In 2012 incumbent president Barack Obama faced Mitt Romney in the general election to decide who would live in the White House for the next four years. Obama had taken over the presidency in 2008 under tough economic circumstances, some that still lingered on. Romney was the former governor of Massachusetts and a successful businessman. The stage was set for a close election as both parties were prepared to state their case to the American people.

Obama was running his campaign on the things that he had accomplished, most notably the gains that the economy had made since the downturn in 2008. He also pointed out the victories that had taken place in the war on terror. Romney stated his case that the country would be in a better place both foreign and domestically under conservative leadership. Romney had shown his leadership skills during his time as governor of Massachusetts and made the case that he could do the same as president.

As the election process heated up, Romney would face criticism for comments that he made during a private fundraiser. His comments on “47 percent” of voters depending on the government were used against him by the Obama campaign. Obama would also see political attacks for saying “you didn’t build that” during a speech on the government’s role in growing businesses and the economy. As most modern presidential elections unfold, both sides would lay out their vision for the country and also point out so called flaws in their opponent.

As election day drew near, Obama held a small lead. Romney had hoped that a final push would draw the election into a dead heat. On election day Obama’s lead would remain intact and he would win the election by 332-206 in the electoral college and 51.1% to 47.2% in the popular vote. In the end, Obama was able to reach young and minority voters better than Romney. To Romney’s credit, his 206 electoral college votes were more than the 173 that 2008 republican nominee John McCain got.