12 years ago
One day after his surprisingly comfortable re-election, a triumphant President Barack Obama headed back to the White House and divided government on Wednesday with little time left for a compromise with Republicans to avert spending cuts and tax increases that threaten a new recession. (Read now)
Here's the assignment President Barack Obama has won with his re-election: Improve an economy burdened by high unemployment, stagnant pay, a European financial crisis, slowing global growth and U.S. companies still too anxious to expand much. And, oh yes, an economy that risks sinking into another recession if Congress can't reach a budget deal to avert tax increases and deep spending cuts starting in January.
After his loss to President Barack Obama on Tuesday, Mitt Romney will have to chart a different course. The initial plan is to spend time with his family. Romney has five adult sons and 18 grandchildren; a 19th is on the way. His wife, Ann, recently said her husband absolutely will not run again for president. If he did, it would be his third time.
Donald Trump has deleted some of the Twitter tirade he posted following President Barack Obama's re-election, and added new critiques of NBC's Brian Williams. (Read now)
Congrats to @barackobama winning 2nd term. Hope all parties can find common ground & move forward. Historic opportunities lay ahead for US
- Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) November 7, 2012
Barack Obama should have been the star of his victory address on Wednesday, but a mystery "Hair flag lady" standing behind the US president stole the limelight. (Read more)
Rate Barack Obama's victory speech here
Watch Barack Obama's victory speech
Watch Barack Obama's victory speech
AP Video: President Obama greets thousands of supporters in Chicago: apne.ws/TKzwQC #election2012 -RAS
Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan has said that Barack Obama's first term in office had been "very tough on Pakistan -- an increase in drone attacks and a surge in Afghanistan and increased militancy in Pakistan as a result."
"Now he (Obama) is no longer under the pressure to be re-elected we hope that he will give peace a chance which we so desperately need," he said. (Read more)
"Now he (Obama) is no longer under the pressure to be re-elected we hope that he will give peace a chance which we so desperately need," he said. (Read more)
Oh yay we can still hold our head up high in front of the world! Congrats to our President @barackobama #Election2012
- Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) November 7, 2012
Bill Clinton was the first person President Obama called after receiving concession call from Mitt Romney, campaign official says - @NBCNews
Pakistan's president Zardari congratulates Obama
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated his US counterpart Barack Obama on his re-election Wednesday, saying he was confident relations would "continue to prosper". The fractious friends lurched from crisis to crisis in 2011, first over a CIA contractor who shot dead two people in the eastern city of Lahore, then over the US raid that found and killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, and finally over botched air strikes that killed 24 Pakistani border guards.
"President Asif Ali Zardari has warmly felicitated President Barack Obama on his reelection as the President of the United States of America. The President expressed the hope that the relationship between Pakistan and the US would continue to prosper during President Obama's new term in office." a statement from Mr Zardari's office said.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated his US counterpart Barack Obama on his re-election Wednesday, saying he was confident relations would "continue to prosper". The fractious friends lurched from crisis to crisis in 2011, first over a CIA contractor who shot dead two people in the eastern city of Lahore, then over the US raid that found and killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, and finally over botched air strikes that killed 24 Pakistani border guards.
"President Asif Ali Zardari has warmly felicitated President Barack Obama on his reelection as the President of the United States of America. The President expressed the hope that the relationship between Pakistan and the US would continue to prosper during President Obama's new term in office." a statement from Mr Zardari's office said.
Obama had invoked Gandhi while seeking re-election
Barack Obama, who was re-elected as US President today, had invoked the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela while appealing to donors for help in seeking a second term, arguing he needs "time" to achieve true change just like they did. At a campaign fundraiser in New York City in March this year, Obama, the first black American to occupy the White House, cast his candidacy for re-election in historical terms.
"The civil rights movement was hard. Winning the vote for women was hard. Making sure that workers had some basic protections was hard," Obama had said. "Around the world, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, what they did was hard. It takes time. It takes more than a single term. It takes more than a single president. It takes more than a single individual," he said while talking about how difficult it is to bring about 'change' in politics.
Barack Obama, who was re-elected as US President today, had invoked the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela while appealing to donors for help in seeking a second term, arguing he needs "time" to achieve true change just like they did. At a campaign fundraiser in New York City in March this year, Obama, the first black American to occupy the White House, cast his candidacy for re-election in historical terms.
"The civil rights movement was hard. Winning the vote for women was hard. Making sure that workers had some basic protections was hard," Obama had said. "Around the world, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, what they did was hard. It takes time. It takes more than a single term. It takes more than a single president. It takes more than a single individual," he said while talking about how difficult it is to bring about 'change' in politics.
Obama's victory speech was magnificent, while Romney's was gracious and worthy of a man who might have been President.
News Update
Obama's got 50% and Romney 48% of the popular vote- 58 million to 56 million.
Florida's results yet to come in
Democrats solidify their Senate rule but Republicans will still run House in 2nd Obama term: apne.ws/TK7wfT #Election2012
- The Associated Press (@AP) November 7, 2012
Britain prime minister urges newly re-elected Obama to do more to end civil war in Syria: apne.ws/TKahhk - VW
- The Associated Press (@AP) November 7, 2012
'For now, one dog is enough'
During his victory speech, President Barack Obama today joked with his two daughters, Sasha and Malia, that one dog was enough for them, even as he acknowledged their contribution and support in his successful re-election bid. "And I'm so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now one dog's probably enough," Obama said amidst laughter.
During his victory speech, President Barack Obama today joked with his two daughters, Sasha and Malia, that one dog was enough for them, even as he acknowledged their contribution and support in his successful re-election bid. "And I'm so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now one dog's probably enough," Obama said amidst laughter.
PM congratulates President Barack Obama
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has congratulated President Barack Obama on his re-election as the next President of the United States. In his message to President Obama the Prime Minister has said that "Your mandate gives you a historic opportunity to continue to work for the welfare of the American people as also for global peace and progress at an admittedly difficult juncture, not just for the U.S., but indeed for the world at large."
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has congratulated President Barack Obama on his re-election as the next President of the United States. In his message to President Obama the Prime Minister has said that "Your mandate gives you a historic opportunity to continue to work for the welfare of the American people as also for global peace and progress at an admittedly difficult juncture, not just for the U.S., but indeed for the world at large."
Obama's victory speech: I return to the White House more determined and wiser
Barack Obama was re-elected president of the United States on Tuesday, overcoming powerful economic headwinds, a lock-step resistance to his agenda by Republicans in Congress and an unprecedented torrent of advertising as a divided nation voted to give him more time.
Barack Obama was re-elected president of the United States on Tuesday, overcoming powerful economic headwinds, a lock-step resistance to his agenda by Republicans in Congress and an unprecedented torrent of advertising as a divided nation voted to give him more time.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh congratulates President@barackobama on his re-election: "We look forward to working with you."
- Dr Manmohan Singh (@PMOIndia) November 7, 2012
In his victory speech in Chicago after winning a second four-year term as US President, Barack Obama thanked his supporters and promised them that "the best is yet to come." Here are the highlights of what he said:
- The task of perfecting our union moves forward
- We are an American family, we rise & fall together
- America, the best is yet to come
- I congratulate Governor Romney
- I plan to sit with Mitt Romney, see how we can work together
- I wouldn't have been the man I am without the woman I married
- Thank you for believing, you lifted me up all the way
- Arguments in democracy are a mark of liberty
- Despite our differences, we have the same hopes
- Whether I've earned your vote or not, I listened to you
- Plan to meet leaders from both parties, we have work to do
- I have never been more hopeful about America
- I believe we can build on the progress we have made
- It doesn't matter who you are, you can make it here in America
- Let me say this publicly - Michelle I have never loved you more
- Sasha and Malia - you are growing up to become strong women just like your mom
- Want to thank America's happy warrior - the best vice-president one can ever ask for - Joe Biden
- The best...best ever campaign team...all of you are family. No matter what you do or where you go, you will carry the memory of the history we made together
- We want our kids to live in a country with access to best schools and best education
- We want to pass on a country that is safe and respected around the world, a nation defended by the strongest military, a country that moves with confidence to shape peace
- Progress will come in fits and starts
- Our economy is recovered, a decade of war is ending and a long campaign is over
- Whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you and you have made me a better President
- I return to the White House more determined and wiser
- Tonight, you voted for action, not politics as usual
- We have the most powerful military but that is not what makes us strong
- What makes us great is the belief in our common destiny
- I believe that we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggest
- We are more than a collection of red states and blue states and we will be forever the United States of America
this photo says about all that needs to be said about the mood @ romney hq right now. pic.twitter.com/3rBi9yVD
Mitt Romney conceded defeat and congratulated Barack Obama. Here are the highlights of what he said in his concession speech:
- 'I just called President Obama to congratulate him'
- 'I thank my wife. She would have made a wonderful First Lady'
- 'Our leaders have to reach across aisles to make things work'
- 'Hope Obama will be able to overcome challenges facing America'
- 'Ran for office because I was concerned about America'
Michelle Obama tweeted this message after husband's win:
More than anything, I want to thank you all for everything. I am so grateful to every one of you for your support and your prayers.-mo
- Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) November 7, 2012
Four more years. twitter.com/BarackObama/st...
- Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 7, 2012
US President Barack Obama was re-elected on Tuesday, television networks projected -- only the second time in several decades that a Democrat has won a second term in the White House.
Obama wins crucial states of Iowa and Ohio, reports US media.
We're all in this together. That's how we campaigned, and that's who we are. Thank you. -bo
Mitt Romney on Tuesday narrowly won North Carolina, picking up one of the battleground states carried by President Barack Obama in 2008, US television networks projected.
Just in: Romney wins Arizona
President's motorcade just left Obama family home in Kenwood/Hyde Park
More than anything, I want to thank you all for everything. I am so grateful to every one of you for your support and your prayers. -mo
Via BBC's @katedailey: Early polls suggest women outvoting men- & #Mourdock and #Akin, infamous for rape gaffes, lose Senate races
- BBC News US(@BBCNewsUS) November 7, 2012
.@twitter: "With 20 million tweets, Election Day just became the most tweeted about event in US political history."
- ABC World News (@ABCWorldNews) November 7, 2012
President Barack Obama defeated Republican challenger Mitt Romney in the crucial battleground of New Hampshire, US television networks projected.
Here is a tally of partial results from Tuesday's US presidential election, based on projections by US networks, with Virginia and Ohio too close to call. (Courtesy: AFP)
OBAMA
=====
Connecticut 7
Delaware 3
Illinois 20
Maryland 10
Massachusetts 11
Maine 4
Michigan 16
New Jersey 14
New York 29
Pennsylvania 20
Rhode Island 4
Vermont 3
Washington, DC 3
Wisconsin 10
Romney
======
Alabama 9
Arkansas 6
Georgia 16
Indiana 11
Kansas 6
Kentucky 8
Louisiana 8
Mississippi 6
North Dakota 3
Nebraska 5
Oklahoma 7
South Carolina 9
South Dakota 3
Tennessee 11
Texas 38
West Virginia 5
Wyoming 3
TOTAL
Romney -- 154
Obama -- 154
RESULTS STILL PENDING
Toss-Up States
==============
Colorado 9
Florida 29
Iowa 6
Missouri 10
Nevada 6
New Hampshire 4
North Carolina 15
Ohio 18
Virginia 13
Projected Republican States
====================
Arizona 11
Alaska 3
Idaho 4
Montana 3
Nebraska 5
Utah 6
Projected Democratic States
====================
California 55
Hawaii 4
New Mexico 5
Oregon 7
Washington 12
OBAMA
=====
Connecticut 7
Delaware 3
Illinois 20
Maryland 10
Massachusetts 11
Maine 4
Michigan 16
New Jersey 14
New York 29
Pennsylvania 20
Rhode Island 4
Vermont 3
Washington, DC 3
Wisconsin 10
Romney
======
Alabama 9
Arkansas 6
Georgia 16
Indiana 11
Kansas 6
Kentucky 8
Louisiana 8
Mississippi 6
North Dakota 3
Nebraska 5
Oklahoma 7
South Carolina 9
South Dakota 3
Tennessee 11
Texas 38
West Virginia 5
Wyoming 3
TOTAL
Romney -- 154
Obama -- 154
RESULTS STILL PENDING
Toss-Up States
==============
Colorado 9
Florida 29
Iowa 6
Missouri 10
Nevada 6
New Hampshire 4
North Carolina 15
Ohio 18
Virginia 13
Projected Republican States
====================
Arizona 11
Alaska 3
Idaho 4
Montana 3
Nebraska 5
Utah 6
Projected Democratic States
====================
California 55
Hawaii 4
New Mexico 5
Oregon 7
Washington 12
Gov and @anndromney having a great time with the grandkids. twitter.com/dgjackson/stat...
- Mitt's Body Man (@dgjackson) November 7, 2012
Romney failed to win Michigan, his home state where his father served as Governor.
President Barack Obama on Tuesday won the battleground state of Wisconsin, depriving Mitt Romney of a key target that could help him win the White House, US television networks projected.
Indiana is the only state (so far) that Obama won the last time and has gone for Romney now.
NDTV's Sarah Jacob reports that Barack Obama has won Pennsylvania. This makes Romney's race to White House looking tighter - he needs to win Virginia and Florida.
The Gov's last peanut butter and honey sandwich aboard Air Romney. Would love to know how many we ate over time twitter.com/dgjackson/stat...
- Mitt's Body Man (@dgjackson) November 6, 2012
The Associated Press race call: Mitt Romney wins Georgia, Tennessee.
Associated Press race call: Obama wins Illinois, Connecticut, Maine, District of Columbia, Delaware, Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts; Romney wins Oklahoma
NDTV's Sarah Jacob reports Barack Obama wins Governor Mitt Romney's Massachusetts.
Note about South Carolina, projected for Romney. It's one of six states Pres Obama has never visited as President.
- Mark Knoller (@markknoller) November 7, 2012
The Associated Press race call: Romney wins West Virginia.
Twitter has reached 10 million tweets regarding today's election and is holding steady at 30,000 tweets a minute.via @fredgraver /@gov
The Associated Press race call: Obama wins Vermont; Romney wins Kentucky.
On final flight of 2012 campaign, Romney told us he has only written one speech for tonight: "a victory speech." "It's about 1,118 words."
I feel like we put it all on the field. We left nothing in the locker room, says Mitt Romney
Just a handful of votes could decide this election. Confirm your polling place and go vote now: OFA.BO/QWJej5 #ElectionDay2012
- Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 6, 2012
Preliminary results of an exit poll conducted for The Associated Press show that the presidential election hinges once again on the economy. The survey of voters as they leave polling places on Tuesday shows 6 in 10 voters say the economy is the top issue facing the nation, with unemployment and rising prices hitting voters hard.
The close race between Obama and Romney raises the prospect of a disputed outcome similar to the 2000 election, which ended with a US Supreme Court decision favoring George W Bush over Al Gore after legal challenges to the close vote in Florida. Both the Romney and Obama campaigns have assembled legal teams to deal with possible voting problems, challenges or recounts.
World stock markets rose on Tuesday as American voters went to the polls, with the US presidential election keeping trade subdued while the euro held steady despite uncertainty over Greece's next financial aid payment.
Roseville Bakeryin Roseville, Minn. has been selling Obama and Romney cookies and tallying sales as part of a decidedly unscientific cookie poll. Roseville Bakery owner Amy Johnson says she's done her cookie poll in the past two elections, and it correctly predicted the winner both times.
We can't afford four more years like the last. Vote today to ensure that the future will be better than the past mi.tt/UtXKer
- Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) November 6, 2012
Poll problems are cropping up in spots around US. One Florida elections office mistakenly told voters in robocalls the election was on Wednesday. In Philadelphia, the Republican Party said 75 legally credentialed voting inspectors were blocked from polling places in the heavily Democratic city. In central Pennsylvania, officials said the voting machine that switched a person's vote from Obama to Romney has been recalibrated and is back in service.
People fill out ballots against a wall as other voters crowd an apartment building hallway as they wait to enter a temporary polling station in New York.
Romney 'running on fumes' on Election Day
Mitt Romney is said to be "running on fumes" as he campaigns in Ohio on Election Day. The Republican presidential candidate paid a brief visit to a Cleveland-area campaign office and said Tuesday is quote, "a big day for change." Joining Romney was running mate Paul Ryan. The pair then stopped for lunch at Wendy's, where Romney ordered a quarter-pounder, chili and a Frosty.
Mitt Romney is said to be "running on fumes" as he campaigns in Ohio on Election Day. The Republican presidential candidate paid a brief visit to a Cleveland-area campaign office and said Tuesday is quote, "a big day for change." Joining Romney was running mate Paul Ryan. The pair then stopped for lunch at Wendy's, where Romney ordered a quarter-pounder, chili and a Frosty.
"Why you can't vote with your iPhone" yhoo.it/Vz4P2R Because then Angry Birds would be president.
- Ben Greenman (@bengreenman) November 6, 2012
A guest poses for a photo with a cutaway board depicting US President and Democratic party candidate Barack Obama during the Election Night reception at the US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul's residence Spaso House in Moscow
Election Day is here! Confirm your polling place and bring a friend with you to vote. OFA.BO/8QHTRN, twitter.com/BarackObama/st...
- Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 6, 2012
President Barack Obama makes a phone call to a volunteer from a campaign office in Chicago
Mother-to-be casts vote en route to delivery room
Nothing was going to stop first-time voter Galicia Malone from casting her ballot in Tuesday's US elections - not even the imminent birth of her first child. The 21-year-old from Dolton, Illinois, a suburb of President Barack Obama's adopted hometown Chicago, had been in labour since the middle of the night, with contractions five minutes apart. But she insisted en route to hospital on stopping at her local polling station -- the aptly named New Life Celebration Church - to cast her ballot.
Nothing was going to stop first-time voter Galicia Malone from casting her ballot in Tuesday's US elections - not even the imminent birth of her first child. The 21-year-old from Dolton, Illinois, a suburb of President Barack Obama's adopted hometown Chicago, had been in labour since the middle of the night, with contractions five minutes apart. But she insisted en route to hospital on stopping at her local polling station -- the aptly named New Life Celebration Church - to cast her ballot.
Me voting--- it really is my hair! fb.me/20J4X5Iva
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2012
The elecoral College explained
Eighty-six days after Paul Ryan was introduced as Mitt Romney's running mate, the Republican vice presidential candidate returned to his home state of Wisconsin late on Monday night, putting an end to a marathon stretch of campaigning with one final rally. "We were in Nevada. We were in Iowa. We were in Ohio. We were in Colorado," the Wisconsin congressman said, checking off the day's stops before his arrival in the state, "but it is really great to be back here in Packer land, God's country, back here in Wisconsin," Mr Ryan said.
ROMNEY'S BALLOT
"I think you know," Mitt Romney says. The question: Who did he vote for?
Romney has just cast his ballot in the presidential election.
His wife, Ann, was at his side when the pair cast their ballots near their Belmont home a little before 9 am. The Republican presidential candidate returns to Boston on Tuesday night for an Election Day reception at the Boston Convention Center.
"I think you know," Mitt Romney says. The question: Who did he vote for?
Romney has just cast his ballot in the presidential election.
His wife, Ann, was at his side when the pair cast their ballots near their Belmont home a little before 9 am. The Republican presidential candidate returns to Boston on Tuesday night for an Election Day reception at the Boston Convention Center.
HAPPIEST VOTE EVER
"Oh my God, I have been so anxious about being able to vote. ... It's such a relief to be able to do it. This is the happiest vote I ever cast in my life." - Annette DeBona of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., voting in an area hit hard by Superstorm Sandy.
The 73-year-old restaurant worker was so worried about not being able to vote that she called the police department several days in advance, as well as her church, to make absolutely sure she knew where to go and when.
Her choice for president: Mitt Romney.
"Oh my God, I have been so anxious about being able to vote. ... It's such a relief to be able to do it. This is the happiest vote I ever cast in my life." - Annette DeBona of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., voting in an area hit hard by Superstorm Sandy.
The 73-year-old restaurant worker was so worried about not being able to vote that she called the police department several days in advance, as well as her church, to make absolutely sure she knew where to go and when.
Her choice for president: Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney, a Republican who served as the governor of Massachusetts, cast his vote on Tuesday morning near his home in Belmont, Massachusetts
A Chicago man wears the 'I Voted' sticker on his forehead after casting his ballot
Election Day is here and it's time to go re-elect our President: OFA.BO/xWr5Xi, pic.twitter.com/Dczarl0e
ELECTION WATCH: 'Now voting, Joe Biden" The vice president waited in line with his wife Jill: apne.ws/YQVZfD #election2012 -RAS
- The Associated Press (@AP) November 6, 2012
Voting begins in swing-state Virginia
Long lines are expected. The state has 13 electoral votes and is considered a toss-up in the Presidential race.
Long lines are expected. The state has 13 electoral votes and is considered a toss-up in the Presidential race.
Factoring Hurricane Sandy into the equation Some analysts are already describing the storm as an "October surprise" that allowed Obama to regain his footing after stumbling in the first presidential debate and struggling to get back on course.
Keeping with its tradition of tongue-in-cheek ads on the prominent issues of the day, India's dairy producer Amul's latest take on the US Presidential elections:
Two New Hampshire villages have voted. Obama wins one race 23-9, while he & Romney are tied in the second race, 5-5: apne.ws/SQeCjc
- The Associated Press (@AP) November 6, 2012
Um-e-Kulsoom travels to Harlem and sent us these pics which capture the election frenzy:
The first-in-the-nation vote, held shortly after midnight, was tied for the first time in its history.
The first ballots of the 2012 White House race were cast in the New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch on Tuesday, with Barack Obama and Mitt Romney each receiving five votes.
Small town in New Hampshire to cast first ballot in US pollsResidents of a small township in the New Hampshire State would be the first to cast their ballot just shortly after midnight when polling gets underway in the US Presidential elections on Tuesday.
US elections: Mitt Romney, a challenger at the crossroadsAs he ponders two futures, one in the White House, the other back home in Belmont, Mass., Mitt Romney is juggling two books: "Mornings on Horseback," a biography of President Theodore Roosevelt, and "The Faithful Spy," an escapist thriller about a daring CIA agent.
A sprint through swing states in the campaign's last hoursEarly voting has been under way for weeks across the country, but with Election Day almost here, the presidential candidates and their supporters are offering one last burst of activity in a handful of swing states that will determine the occupant of the Oval Office next year.
It's the weekend before the big day, when the US votes for its 57th president and the 'Obama one more time' chorus can be seen everywhere on the streets of Harlem, housing the largest African-American community in New York City. On a Sunday afternoon, it's jam-packed.
Street vendors had it all - badges, shoes, caps, T-shirts, mugs, CDs of the presidential speech in 2008. Also, a Democrat supporter holding up a huge banner in the shape of underwear with an American flag printed on it. 'Get your ass out and vote for Obama' was the message, in bold. (Read more)
Mitt Romney, Barack Obama sprint to unpredictable campaign finishPresident Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney sprinted to an unpredictable finish in the last 48 hours of a close White House race, trying to turn out supporters and woo undecided voters in a handful of toss-up states.
Obama, Romney still neck-and-neck on eve of US electionPresident Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney remained in a virtual tie in the latest opinion poll released on Sunday, just two days before the White House election.
Voting to be big challenge in storm-struck New York City: Michael BloombergAs many as 143,000 New York City voters will have to find new places to vote other than their regular polling locations on Tuesday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said, declaring that local elections officials are having "real problems" coping with disruptions caused by superstorm Sandy.
Indian-American candidates look to create history in US electionsSix Indian-Americans are in the race for a seat in the US House of Representatives, with the latest polls and mainstream media saying that three of them have bright chances of winning.
270 votes to win: The quirky US White House raceIn a quirk of the US system, American voters do not directly elect their Presidents and Vice Presidents. Technically speaking, they pick "electors" in an Electoral College.
Sandy's winds of uncertainty blow through US Presidential raceThe devastating storm that slammed into the US East Coast last week could send winds of uncertainty through Tuesday's presidential election, narrowing an already close contest and casting doubt on the legitimacy of the outcome.
US election fascinates Chinese; some envy votersWhere can a pop star score a hit by talking about the US Electoral College for 33 minutes? In China, where Gao Xiaosong's straightforward explanation of the system drew more than 1 million hits in four days.
99-year-old US woman to vote for first time!Better late than never! A 99-year-old woman in the US has lived through 24 Presidential elections, but has chosen this year's close contest to cast her first ballot.
What Bill Clinton has done for Barack Obama's campaignBy Sunday, Bill Clinton sounded awful, as if he had been gargling with Liquid-Plumr. You could hear his voice dying steadily over the last 72 hours of campaigning: hoarse Friday in Florida, cracking Saturday across Virginia and dissolving fully to a slight husk here Sunday, after two stops in New Hampshire and before another in Minnesota.
Mitt Romney and Barack Obama campaigns begin skirmish over ballotingPresident Barack Obama and Mitt Romney hunted for last-minute support on Sunday in a frenetic sprint across battleground states even as their parties faced off in the first of what could be a growing number of legal disputes over presidential ballots and how they are counted.
Romney backed President Obama's plan to pull American troops out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
Romney said the Afghan troop surge that Obama ordered has been successful and a training program for Afghan forces is on track. As a result, he said the US will be able to make a transition at the end of 2014 and make sure US troops come home.
The Republican nominee has previously criticised Obama for setting a timeline for ending the war.
Romney said the Afghan troop surge that Obama ordered has been successful and a training program for Afghan forces is on track. As a result, he said the US will be able to make a transition at the end of 2014 and make sure US troops come home.
The Republican nominee has previously criticised Obama for setting a timeline for ending the war.
Romney on role of US in the world: "I don't see our influence growing around the world; I see our influence receding."
US President Barack Obama rejected criticism from Republican rival Mitt Romney, who said Obama wants to cut the military by $1 trillion. Obama disputed that figure, saying his military spending is "driven by strategy" not by politics. The US President, however, said that spending needs to be based on the capabilities required by the military, not just budgets.
Romney said he would boost the number of naval ships because the US fleet is the smallest since 1917. The President shot back, saying that was because technology has changed the nature of the military.
Romney said he would pay for increases in military spending by getting rid of Obama's health care overhaul and other programs he deems unnecessary.
Romney said he would boost the number of naval ships because the US fleet is the smallest since 1917. The President shot back, saying that was because technology has changed the nature of the military.
Romney said he would pay for increases in military spending by getting rid of Obama's health care overhaul and other programs he deems unnecessary.
President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney briefly shifted their debate on foreign policy toward domestic issues that are foremost on voters' minds.
Obama answered one foreign policy question by talking about his education initiatives and criticised Romney's tenure as Massachusetts Governor.
Romney, too, detoured stateside. When asked about America's role in the world, he shifted the talk to college students who are graduating without jobs.
Obama answered one foreign policy question by talking about his education initiatives and criticised Romney's tenure as Massachusetts Governor.
Romney, too, detoured stateside. When asked about America's role in the world, he shifted the talk to college students who are graduating without jobs.
Romney accused President Obama of letting down traditional US allies Israel and Poland, promising that he would stand by them. "We have to also stand by our allies. I think the tension that existed between Israel and the United States was very unfortunate," Romney said.
Obama vowed that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons so long as he is President and pledged full support to Israel. "As long as I am President of the United States, Iran will not get a nuclear weapon," Obama said.
Obama vowed that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons so long as he is President and pledged full support to Israel. "As long as I am President of the United States, Iran will not get a nuclear weapon," Obama said.
Romney also accused Obama of turning Syria policy over to former UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan in an unsuccessful attempt to bring about a cease-fire.
"That didn't work. Then (Obama) looked to the Russians saying, see if you can do something. We should be playing the leadership role there - not on the ground with military," Romney said.
Obama called the violence in Syria "heartbreaking."
"And that's why we are going to do everything we can to make sure that we are helping the opposition. But we also have to recognize that for us to get more entangled militarily in Syria is a serious step," Obama said.
"That didn't work. Then (Obama) looked to the Russians saying, see if you can do something. We should be playing the leadership role there - not on the ground with military," Romney said.
Obama called the violence in Syria "heartbreaking."
"And that's why we are going to do everything we can to make sure that we are helping the opposition. But we also have to recognize that for us to get more entangled militarily in Syria is a serious step," Obama said.
Romney said the United States should be playing a leadership role in identifying responsible opposition groups in Syria and making sure they have the arms they need to fight President Bashar Assad's regime.
Obama says the US is working with allies in the region to learn more about the opposition. But he says giving heavy weapons to those groups is not "a simple proposition."
Obama says the US is working with allies in the region to learn more about the opposition. But he says giving heavy weapons to those groups is not "a simple proposition."
Both Obama and Romney say they are opposed to sending US troops to Syria to end the violence there.
Obama says that while attacks by government forces against Syrian citizens is heartbreaking, getting the US "entangled militarily" would be a serious step. Romney essentially agreed, saying he doesn't want the US military involved in Syria.
Obama says that while attacks by government forces against Syrian citizens is heartbreaking, getting the US "entangled militarily" would be a serious step. Romney essentially agreed, saying he doesn't want the US military involved in Syria.
Obama: Governor Romney I am glad that you did not say Russia is USA's biggest threat. Your policies are still from the 1980s.
Romney hits back: I said Russia is a geo-political issue. I will not look at Russia with rose tinted glasses.
Romney hits back: I said Russia is a geo-political issue. I will not look at Russia with rose tinted glasses.
Barack Obama accused his Republican challenger of being wrong on all his foreign policy choices, as the rivals clashed in, particularly on Iraq. "Your strategy has been all over the map, and is not designed to keep Americans safe. Every time you've offered an opinion, you've been wrong," Obama said in a forceful start to their final debate.
White House challenger Mitt Romney warned that US President Barck Obama's policy of deploying deadly force against Islamist militants would not be enough to end the extremist threat. "I congratulate him on taking out Osama Bin Laden and going after the leadership in Al-Qaeda, but we can't kill our way out of this mess," Romney said.
The third and final debate of the US presidential campaign begins; Democratic incumbent Barack Obama and his Republican rival Mitt Romney discuss foreign policy. The candidates shook hands on stage at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida before their last head-to-head, which pundits said may prove decisive, with opinion polls predicting an extremely close vote on November 6.
US President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney face off in front of the cameras for a final time on Monday in what could be their last, best chance to win over the small sliver of voters who have yet to make up their minds. The stakes are high as polls show the race to be a virtual dead heat.
With 15 days to go until Americans vote, the two candidates turn to foreign policy for their last encounter at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.
President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will face-off for a third and final time on Monday near the end of a presidential campaign season marked by a high number of memorable debates.
During the first debate, President Barack Obama never mentioned Mitt Romney's videotaped remarks that 47 per cent of Americans are dependent on the government. This time it was his closing argument.
Obama brought it up during the final question of the second debate, preventing Romney from answering. Asked about public misperceptions of their candidacies, Romney said Obama's campaign tried to turn him into something he's not.
Romney said, "I care about 100 percent of the American people."
Obama responded that when Romney said "behind closed doors" that 47 per cent of the country considered themselves victims, "think about who he was talking about." The US President said that group included the elderly receiving Social Security, veterans, students and soldiers. He said: "If they succeed, I believe this country succeeds."
Obama brought it up during the final question of the second debate, preventing Romney from answering. Asked about public misperceptions of their candidacies, Romney said Obama's campaign tried to turn him into something he's not.
Romney said, "I care about 100 percent of the American people."
Obama responded that when Romney said "behind closed doors" that 47 per cent of the country considered themselves victims, "think about who he was talking about." The US President said that group included the elderly receiving Social Security, veterans, students and soldiers. He said: "If they succeed, I believe this country succeeds."
Romney, a multimillionaire, also addressed his own foreign investments, which have been a target of repeated attacks from the Obama camp. "Any investments I have made over the last eight years have been by blind trusts and they include investments outside of the United States, including Chinese companies," the Republican White House hopeful said.
He then challenged the US President. "Have you looked at your pension?" he said, adding that Obama, too has investments in China.
"I don't look at my pension," Obama shot back. "It's not as big as yours. I don't check it that often."
On Libya attacks: Barack Obama accused rival Mitt Romney of playing politics with national security as the pair clashed over last month's attack on US mission in Benghazi, Libya. "While we were still dealing with our diplomats being threatened, Governor Romney put out a press release," Obama said, referring to the Republican's criticisms on the night of the attack, which left four Americans dead. "Trying to make political points, and that's not how a commander in chief operates. You don't turn national security into a political issue, certainly not right when it's happening," he said during an angry exchange.
Romney hit back strongly, accusing Obama of going on a fundraising tour on the day after the deadly September 11 assault on the Benghazi consulate, and declaring that Obama's Middle East policy was "unravelling before our very eyes."
Obama also said that the responsibility for what happened at the US consulate in Benghazi, falls to him and to no one else.
Romney hit back strongly, accusing Obama of going on a fundraising tour on the day after the deadly September 11 assault on the Benghazi consulate, and declaring that Obama's Middle East policy was "unravelling before our very eyes."
Obama also said that the responsibility for what happened at the US consulate in Benghazi, falls to him and to no one else.
On China: Obama dismissed Mitt Romney's tough talk on China, saying his Republican rival invests in firms that build surveillance equipment for the Asian giant. "Governor, you're the last person who's going to get tough on China," Obama said after Romney repeated his campaign trail promise to crack down on Beijing when they "cheat."
On the issue of immigration: Romney accuses US President Obama of failing to reform the immigration system during his first term. Romney says that the nation needs to stop illegal immigration, noting that 4 million people are trying to gain American citizenship legally. He says he won't grant amnesty to people who come to the US illegally.
Obama says Romney has opposed the DREAM Act, a failed bill that would have provided a path to legal status for many young illegal immigrants. He says Republicans in Congress have been unwilling to support comprehensive immigration reform and won't in the future with Romney as the "standard-bearer" of his party.
Obama says Romney has opposed the DREAM Act, a failed bill that would have provided a path to legal status for many young illegal immigrants. He says Republicans in Congress have been unwilling to support comprehensive immigration reform and won't in the future with Romney as the "standard-bearer" of his party.
Voter asks Romney how he differs from Bush: A voter during Tuesday's town hall-style debate asked Romney how he was different than fellow Republican George W Bush, who left office deeply unpopular. Romney says that he would govern under different conditions that would allow him to make North America energy independent from Arab and Venezuelan oil. He also says he would crack down on China's currency manipulation and cut the deficit by increasing trade.
Obama was ready with a quick retort. He says Romney, unlike Bush, would cut funding to Planned Parenthood and that Romney would pursue a more stringent immigration policy than Bush did.
Obama was ready with a quick retort. He says Romney, unlike Bush, would cut funding to Planned Parenthood and that Romney would pursue a more stringent immigration policy than Bush did.
Obama, Romney court female voters: Romney says that as governor of Massachusetts, his administration had a number of women in senior leadership positions. He says many women have suffered job losses and moved into poverty during Obama's tenure and that creating more jobs would help women.
The president questioned Romney's commitment to women's health care, pointing to the Republican's vow to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood. He calls health care a "pocket book issue" for women and families.
The president questioned Romney's commitment to women's health care, pointing to the Republican's vow to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood. He calls health care a "pocket book issue" for women and families.
President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are trying to appeal to female voters during the second presidential debate.
Responding to a question about pay equity for women, Obama notes that the first piece of legislation he signed made it easier for women to seek the same pay as men for doing the same work.
Responding to a question about pay equity for women, Obama notes that the first piece of legislation he signed made it easier for women to seek the same pay as men for doing the same work.
Barack Obama takes on Mitt Romney over taxes and jobsUS President Barack Obama came out fighting on Tuesday in his second debate against Mitt Romney, branding the Republican challenger a tool of the rich and the oil industry.
The town hall setting, which had each candidate seated at a stool on a red carpet, and free to roam around, tested the body language of the two candidates, and capacity to empathize with the anxieties of everyday Americans.
Mitt Romney counters: The oil production on federal land is down 14 per cent because the President cut in half licences for drilling on federal land or federal water. I want to make sure we use our oil, coal, gas and renewable sources of energy but what we don't need is for the President to keep us from taking advantage of oil coal and gas. We have the energy resources. North America Energy has been energy independent for eight years. And I'll make us more energy independent by bringing good jobs back to America.
Standing face to face with his opponent, President Obama defended his clean energy record and declared: "His plan is to let the oil companies write the energy policy."
Romney has 'one-point plan' to favour those at the top, says US President Barack Obama.
Republican challenger Mitt Romney: There are 23 million people looking for a job. President Obama's policies haven't put Americans back to work. The unemployment rate was 7.8 per cent in 2008, and it is same now.
US President Barack Obama says, "Have created 5 million jobs in the last four years."
President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney shook hands at the start of their second televised national debate ahead of the November 6 election.
Second Obama-Romney US presidential debate starts.
With the race extremely tight and little time left for a breakout moment, President Obama is intent on getting the porridge just right in a 90-minute, one-on-one face-off at Hofstra University on New York's Long Island.
US President Barack Obama is again set to lock horns with Republican nominee Mitt Romney today. Below is what happened in the last face-off between the two leaders:
Resurfaced '07 talk by Obama renews questions on raceIn the summer of 2007, his campaign for the White House well under way, Senator Barack Obama waded into the minefield of racial politics and accused President George W. Bush of sitting idly by as a "quiet riot" simmered in black communities.
Obama says Romney favours cutting a fifth of the Education Department's budget while Romney is countering that Obama directed $90 billion to so-called "green jobs" - a sum, he says, that would hire two million teachers.
Obama says there are challenges that only the federal government can solve. Romney says government should do only what is prescribed in the Constitution and challenges that only have federal solutions, such as national security.
Obama pointed to Romney's running mate, Paul Ryan, whose budget proposals make sharp cuts across the board. Romney retorted that Washington invested in new failed energy research.
Obama says there are challenges that only the federal government can solve. Romney says government should do only what is prescribed in the Constitution and challenges that only have federal solutions, such as national security.
Obama pointed to Romney's running mate, Paul Ryan, whose budget proposals make sharp cuts across the board. Romney retorted that Washington invested in new failed energy research.
Obama vs Romney: Some shortcuts with factsPresident Barack Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney spun one-sided stories in their first presidential debate, not necessarily bogus, but not the whole truth.
Romney accuses Obama of pushing through "excessive" regulation that shackled US industry and stunted growth in key economic sectors.
"In some legislation passed during the president's term, you've seen regulation become excessive and it has hurt the economy," says Romney.
"In some legislation passed during the president's term, you've seen regulation become excessive and it has hurt the economy," says Romney.
US presidential debate: Obama and Romney battle over economyUS President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney battled over economic issues on Wednesday in a presidential debate that could prove to be pivotal in helping voters decide which candidate to support in the November 6 election.
Each candidate has accused the other of intending to raise taxes on the middle class, and Romney took issue with Obama's accusation that the Republican aimed to do so.
"Look, I have five boys," Romney said, referring to his five sons with wife Ann. "I'm used to people saying something that isn't always true and keep on saying it hoping ultimately I will believe it."
"Look, I have five boys," Romney said, referring to his five sons with wife Ann. "I'm used to people saying something that isn't always true and keep on saying it hoping ultimately I will believe it."
Obama claims that Romney's plan to cut the budget deficit without raising taxes would force him to slash spending on schools and health care. "Now, if you take such an unbalanced approach, then that means you are going to be gutting our investments in schools and education," Obama said.
"Effectively, this means a 30 per cent cut in the primary program we held for seniors in nursing homes, for kids with disabilities, and that's not a right strategy for us to move forward."
"Effectively, this means a 30 per cent cut in the primary program we held for seniors in nursing homes, for kids with disabilities, and that's not a right strategy for us to move forward."
"I will lower taxes on middle income families," says Romney.
Obama says simple "math" and "common sense" show Romney's approach is not a recipe for job growth.
"In one year you provided 90 billion dollars to green energy... I like green energy too but that doesn't make sense... 50 year worth of breaks... this is not the kind of policy to get America energy secure," says Romney.
Romney congratulates the Obamas on their annniversary, joking about how he was sure this was the "most romantic" place the president could think of being - being with Romney.
Romney says his plan is to provide tax relief by lowering them for all Americans, while eliminating deductions and exemptions in the tax code. Obama retorts that Romney appears to be saying "never mind" about his own tax plan. Obama says he will lower taxes for middle-class families.
Romney says that Obama has mischaracterized his tax plan by calling it a $5 trillion tax cut. Obama responded that Romney appears to be backing away from his own plan.
Obama accused Romney of wanting to "double down on the top-down policies" that led to a devastating economic downturn four years ago. Countered the challenger: "That's not what I'm going to do." Romney rebutted, declaring that under Obama's policies "middle income families are being crushed."
Obama says Romney's plan would cut taxes for high-income workers. Romney says that is incorrect and that wealthy Americans will do just fine regardless whether he or Obama is in the White House.
Obama points to progress made in saving Detroit's auto industry and rebuilding the housing market. Romney, meanwhile, says he would take a different path that gets government out of the way for American businesses.
Obama says the US is making progress in repairing the struggling economy he inherited when he took office while his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, says the Democratic incumbent favors a "trickle-down government, if you will."
"I'm concerned that the path we're on has just been unsuccessful," Romney said, in his introductory remarks, vowing: "I'll restore the vitality that gets America working again."
Romney says US economy on 'unsuccessful path' under Obama
Both candidates made brief, two-minute introductions, Obama taking the chance to congratulate his wife Michelle on their 20th wedding anniversary and Romney pushing his plans to create jobs by helping small businesses.
