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Keeping Voters Tuned In

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John Harwood in for Tom Ashbrook

With the presidential matchup now set, how will the candidates keep voters tuned in during the long run-up to November?

People line the motorcade route as President Barack Obama makes his way to the Mount Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant in Charlotte, N.C, March 7, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
People line the motorcade route as President Barack Obama makes his way to the Mount Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant in Charlotte, N.C, March 7, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

For weeks political observers have wondered: when will Mitt Romney wrap up the Republican nomination and begin his general election fight with President Obama? Well, be careful what you wish for. It’s happened. And now a new question: how do we keep this interesting for seven months?

There’s fund-raising, a Vice Presidential search, two conventions – and lots of talking points about tax fairness and economic growth, Mommy wars and dogs on cars, the business executive against the community organizer.

Up next, On Point: The long Obama-Romney dance to Election Day.
-John Harwood

Guests

Scott Reed, Republican strategist and chairman of Chesapeake Enterprises, a consulting and lobbying firm.

Tad Devine, Democratic strategist, president of Devine Mulvey, a democratic media consulting firm

C Segment: The Secret Service Scandal

Michael Isikoff, national investigative correspondent for NBC News

From The Reading List

The Wall Street Journal "From the beginning of the 2102 presidential campaign, Mitt Romney has been something of a tough fit for Republican primary and caucus voters. His resume, which includes serving as Massachusetts governor when that state passed its health care reform plan, is arguably better suited for a general election candidate."

Rasmussen Reports "Among these uncommitted voters, Rasmussen Reports polling shows that just 22 percent approve of the way the president is handling his job while 72 percent disapprove. As for intensity, just 2 percent strongly approve, and 40 percent strongly disapprove."

Los Angeles Times "With the November field set, Americans can look forward to months of trench warfare as President Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney wage a costly, brutal and scathingly negative fight over a narrow slice of voters in a limited number of states."

This program aired on April 17, 2012.

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