President Barack Obama waves from the steps of Air Force One.By THOMAS BEAUMONT and KEN THOMAS
Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa magic that launched Barack Obama to the presidency four years ago has all but faded.
Soured by the direction of the nation and its economy, Iowa has drifted away from Obama since his 2008 caucus victory over Hillary Rodham Clinton made him the Democratic front-runner. And while he carried the state in the general election by a comfortable margin that year, polls this year have shown voters narrowly preferring Republican challenger Mitt Romney, who plans to wage his own major effort in Iowa.
Today, the Democrat who emerged Cinderella-like with a hope-filled message four years ago is sharply attacking Romney’s economic credentials and his ability to grasp voters’ everyday concerns.