US News

Obama launches whirlwind cross-country tour

DAVENPORT, Iowa – President Obama today launched a whirlwind campaign tour across the country, urging supporters in Iowa to help him win re-election because “we’ve come too far to turn back now.”

“This is the first stop in our 48-hour fly-around campaign marathon extravaganza,” Obama declared. “We’re going to pull an all-nighter. No sleep.”

Obama is spending two days barnstorming across swing states Iowa, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, Virginia and Ohio – working overtime to get every last vote in what a top campaign aide said would be a “razor thin” election.

Obama will also make stops in Los Angeles to tape an appearance on NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and in his hometown Chicago to vote early.

Mitt Romney will stump later today in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Obama reminded Iowans that his historic 2008 run began with a win in the Iowa caucus. He also carried the state in the 2008 general election.

“I had to start in Iowa, to ask you for your support so we can finish what we started,” he told the enthusiastic crowd. “This is where it all began four years ago.”

The Buckeye State has emerged as a strategic front in Obama’s and Romney’s battle for the 270 electoral votes need to win the presidency.

Obama is looking to Iowa and its six electoral votes as part of a firewall to stop Romney if the Republican wins Ohio and Florida.

smiller@nypost.com