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Key senators on presidential swing state showdown

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    Where does the race stand?

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Now the campaign.

With President Obama and governor Romney headed into the final week.

We want to track where the race stands with senators from four key swing states.

Republican Rob Portman of Ohio who played President Obama and -- is debate -- 818.

Electoral votes -- and fly in a state Obama won in a way by four point six points and has now -- and by 2.3 points.

In the latest real clear politics average of recent poll.

Republican Ron Johnson -- Wisconsin ten electoral votes at stake Obama won by almost fourteen points last time and is now leading.

By two points rate.

Democrat Mark Warner of Virginia Obama won its thirteen electoral votes by six point four years ago but now he's tied with Romney.

And Democrat Mark Udall of Colorado.

Obama won the nine electoral votes last time by nine points the race there is now dead -- -- apartment let's start with a state that I guess most people think may decide this race and how -- Ohio the Obama camp says.

That they have a big edge in early voting in your state may also note.

That they have a 137.

Campaign offices -- around the country but the Romney camp has only 39.

Well Chris first of all you mentioned the real clear politics average in Ohio being 2.3 percent.

In -- Obama's favor as of this morning it's one point 9% actually.

And that's because the polls are closing the latest poll was this morning it was in Ohio poll by the -- newspapers.

Showing the race is a dead heat.

And that's certainly what I feel I also feel like the momentum is on our side I've -- at six of their rallies over the last week have also been about a dozen.

Victory centers around the state and the energy enthusiasm -- on our side this year so it's it's really interesting to watch but look we were down probably five to ten points before the debate.

After the debates.

We're about dead even and -- moving our way.

Senator Warner -- state of Virginia is right in the path of that huge storm.

If you lose power and then you could lose it for days could that have an effect on early voting but it may even have an effect on election death.

Well Chris -- the governor's already did -- declared a state of emergency.

I think we don't have as extensive an early voting in Virginia's other states.

I actually don't think in terms of how the president looks it looks quite good Washington Post came out with a poll today that had the president's.

Above that -- magic 15% -- 51474.

Point up.

He had a great rally just the other day in Richmond I was with -- 151000 people strong probably as -- -- rally in Virginia.

To date.

This one will throw a little but I haven't into the race I'm supposed to be with the president and President Clinton on Monday.

That rally has been canceled.

I but I think Virginians are ready to go to the polls and I think the president's.

Who carry Virginia and justice for years ago when Virginia was the state that put the president over the edge in terms of -- we -- to claim that that title again this year.

Senator Johnson let's turn to Wisconsin which hasn't gone for a Republican.

Since Ronald Reagan back in 1984.

How much do you think that Romney will be helped by the big organization.

That governor Scott Walker had to build.

To hold off that recall vote just last June.

It was definitely -- helpful we've we've got a very strong ground game here.

-- decision that most recent Rasmussen poll was dead dead even 4949.

But among voters who have already made up their mind are those that are for sure gonna vote.

Governor -- you know garnered 51% -- -- -- vs present Obama 4148.

So it was dissing Chris was a -- round victory centers -- yesterday.

This issue -- godsey is really bubbling up people are demanding answers from this administration I think that's gonna have a big impact here -- state of -- All right we're gonna get to Ben Ghazi a little later and our discussion senator Udall.

I was surprised it went close to 80% of voters in your state we'll have voted before Election Day.

The Romney camp says that they are winning an absentee requests and an early voting.

And they say they are also swinging the suburbs around Denver that went for Obama four years ago.

Good morning Chris.

We have and it's a great ground game here.

In Colorado.

Your right about 80% of votes will be cast before Election Day but in the end coloradans are gonna go for president.

Who's overseeing slow but steady economic growth we have unemployment levels below 8%.

The coloradans look for a leader.

Who says what he means it means what he says.

It's a governor Romney has three problems here in Colorado we don't know whether it's moderate hitter me to -- severely conservative -- civil service of president.

And he's been particularly unfriendly to Hispanics.

And Latinos and women in this state -- pro choice they want to make their own health care decisions.

And the Republican Party has an effect said the women we know we know what's best for you we don't want to make your own decision so those are reasons that pres Obama will carry Colorado.

All right -- that you gave us a lot to chew on let's start with the at the economy which I think everyone agrees is still the number one concern for voters.

Senator Johnson in Wisconsin let me put up some numbers.

The unemployment rate is now nationally down to seven point 8% GDP growth in the third quarter.

Rose from one point 3% in the second -- to to point out.

-- still.

A weak recovery is senator but aren't the president's policy is starting to turn things around.

Aren't we better incredibly tepid but just -- a meager recovery and the fact that.

GDP rose 2% I mean -- -- can really say about that is it's less bad news was what would have -- -- after that first debate.

The the very false -- the President Obama spent hundreds of millions dollars a portraying governor Romney was utterly shattered.

-- -- -- -- here -- a man of integrity and intelligence somebody actually had a plan unlike.

President Obama who has no proposes -- -- -- security or Medicare.

Or unlike the Democrats and senator -- passed a budget over three years.

People want real leadership and that's what they're seeing in governor Ronnie and -- certainly know Bob Paul Ryan somebody with courage for four roper polls.

Let me senator -- talk about the economic recovery weak as it is in historical terms.

The fact is even though I -- I say unemployment is down to seven point 8%.

No president has been reelected with unemployment this high since FDR back -- 1940 no president has been reelected with growth this low.

Since they started tracking GDP all the way back to 1930 tells -- some strong historical headwinds.

Yes Chris I think we need to also look is.

Where we -- where we've come I mean we all remember how bad things were four years ago we were losing 800000 jobs a month.

What net positive.

Five million plus jobs steady job growth.

Increases those GDP numbers I'd like to -- -- but.

Compare America to the rest of the world really one shining spot in the whole -- -- -- compared to Europe China India.

I think we're gonna leave this world recovery I think the president's got us back on the right track I do think we need to deal with some of these budget issues which I know.

My colleagues an agreement as well in terms of not going over the fiscal cliff.

But I would echo what this summer Mo Udall said.

You know -- we don't really know what.

Governor Romney's plan as -- mean the budget plan that he lays out what actually cut 75% of all investments and education.

And our energy and infrastructure and that's not a way to grow an economy going forward.

And when we look more specifically at Virginia -- down at about five point 85 point 9% unemployment.

We've actually cut recovered quicker than other states and again.

One of the reasons why I think that the president is gonna carry Virginia.

Senator Udall we're gonna get to.

Romney's plan and a moment but let's talk first of all about Obama's plan because this week out on the campaign trail.

He was -- saying and we can see it right here about that glossy brochure.

That he said as his agenda for the next four years it -- -- like.

Create one million manufacturing jobs like 2016 and -- that oil imports and a half by 20/20 but.

Senator you told it all these are our re cycled targets from four years ago that he was unable to which even his first -- Chris we made a lot of progress to reaching those goals and if you look at what the president's accomplished.

We're moving forward in my concern and what I hear from coloradans is that.

President a president Romney would go back to the policies of the Bush Administration which were pretty simply cut taxes cut regulations and run up the debt that isn't going to work.

Present Obama is -- course making the case.

Over this last nine days about what he would do -- -- handed a second.

Term -- he would build on the successes.

Of the last four years we strapped up the president into an airplane that was heading to the ground and it.

-- speed he's now -- that airplane we've got some lift.

We're heading in the right direction he deserves a second term.

Senator Portman let me have you weigh in both on.

This.

Obama agenda for a second term and his record and also questions.

About Romney's record whether it's simply return to the policies of George W.

Bush.

Chris it's pretty simple all of why governor Romney doing so much better and Ohio people are focused on the economy and jobs and Mitt Romney's got a plan -- pro growth pro jobs to turn this thing around.

And pres Obama doesn't so when people look at the last four years that they're disappointed they must be I mean look we're living through the weakest economic recovery since the Great Depression.

They're 22 million Americans struggling to find work.

3.5 million more women in poverty.

Take home based on down 4300 bucks per family on average -- -- you know this is not the right direction -- in the wrong direction.

And then you have President Obama you're right he has a glossy new brochure I've actually looked at that brochure.

And as you know I plead his role of of Obama during debate -- and it's more of the -- so let me get you can argue that we need to do more of the same but it hasn't worked and it hasn't -- by.

President Obama's own measurements he -- unemployment would be 50% lower today than it is if we just pass a stimulus package.

He -- economic growth today.

Would be two thirds higher than it actually is so it hasn't worked.

The one thing he does have in his new proposal is to raise taxes and yes he wants to raise taxes on about a million small businesses including a lot here -- Ohio.

That's gonna result according to a study by the national federation and and businesses.

With a 700000.

Job loss which we can't afford so governor Romney instead has proposed pro growth policies including a tax reform proposal.

The lowers the rate of taxation.

But makes -- tax code far more efficient.

Simplifies it and that's the result was seven million new jobs over the next ten years so that's a choice people -- -- and an Ohio you know they're they're choosing Mitt Romney and that's where.

The enthusiasm is.

Gentlemen I want to move on and and one of you talked about the issue of women and and the two campaigns.

Have been battling for months over women and the polls seem to indicate.

That in fact have Romney has succeeded at least some of the great depending on the poll in the closing the gender gap when it comes to women preferring Obama over him.

But this week Indiana Republican senate candidate.

Richard Murdoch.

Set talked about having no exceptions at all in the case of abortion let's take a lot.

Life is a gift from god and I think even when life begins and have a horrible situation of great.

That it is something that god intended to happen.

Senator Johnson.

Mitt Romney disavowed Richard Murdoch's comments and Richard Murdoch has tried to walk them back but but it does bring up the bigger question why should a woman.

Who believes of freedom of choice when it comes to abortion.

Why should she vote for Mitt Romney who is said he would like to see Roe vs.

Wade overturned.

And who favors cutting off all federal funding for planned parent.

What -- -- first -- I've had one person talk about the abortion issue during this entire campaign.

What what people it was gosh -- -- movement -- here's they recognize that Mitt Romney's an individual.

Who when faced with a legislative it was controlled 85% by Democrats is actually able to work with those Democrats could take a look at his record vs -- Obama who.

It has been totally unable to work with divided government and in Washington DC terrifying -- -- on the -- -- -- on the question of -- -- it's -- -- -- I have not -- Chris it's it's not even an issue it's not even an issue here in Wisconsin and he doesn't even doesn't even move that the radar at all.

What people are concerned about like I said yesterday it was it was unbelievable how many people came -- to me.

Demanding answers and then guys -- -- I edit -- father of marine.

Young marine saying listen I want to know who this commander in chief is what orders he gave what he did he give.

And that's really the question on the table I think for the last ten days is what happened -- been guys in -- -- -- abortion doesn't even show up.

All right we're gonna I promise we're gonna get to bank -- in a moment but first I do wanna give.

Senator Warner a chance to talk about the women's issue on the way -- -- one hand obviously you have a lot of women.

Who were liberal on social issues.

We're not happy with that running on the other hand.

This recession by all standards but a number of women who have lost jobs number of women who have gone into poverty.

Has hit women even harder than men.

Well Chris I didn't continue to find it remarkable whether it's this.

Republican senate candidate in Indiana the Republican senate candidate in Missouri.

Who somehow -- making at least just outrageous comments about rape.

The fact is yeah I know in Virginia one of the reasons why don't women -- -- -- supporting the president's so strongly is our state legislature.

Made Virginia frankly a laughing stock.

With some of its.

It intrusive.

Ultrasound type of procedures that would they were proposing until the governor had to try to walk come back.

People are afraid when that.

When -- turning the keys over some of these guys who seems so disconnected and quite honestly this is not only about women's reproductive health it is about economic issues it is about.

You know women's ability to have that child -- Stanley -- medical leave it is about making sure.

That women's health care issues are related to build women's ability to be active in the workforce so somehow saying that these are not issues of importance I can only speak to that.

The folks I'm dealing with the -- of both women and men.

Want to make sure that we keep these elected officials kind of out of these personal decisions.

And unfortunately what I have my understanding -- the Romney Ryan Republican.

Platform is exactly the same position that we.

Mr.

Murdoch mysteries in some of these other candidates have put forward and I think it is again one of the reasons why yes continue -- -- at least and relax and a wide -- Does enter -- briefly to say that the -- position is that the he would allow exceptions in the case of right.

Incest and the life of them woman but let's -- hasn't hasn't hasn't hasn't missed Iran hasn't -- Iran and the voted.

Consistently has taken out of the -- Iran's state which is -- to allow those exemption but mr.

Ryan yesterday writing about it -- make Iraq -- -- record.

Mr.

-- more of mr.

Ryan -- cousin Joseph Biden Dennis my Joseph Biden didn't agree.

Senator Warner with a lot of Barack Obama's positions but you listen to the guy that was -- its nonstop.

Flipped his positions now out.

I guess that's news.

No actually it's a hatred some critics but let's move on to Libya we -- And the continuing controversy over the attack on the US consulate in -- Gaza that killed four people for Americans.

We learned Friday that CIA operator is operator is on the ground repeatedly.

Requested military backed up and were refused.

And that they also asked to be able to go from the annex where they -- over to the consulate to help out there and -- refused.

And this week the father of one of the Navy SEALs Charlie woods as the father of a slain former navy seal Tyrone -- spoke -- -- let's take a look at what he had to side.

My son.

Violated his orders in order to protect the lives of at least thirty people.

She risked his life to be you know I wish that the leadership in the fight at that same level.

But moral courage and spirit -- that I couldn't display it it -- -- it.

Senator Udall who you are on the -- a Senate Armed Services Committee also on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

How do you answer critics who say that the Obama administration has bungled this before during and after the attack.

Chris we we share the grief that mr.

woods exhibited in that segment.

Let me let me say this we're gonna get to the bottom of this intelligence -- gonna hold hearings and we return right after the election the State Department has its own investigation under way.

But I have to say this any.

Impartial observer.

Who looks at what happened in men -- would have to say this situations been politicized.

Governor Romney himself realizes that he is that actions in his reaction was unbecoming for potential commander -- he's backed off.

Those comments in that point of view in the debate this last week Ben Ghazi and Libya wasn't even raised -- win the governor Romney had a chance to discuss it.

We ought to be acting in the spirit of ambassador Stevens we -- -- be pulling together.

After nine elevenths and by the way -- their terrorist attack wait wait -- somewhere in the elderly and it certainly it -- -- -- -- them out of what he has a legitimate issue to discuss before an election in four Americans were held.

And there are questions of intelligence failures before and during the attack are there is it not.

It is it is it is a legitimate issue but every story.

Leads to political commentary and trying to point fingers after 9/11 we came together there were a lot of questions that had to be answered.

Let's operate in that same spirit let's.

Remember what ambassador Stevens was trying to do and -- stand together because the Middle East is crucial we need to be tough there but we need to be Smart we need to be engaged.

This discussion.

Has been politicized it hasn't been helpful it hasn't helped us get to the bottom what -- they ask you one.

Last direct question there were drones that were flying over Ben Ghazi at the time of the attack during those hours went for the consulate -- -- -- -- -- -- about six -- right ours were under attack.

-- those drones arm.

We're gonna find that out I.

As you've mentioned sit on the Intel's committee sort of senator Warner we're gonna get to the bottom this we'll find out what happened in that information if if appropriate will be revealed we have to do you know what -- well armed intelligence sources.

I can't comment on that at this point in time for us what you you'd certainly agree that if they were armed that they could have without.

As Leon Panetta said sending more troops in harm's way could have been used to try to break up the attack.

Bill that drone assets that we have a remarkable and they saved the lives of many many Americans -- we've been getting the bad guys -- look -- to discussing this -- you further.

When I have the information and I'm able to share with you.

Senator Portman as another member of the armed services committee.

What do you make of of of Defense Secretary Panetta who has doesn't look in terms of this criticism that we didn't send.

Troops right -- to try to break up the attack that you don't put even more US assets in harm's way until you have.

Hard intelligence on the ground as to what they're getting into.

Chris I gotta tell -- I am a member of the armed services committee and I appreciate what my friend -- -- -- is -- about not politicizing this this is not about politics.

This is about a huge national security issue that affects all of us and there was a shocking breakdown operationally not to have the security there in the first place.

And then not to respond to these guys and their pleas for help for seven hours during a firefight.

It's unbelievable and now we -- hearing that the -- the United States based on his own words issued a directive.

Immediately after you found out about the firefight saying he wanted to be sure there's people on the ground were safe they were getting what they needed.

It didn't happen.

This means either that the president's order was not followed.

Which would be a breakdown in terms of the White House procedure.

Four it means you order wasn't issued.

We need to find out about this is not about politics it's it's a very serious situation.

After the fact -- of course there's also been a lot of confusion about what happened why it happened.

I think bottom line Chris it shows a lack of leadership and it shows a policy in disarray and I think it's perfectly appropriate to ask these questions.

As you know Senator McCain and I sent a letter.

More than two weeks ago to secretary Panetta asking for some of these answers we haven't heard anything we sent another letter you.

Yesterday with the additional information we're not hearing directly from the president about this quarter that he issued.

Why wasn't a follow.

This makes no sense.

Senator were what are we got a good out a couple of minutes left I want you and senator Johnson also weigh -- this senator Warner.

You know was skeptical would say you know yes this investigation is gonna happen after Election Day.

But we won't know the facts when people have to go vote.

Well Chris mcginnis member of the intelligence committee I think one of the things it -- not be doing -- Getting into some of these issues and candidly that as -- -- what senator Udall said.

How about drone assets and other things and frankly so some of the reports even that your network has -- My understanding at least -- the administration categorically denied.

I actually have an enormous amount of faith.

In the process that we're gonna take on in the intelligence community look at this I also have an enormous enormous amount of faith.

And former.

Deputy head of the State Department Tom Pickering and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen.

Who are going to be leading this investigation and finding out we knew what exactly did happen and what those time lines are and if you were my mistakes may get those exposed so that would never happen because and that senator Warner let me just a great honor to socialize hope for Americans -- lies were killed.

And I think the most appropriate thing here.

Is let's have this information investigated in a proper and a very appropriately the same way the State Department.

Has launched previous investigations when ever and it remembers their personnel are killed and.

-- want to just ask you one direct question about the drums I can understand how would be politically embarrassing.

For the administration -- it turns out those drones were -- and the weapons were not fired when those.

Men were of the US American -- -- Americans were under attack for seven hours I can understand how it would give up valuable intelligence can you tell me directly.

We're the drones armed or not that we're flying over Ben Ghazi and were reporting -- in real time.

-- this member of the Senate Intelligence Committee is not gonna make any comments on -- On the wrapper off the record or anywhere else senator Johnson you have a minute for the final war.

But Chris the American people have the right to know and that is what they're demanding here in Wisconsin -- lets face it.

What was -- president doing during those seven hours did he give that directive or didn't he.

Did Leon Panetta it directly defy his directive.

Mean what happened.

Who set out who sent us ambassador rice out five days later when they knew it was that it was a terrorist attack and it was pre plan.

-- are on the Sunday talk shows to say that in fact.

This is a spontaneous reaction to of course the video.

This administration.

Purposefully misled the American people for weeks this president misled the American people for weeks and I think the American people have the right to know.

It was either misleading or is -- -- -- I think we're finding out it was probably both misleading and incompetence on the part of this administration the American people have the right to know.

Senators we're gonna have to leave it there want to thank you all for coming in today giving us your assessment of where this race fans.

In your case -- we'll see how the world turns in these next nine guys thanks again.

Thanks for Chris and I guess.

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