidacy stands for."
Former NFL running back Eddie George will join Obama at a rally at Ohio State University this morning, where Obama will continue to court college-aged voters. He heads to Texas in the afternoon where he is expected to address the economy and jobs.
Obama will remain in Texas through the end of the week, where his campaign says he is making a "big push" over the next three days. The campaign hopes to secure as many votes as possible by Friday, the last day of early voting in the state.
"Early voting is just one of the ways we can encourage our supporters to take part in the Texas primary," Jen Psaki, traveling press secretary, said.
"A vote on Thursday or Friday counts the same as a vote on Tuesday and it provides some flexibility so that students, mothers, working people can take part despite the constant demands of real life."