President Barack Obama continues to make his case to swing-state voters by scheduling a campaign stop in Cincinnati Monday. Ohio is considered a valuable commodity because it is one of a handful of states that could go for either candidate in November's general election.
What is the purpose of Obama's visit?
CNN reports the campaign stop will be Obama's eighth trip to Ohio this year. His first stop in the Buckeye State was in early May in Columbus as Mitt Romney was touted as the presumptive GOP nominee.
Where will Obama speak?
No details have yet been released. However, Cincinnati.com reported bomb-sniffing dogs and black SUVs, perhaps part of a White House advance team of Secret Service agents, were spotted outside the historic Cincinnati Music Hall. The Cincinnati Fire Department was also involved. The music hall was built in 1878 and seats more than 3,500 people.
What will be Obama's theme?
Obama's campaign told Cincinnati.com the president will be in the city to "share his vision to rebuild the economy from the middle-out, cut taxes for small businesses and reduce the country's deficit." The GOP responded by saying, "No matter how many trips the president makes to Ohio... failed policies over the past four years have cost our country countless jobs."
What preparations are being made ahead of Obama's visit?
Valerie Jarrett, a senior Obama adviser, visited Cincinnati Tuesday ahead of the president's appearance. Jarrett attended two private events, according to Cincinnati.com. One was a small business roundtable with African American business owners and the other was a stop at a campaign office in East Walnut Hills.
How has the Romney campaign treated Ohio?
The Republican Party hopes to have 35 campaign offices in Ohio by the end of July. Cincinnati.com compares that number to the 41 Obama will have in the same span. Although not technically offices for Romney, the GOP offices are seen as important stepping edifices to show Ohio voters the importance of the state. Just across the Ohio River in Kentucky, there are no Romney offices whatsoever.
What are the snafus or controversies ahead of Obama's visit?
WCPO reports there is a scam afoot in Cincinnati. The Better Business Bureau warns residents to not divulge personal information such as Social Security numbers to someone claiming to be a representative of President Obama helping to pay for high utility bills. Local organizations are calling it the "President Obama Utility Bill Scam."
Why is Ohio important?
The closeness of the race in 2008 is one reason why Obama is making Ohio a priority. He won the state by five percentage points over Sen. John McCain four years ago. The CNN article also stated the most recent poll in Ohio was conducted by Quinnipiac. That survey showed Obama with a nine-point lead, 47 percent to 38 percent.
William Browning is a research librarian.
