To open early voting in Ohio on Tuesday evening, Michelle Obama rallied a raucous crowd of nearly 7,000 people in Cincinnati at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
In response, the Romney campaign held its own event in Cincinnati:
Republicans countered Michelle Obama’s visit with a Commit to Mitt event Tuesday encouraging Romney supporters to vote early, as well. The Commit to Mitt bus tour will cross the state “emphasizing how the Romney-Ryan plan for the middle class will result in lower taxes, less government spending, more economic growth and a stronger middle class with 12 million new jobs,” Romney spokesman Christopher Maloney said.
And
how many attended?
An early voting event for the former Massachusetts governor on Tuesday in downtown Cincinnati drew roughly 45 supporters.
To recap, that's 7,000 to 45. Not exactly an effective counterpunch.
Now, make no mistake, the Romney campaign has a robust ground game in Ohio, with over 40 offices backed by those ever-present SUPER PACs.
However, in a world of increasing statistical signs pointing toward a potential Obama win in Ohio, sometimes it's the anecdotal signs which are most striking.
Sometimes, it's the personal, emotional notes which are the great reveal:
The crowd – estimated at 6,800 by fire officials – was unquestionably fired up.
“The rally was just motivating and exciting,” Meeka Owens of North Avondale said afterward. “You could feel the heartbeat of the city.”
Heartbeat. A word worth considering as November 6 draws near.