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Obama talks to Iowa supporters on caucus night
45 days ago

Obama talks to Iowa supporters on caucus night

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(CNN) - President Barack Obama addressed via video conference several Democratic caucus sites in Iowa Tuesday, four years after winning the state's contest in a surprise victory that fueled his campaign on a path to the nomination.

"We've still got a lot of work to do. But think about the change that was accomplished because of those caucuses four years ago," Obama said.

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Among the accomplishments he listed since taking office, Obama touted the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, the passing of health care reform and the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The president joked that he has since grown more "gray" but said he's more optimistic about the ideas of "hope and change" that he trumpeted in his last run.

"We've already seen change take pace," Obama said. "2012 is about reminding the American people how far we've traveled."

Obama took part in the video conference from the Capital Hilton in Washington, using a system called Adobe Connect.

His comments came as results poured in from the Republican Iowa caucuses, the first GOP presidential nominating contest of the cycle.

Taking questions from supporters, Obama took a shot at Republicans for supporting "tax cuts for the wealthiest among us."

"It's going to be a big battle, though," he added. "I hope you guys are geared up. I'm excited."

While the Republican candidates have been campaigning heavily in the Hawkeye State for much of the last year, national Democrats and the Obama re-election team have also been laying down a strong network across the state ahead of the general election in November.

In 2008, Obama won Iowa by nine percentage points over Sen. John McCain.

According to the Iowa Democratic Party, more than 25,000 Democrats turned out to caucus on Tuesday, with more than 7,500 people signing up to volunteer for the Obama team.

"We not only saw how excited Iowans are to support President Obama, but to also work for his reelection. The Iowa caucus was a great opportunity to test our campaign organization and expand our volunteer base as we move toward November," said the party's Iowa chairwoman, Sue Dvorsky, in a statement.

– CNN's Jessica Yellin contributed to this report.

Also see:

Gingrich: Romney is lying

Bachmann looks ahead to South Carolina

Gingrich suggests a Tuesday win

Gingrich strives for 'great upset' in Iowa


Filed under: 2012 • Democrats • Iowa • President Obama
soundoff (67 Responses)
  1. Bryce

    If he wants to tout something, he should try something that has had a positive effect on the nation, not his idiotic ideas.

    January 3, 2012 10:57 pm at 10:57 pm |
  2. Bugs in Pa

    what a maroon ....

    January 3, 2012 10:59 pm at 10:59 pm |
  3. S.B. Stein E.B. NJ

    Obama is going to need help. It may come from the Republican candidate messing up and saying the wrong thing. Given all the options so far, I don't think I'd vote for the Republican. I am more inclined to vote for Obama. He's had a rough time with Congress not doing much or stopping his ideas and plans. I don't see the Congressional GOP really doing much other than opposing Obama because they don't like him getting a win.

    January 3, 2012 11:00 pm at 11:00 pm |
  4. keith burnett

    the right has lost touch with reality from day one this president has remained solution oriented every day you hear one of the so called canidates talk of failed policies of this adminstration thats their plan to say it until the people believe it.

    January 3, 2012 11:17 pm at 11:17 pm |
  5. chris

    Bugs in Pa..what a maroon ....I thought he liked blue. Its maron.. a good example would be G W Bush of some of the current Repub candidates

    January 3, 2012 11:19 pm at 11:19 pm |
  6. kelsey jones

    well im ready to mr president ready to help get you re elected you have done a good job so far despite dealing with a do nothing congress and all the new comers trying to get your job are not trustworthy as well go get um obama

    January 3, 2012 11:26 pm at 11:26 pm |
  7. Maltese Falcon

    So where is the Democratic vote?
    Did they or did they not have a vote?
    No vote = No democracy.

    January 3, 2012 11:28 pm at 11:28 pm |
  8. Miztir E

    Your supporters are waking up Obama!We The People For Ron Paul!!!!

    January 3, 2012 11:33 pm at 11:33 pm |
  9. Vicki

    I was at that caucus and it was awesome.

    January 3, 2012 11:34 pm at 11:34 pm |
  10. VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA 2012!!!!!!

    Once you go black, Pres. Obama we got your back 2012!!!!!!!

    January 3, 2012 11:41 pm at 11:41 pm |
  11. S.positive

    President Obama will win re-election in Nov 2012

    January 3, 2012 11:41 pm at 11:41 pm |
  12. Randy

    GO OBAMA GO! I can't wait to see him in action again– debating Republicans and so on. Too bad there's no real challenge to it this time. You're doing a fine job, sir. And it'll get better since you've got 5 years to go!

    January 4, 2012 12:00 am at 12:00 am |
  13. l.lewis

    I can not trust the GOP right now...considering on what the last POUTUS put us threw..(middle class).....I dont make 50k a ye star, so i dont think they have my best interest in mind, and I have paid close attention to the canda........so I'm sticking with our President......by the way I live in Texas and Rick Perry is making us look so bad....its so bad that Texans really wish that u were not re-elected as gov....I knew their was some good reasons why i did not vote for you

    January 4, 2012 12:07 am at 12:07 am |
  14. Vanessa

    President Obama will b reelected! Count on the hispanic vote Mr President.. we're behind you all the way! Fired up & ready to go.. yes we can! Si se puede! Hispanics 4 Obama!

    January 4, 2012 12:08 am at 12:08 am |
  15. OBAMA WILL WIN IN 2012

    yes oboma will win in 2012 god said it

    January 4, 2012 12:09 am at 12:09 am |
  16. Anonymous

    Obama you gonna win....

    January 4, 2012 12:11 am at 12:11 am |
  17. Skadams

    Obama only listed 3 accomplishments in 3 years. And all of them have had bad outcomes. Obamacare is about to be repealed and the Supreme court is going to find it unconstitutional, unpopular Dont ask don't tell, and the Iraq govt is already in disarray since we've pulled out of there. They are now a sitting target for Iran. Yeah, great job Obama. Let's get this do nothing prez out of here!

    January 4, 2012 12:18 am at 12:18 am |
  18. Nicholas

    Judging from whats coming from the right, Obama 2012 is a sure thing

    January 4, 2012 12:24 am at 12:24 am |
  19. aPoundOfFlour

    A candid good luck on your candidate my friends on the other side of the aisle it will be interesting to see how 2012 shapes up for better or for worse. The odds are evenly against every candidate and the Incumbent.

    January 4, 2012 12:28 am at 12:28 am |
  20. ThinkAgain

    All Dems, Independents and thinking Republicans: Even as the GOP's strategy of trying to get President Obama and our country to fail is revealed more and more with each passing day, don't let this make you complacent.

    The GOP is doing everything they can to suppress the vote, from changing voter registration deadlines to exclude college students, to demanding photo ID where none were required in the past. It is absolutely necessary for every Independent, Democrat and thinking Republican to GET OUT AND VOTE FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA in November 2012.

    Obama/Biden 2012

    January 4, 2012 12:31 am at 12:31 am |
  21. lebowski1776

    Look at the numbers, it's not that hard to see who's been helping.

    2009 > PRESENT
    Economy (DJI) 6,500 > 12,500
    Jobs (Unemp) 10.5% > 8.6%
    National Debt: 11T- > 13.1-

    2000 > 2008
    Economy(Dji):  11,500 > 6,500
    Jobs(Unemp): 4.0 > 10.5%
    National Debt: 2.5B+ > 11T-

    All Presidents spend money. At least Obama spends it on US.

    January 4, 2012 12:35 am at 12:35 am |
  22. George

    You have all lost your minds. These guys are all the same.

    January 4, 2012 12:37 am at 12:37 am |
  23. JoAnne - God Bless You POTUS

    Keep fighting for the middle class and make sure the party of the super rich mormons dont take over our country!!

    January 4, 2012 12:43 am at 12:43 am |
  24. chris

    Everytime some in the GOP opens their mouth it makes me want to go out and vote for Obama. Romney is such a fake.

    January 4, 2012 12:48 am at 12:48 am |
  25. Voice of Reason

    Looks like Obama is the only Adult in Congress.

    January 4, 2012 12:52 am at 12:52 am |
  26. wanderer

    President Obama might have not done a great job and I was thinking whether he will have my vote in the next general election. However, since the GOP congress has done nothing but just been trying to stop his ideas and plans I can now see clearly that the reason why the president has not been able to get things done was mainly because the GOP congress wanted the president to fail. I think the GOP congress and the GOP presidential candidates have been helping the president to be reelected.

    January 4, 2012 12:54 am at 12:54 am |
  27. Butter My Butt And Call Me a Biscuit

    I am a tree-hugging, bleeding-heart, fire-breathing progressive liberal devout Democrat and am PROUD of it. I am here to join in the fray against the evil Teapublicons. Go Obama/Biden 2012...Go Hillary 2016....Go Democrats!

    January 4, 2012 01:01 am at 1:01 am |
  28. willie floyd

    We're with you 110% Mr. President. We don't need Reps. in congress or the White House.

    January 4, 2012 01:02 am at 1:02 am |
  29. Marla

    I'm in!!
    OBAMA 2012!!!

    January 4, 2012 01:18 am at 1:18 am |
  30. Ambrose Smith

    Santorum?? Really?? Obama has 2012 locked up! I almost feel sorry for Romney.

    January 4, 2012 01:22 am at 1:22 am |
  31. sue

    i'm torn here.
    not sure if he will win or not. part of me hopes he does, i like how he stands on social issues, but fiscally he scares me. he likes to spend too much. i wonder if he'll let his girls spend and spend and spend and then borrow and spend some more.

    January 4, 2012 01:26 am at 1:26 am |
  32. Debbie Lee

    How could anyone expect Pre. Obama to work miracles in just 4yrs after Bush did so much damage 8yrs long! Re-elect Obama in 2012 & give him more time to make changes,even though it's an up hil climb. Lets climb together!

    January 4, 2012 01:31 am at 1:31 am |
  33. Jeff in Oregon

    I like Obama. Good Man

    January 4, 2012 01:32 am at 1:32 am |
  34. jon

    President Obama 2012 has my vote and my family.

    January 4, 2012 01:39 am at 1:39 am |
  35. eville_11

    optomistic; as if you'd come out and say you're depressed?
    unemployment still high. economy unstable, ready to tank again as soon as the EU fails. S&P downgrading your trade partners left and right and your country is in the line of fire. Iran being uppity, Iraq snubbed your extension plan. Egypt is going Sharia Law, Iraq will too. Libya is looking like a home away from home for Terrorists. Afghan is asking Paki Taliban for support. National debt at record levels and still rising. But yea, be optomistic, because you can blame congress and the GOP for your problems, and no one is running against you from the dems.

    January 4, 2012 01:42 am at 1:42 am |
  36. Kay

    Agree with the above comments, even the ones who is HATING on THE PREZ! I have your back MR PRESIDENT so let us do the damn thing in 2012 :-) .....................................

    January 4, 2012 01:54 am at 1:54 am |
  37. DJ

    Hey Chris, Bugs said "what a maroon" because that's what Bugs Bunny said instead of "moron". There are, of course, a dozen ways I could go with the "burn" portion of this message, but I think you've learned your lesson. But... no, I can't let you off that easy, because not only did you miss the reference, you spelled moron "maron". And there's the fun part, Chris. You provided your own burn line.

    January 4, 2012 02:10 am at 2:10 am |
  38. gmh

    I cannot go back to where we were in 2008. Corporate American greed got us into the Great Recission and Corporate America has Romeny in their back pockets. Other candidates want too much of their religion in our government which is controls too much of our personal lives..........I staying on board with the President..........Progress comes slow but at least we are headed in the right direction.

    January 4, 2012 02:35 am at 2:35 am |
  39. dallas.alphonso

    I am petty sure he is a lot smarter than most, if not all of us on here, lol 'D

    January 4, 2012 02:48 am at 2:48 am |
  40. Confused

    Did he get a haircut or more gray hair over the last few days or something?

    January 4, 2012 02:51 am at 2:51 am |
  41. Iamnotfooled

    I have faith in Iowa to do the right thing and re-elect President Obama. This country would be well on its way if not for the obstructionists he has had to deal with. Anyone following politics daily knows this. Also to go back to Republican policies that got us into this mess is crazy. We need regulations to stop these corporations from ripping us off and sending our jobs overseas. Given another 4 years and Democrats to help him in Congress he will succeed.

    January 4, 2012 03:11 am at 3:11 am |
  42. Name

    Obama all day!!

    January 4, 2012 03:20 am at 3:20 am |
  43. John Brown

    Mitt is exactly like Meg Whitman. He is the face of corporate greed.

    He does not care about little people. These Republican think we "little people" stupid or what??

    He only won by 8 votes!! Can you believe that?? 8 votes!! I am wondering who are these 8 peoples that voted for him?

    How is he going to beat Obama with that 8 votes??

    It is very disappointment!!

    January 4, 2012 03:21 am at 3:21 am |
  44. Republican Grand Ma

    Mitt is going to cancel my Social Security and Medicare!! So believe me! I won't vote for him.

    Where can I get the money to pay for my milk??

    Who is going to pay my medical bills?

    These Republican candidates are not only crazy but nuts!!

    I will tell everyone at Bingo night!! Don't vote for them!!

    I'd rather give my vote for Obama!!

    January 4, 2012 03:26 am at 3:26 am |
  45. glassman64

    People please wake up. The GOP has given this country NO SOLUTIONS! Their solution to fixing the economy is ending President Obama's term and giving tax breaks to people who don't need them. They promised jobs during midterm election. WHERE ARE THE JOBS??? They promise relief to struggling families. WHERE IS THE RELIEF??? They their campaigns on fear and lies. Remember the old saying " if you tell a lie long enough sooner or later you'll believe its true. Wrong! Wake up America we need a President who will fight for all people not a selected few. George Bushed and his republican clans ruined this economy not our President its a lie!

    January 4, 2012 03:37 am at 3:37 am |
  46. George

    I am more convince than ever that Obama/Biden is the surest bet to get the US surging forward!

    January 4, 2012 03:44 am at 3:44 am |
  47. D for Dtown Democrat

    It seems all the Republicans seem to offer are talking points to win back this country,we all live and thrive in. Tell us what real solutions do they really have to offer besides anything opposing this President ideals for success,and the lack of help from congress. I AM VERY SURE those who oppose this President are very well benefitting from his policies,which they believe have failed. THEY FAIL to admit the numbers have fallen in jobs creattion,troops have been withdrawn and oh we President Obamas policys help kill Osama,something the previous administration failed to do! So before you fail to recognize the success of this current administration, I suggest you check the facts,before spewing lies.Sorry,but we don't enjoy the thought of you all taking our country back to the 1950's. We are all Americans and we all work,live and thrive is this country, built by our ancestors and not just created by your for fathers and the constitution.

    January 4, 2012 04:44 am at 4:44 am |
  48. Open Your Eyes!

    Dear Fellow Americans: President Obama is The Only Choice for 2012 IF you want to Save America. Should you, your family and friends choose to vote Republican and that candidate wins, We will see and be in WWIII. Republicans speak of limiting govt, YET they are wanting to enforce old laws on the books or ones which have been revoked, ie., what goes on PRIVATELY in one's home in the bedroom. Think back, folks. There were/are laws in the books preventing interracial marriages; encouraging & accepting SLAVERY. These so-called "Christians" are spawns of Evil! Jesus taught Love, Not War! Jesus asked, "Why do you call me good? There is only ONE which is Good and that is God." The "Trinity" is of Evil/Satan. "Christians" worship Jesus {a Prophet} & the Holy Spirit. Catholics worship Mary, Jesus, the various "saints" & God. GOD ALONE is the creator, protector, & sustainer of all! OBAMA is the one which will continue getting America & the world back on the Right Path! I implore You, Get & Keep Republicans OUT of office! They're addicted to War$, Oil$, & $lavery! Why else will they not tax the $1%?? ONE LAW FOR ALL! Go to a Bible, folks! Go to other religions "Bibles". English is the "Pure Language" All Will Speak. Be prepared for more horrific events around the world & here in the states. God is ANGRY! The world "leaders" are agents of Evil. Chavez is correct: Agent Orange. Murders & posionings Must Stop! Repubs have taken US, through out history, from being "Under God". Currently we, due to previous 'leaders', Are The Great Satan! Obama 2012 to try continue correcting Our, as a whole, Evil Ways! Individual Choices & Consequences! ONE LAW FOR ALL! Read Isaiah, Samuel, & Kings! Obama IS getting rid of corruption, in gov't & elsewhere. KEEP/Get Republicans OUT OF OFFICE! PEACE & LOVE, as Jesus taught, & worship of GOD ALONE! Jesus was a prophet! Paul was a liar & enemy of "Christians" & Jesus. Research & do your homework!! I pray your eyes & ears will Open to Gods words & laws! WORSHIP GOD ALONE!

    January 4, 2012 05:04 am at 5:04 am |
  49. Change

    President Obama will be the first US President to win all 50 states in 2012. Don't believe it? I'm an insider and boy, do we have a surprise for you guys. Hold your breaths cause history is in the making.

    January 4, 2012 05:28 am at 5:28 am |
  50. diridi

    I told long time ago....Romney win is Obama gain. Evangelicals never even vote, so they voted Santurum....o.k, True. Flip-Flopper ships jobs overseas just like Bain Capital...

    January 4, 2012 05:48 am at 5:48 am |
  51. strangerq

    If he wants to tout something, he should try something that has had a positive effect on the nation.

    ^ Ending the Iraq War is positive.

    Its the GOP that is negative.

    That's why you're going to lose......again.

    January 4, 2012 05:59 am at 5:59 am |
  52. LegendRx

    We see everything Barack, and we have your back. The republican leadership and party obstructionist tactics of self inflicting chaotic behavior is nothing short of treason and it will not prevail. Go get em!

    January 4, 2012 06:06 am at 6:06 am |
  53. Jerry/Florida

    Dream on Mr. Divisive-in-Chief. You are going to need more than Teleprompters, partisan attacks, lies and your newest attack pet, (Whats-her-man), to win the 2012 election. You promised so many things and have failed at 99.5% of them. Especially, our beloved country is now more divided than under any other president in history.

    Thank you fellow Democrats and especially YOU, Mr. President!

    January 4, 2012 06:17 am at 6:17 am |
  54. James

    Man, he looks very gray there. Should have dyed his hair, lol.

    January 4, 2012 06:32 am at 6:32 am |
  55. whocares

    There are three GOP candidates that claim God personally told him or her to run.
    Obviously God is messing with two of them.

    January 4, 2012 06:36 am at 6:36 am |
  56. T'sah From Virginia

    President Obama is going to win in 2012 – Santorum and MITTens will allow that!!

    January 4, 2012 06:48 am at 6:48 am |
  57. Name Marcell Holmes

    Is it me, or Is it a Fact that everyone running for President..including the President "Stinks!"

    January 4, 2012 06:57 am at 6:57 am |
  58. Alex

    We don't need a new President. We need a new Congress! Throw the bums out.

    January 4, 2012 07:05 am at 7:05 am |
  59. ABM

    As a republican I look forward to voting for President Obama again. The GOP has wasted their terms in office fighting this president instead of working with him. I vote based on merit. I don't recall anything positive coming from the GOP in years....it's all about obstruction.

    January 4, 2012 07:13 am at 7:13 am |
  60. Slick talk

    Obama has got no where. Time to admit our mistakes and get someone new in the drivers seat.

    January 4, 2012 07:19 am at 7:19 am |
  61. Incomparabil

    He smells blood already. It looks like the Republican congress will have to redouble their efforts in gridlocking Obama to make him look bad since their "perceived" candidate Mitts won't be able to pull off an overturn. Sad. The country will lose out as we always do. All those kids coming out of college with no jobs – where are the jobs, Barack?

    January 4, 2012 07:26 am at 7:26 am |
  62. Incomparabil

    CNN doesn't like my first post. The Republican congress will have to redouble their efforts to gridlock Obama to make him look bad – since Mitts won't be able to pull off an overturn. Sad. The country will lose out as we always do.

    January 4, 2012 07:29 am at 7:29 am |
  63. Franny

    Obama gets my vote for another 4 years, and I'll be voting out many in Congress, and the Senate. Both Democrats, Republicans, but especially Tea Party members!

    January 4, 2012 07:30 am at 7:30 am |
  64. davis

    ive been a obama fan from day one and ron paul is to old obama2012 yes we can!

    January 4, 2012 07:30 am at 7:30 am |
  65. charlie avila

    Obama is good for nothing. He said, he killed osama, but osama never existed, it was a usa goverment big lie. Obama pulled out troops from irak, but is provoking a war against iran. Obama is socialist and is against us citizens will. The suprem court will rule agaist him the obamacare and favor anti-illegal immigrants states laws. Obama is destroying the usa!!!....

    January 4, 2012 07:40 am at 7:40 am |
  66. j devers

    A do nothing congress? Obama had the house and senate in his pocket for two years, and had to break the law to get anything passed. That's bad. The majority of this country has lost faith in Obama. We do need a change

    January 4, 2012 07:47 am at 7:47 am |
  67. anthony fail

    Sure, pulled them out of Iraq and sent over half of them over to Afghanistan. And the Patriot Act that took us into Iraq, that stupid mess, he uses it to keep us in profitless wars.. Nope, not Obama again. As soon as Santurom falls, Perry pulls out, and the other minors flush away, Paul will take those votes to the bank. Romney will fall, and Obama will be hard put to dislodge Paul from rolling over him and the rest of congress that are trying to suppress his thunder

    January 4, 2012 07:51 am at 7:51 am |