Obama tells large rally in Ohio that special interest ‘empire is striking back’ at him

In Ohio, for example, Strickland, the Democrat, remains several points behind Rep. John Kasich, the Republican, in a race for governor and former Bush White House budget director Rob Portman is running away from Democrat Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in the race for a U.S. Senate seat.

At a fundraiser earlier Sunday at a Cleveland private residence, the president and first lady made off the cuff remarks about one another that will provide talking heads new material for daytime cable.

“It is my honor and privilege to introduce to you my husband, a very handsome young man, the love of my life, even though he doesn’t always think it, and, more importantly, the President of the United States, Barack Obama,” the first lady quipped.

The president, for his part, said “it’s fun having her along on this road trip.”

“Usually I’m all by myself, listening to my iPod. We had a wonderful conversation on the way here, and she was telling me what I should do,” he said to laughter. “It’s true. It’s true. You think I’m joking. I’m not. I have witnesses.”

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