Obama Releases YouTube Video Praising Iowa, Urging Iowans to Vote Early

The Obama campaign has released a new video praising Iowans for their support and urging them to vote early.

Early voting for election 2012 in Iowa began on Thursday, and the Obama campaign had a strong turnout in several parts of the state, including large student turnout in Iowa City.

"Being here again just brings back unbelievable memories of 2007/2008. This really is where the movement started," President Barack Obama said in the video. "Even when we were counted out. Even when we were behind in the polls, we could come here to Iowa and they would just lift our spirits. To be back is a real pleasure."

The YouTube video, "President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in Iowa: Vote Early," reflects on the importance of Iowa in the 2008 election. Many feel Obama's surprise win in the Iowa Caucus propelled him to the nomination and the presidency.

Obama is turning to Iowans again. Despite only six electoral votes, Iowa has been a frequent destination for the Obama campaign this year and is considered one of the battleground states upon which the 2012 election could hinge.

While Iowa is still considered a toss up, some polls now show Obama taking a slim lead over GOP nominee Mitt Romney.

The video shows Obama at rallies in Iowa City, Ankeny, Indianola and Davenport, among other communities, and has some direct interview clips of the Obamas.

"Iowa always reinforced what you said about the decency of America. I experienced that. Everywhere I went they were open. They were kind," Michelle Obama said in the video.

"And, the other thing I realized is that our stories were just so much alike. When I talk to men who were working hard for their families, doing that shift work, it reminded me of my father and how he made sure he did everthing in his power to send us to college even if it meant sacrificing something for himself.

"We are connected. Even though we live in different parts of the country, our stories are the same and we are fighting for the same things, and Iowa brought that home for me," she said.

The video was released today by Obama for America, the same day that Michelle Obama spoke to students on University of Northern Iowa campus.

"With First Lady Michelle Obama at the University of Northern Iowa today, Obama for America is releasing a new web video of President Obama and the First Lady talking about the special place Iowa holds in their hearts," a statement released with the video today.