On the campaign trail: Feb. 21

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 1:54 PM

(AP) - The president and GOP candidates try to rally more support.

Photos: On the Campaign Trail

Obama promotes modest American dream

This time around, President Barack Obama's message can sound decidedly down-to-earth.

Four years after winning the White House, Obama is dealing with a different economic and political reality as he seeks re-election. He's focused less on a lofty vision for overcoming divisions and remaking Washington, and more on the most basic building blocks of middle-class economic security: a job, a house, a college education for the kids, health care, money for retirement.

What Obama describes as the American Dream can seem a spare, fundamental aspiration, tailored for a campaign that looks to be fought over who is best equipped to safeguard the interests of middle-class Americans.

Romney wades into social issues in native Michigan

Mitt Romney is wading into the social and religious issues that have helped fuel rival Rick Santorum's rise.

At a town hall Tuesday in Michigan, the Republican presidential candidate repeatedly was asked about religious freedom, abortion, gay marriage and other topics he has largely avoided during the campaign. Romney has stayed focused on his business background instead.

Romney criticized Santorum and said Michigan's tea party voters won't support Santorum when they learn more about his record. He also said President Barack Obama has governed with "a secular agenda" that has hurt religious freedom in this country.

Gingrich tells OK lawmakers he'll reel in feds

A once-powerful Washington figure himself, Newt Gingrich says he'd shrink the role of the nation's capital if sent back as president.

The Republican presidential candidate wrapped two days of Oklahoma campaigning Tuesday by addressing the state Legislature. He asked lawmakers for input on regulations to roll back and other steps to, in his words, "get the federal government out of your hair."

The former House speaker says he'd focus most on regulations he thinks are hindering energy development and on giving states greater flexibility to implement Medicaid programs for the poor.

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