On January 20, 2013, a new presidential term will begin. But who will take the Oath of Office? Will it be President Barack Obama for another four years or a new President, Mitt Romney? On Tuesday, November 6, Americans will vote to determine the answer to that question.
According to nationwide polls, Obama and Romney are locked in a tight presidential race. In the days leading up to the election, both candidates traveled around the country, making speeches and trying to win over undecided voters.
Swinging by the Swing States
In many states, where citizens have largely voted Democratic or Republican in the past, it is possible to predict which candidate will most likely receive the majority of votes. But there are several states where the outcome is too close to call. These are known as swing states or battleground states, and they are very important in determining the winner of the election.
Since these states are considered to be up for grabs, the candidates have spent the final days of their campaigns trying to win over voters there. On Monday, Obama was scheduled to visit Wisconsin, Ohio and Iowa. Romney planned to spend the day making stops in Florida, Virginia, Ohio and New Hampshire.
The Final Plea
Republican candidate Romney promised voters that if elected, he would work closely with Democratic lawmakers. "On November 6, we're going to come together for a better future,” he told a crowd in Iowa on Sunday. “I'll reach across the aisle to people in the other party because this time demands bringing America together."
Obama, the Democratic candidate, also promised to focus on cooperation. "As long as I'm President, I will work with anybody of any party to move this country forward," he told voters in New Hampshire on Sunday.
While Obama worked to convince voters that he needed four more years to finish the job he started in 2008, Romney tried to show that a vote for him is a vote for change. Both candidates say this year’s winner will be determined by which of their campaigns can get the most supporters to the polls. “It’s going to be a turnout election,” said Obama.
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