In October 2008, then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama spoke at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa. Now, even without a Democratic challenger, President Obama plans aggressive roles in states with early presidential primaries, especially in Iowa and other battleground states. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption
President Obama greets diners in Los Angeles last month. He faces long odds in his quest for re-election. Among them: unemployment, eroding support among independent voters and approval ratings that are well below those of previous presidents who won a second term. Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama holds up his jobs bill as he speaks at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 14. The president returns to North Carolina on Monday to drum up support for his proposals and for his re-election campaign.
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Obama is surrounded by former presidents in the Oval Office in 2009. Two of his predecessors — George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — won two terms, while two others — George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter — left office after just one.
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Then-Sen. Barack Obama drew enthusiastic crowds at a rally in Columbus, Ohio, just days before the 2008 election. Now, after a few rocky moments with the coalition that helped send him to the White House, and with a re-election battle looming, Obama is trying to re-energize his supporters. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama speaks in the Rose Garden at the White House on Monday. Obama laid out a plan for trillions in deficit cuts but warned Republicans he will veto any bill that makes structural changes to Medicare unless they agree to additional revenues. Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
A crowd cheers as Republican Bob Turner appears on stage during an election night party on Tuesday in New York. The traditionally Democratic and Jewish district elected Turner, revealing the problems Obama may have with political strongholds in the 2012 election. Mary Altaffer/AP hide caption
President Obama speaks Wednesday at North Carolina State University in Raleigh about the American Jobs Act. Gerry Broome/AP hide caption
A giant sign reading "jobs" hangs outside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce building in Washington, D.C. Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images hide caption