Obama, First Lady Hit Campaign Trail Together

President Obama is teaming up with his better -- and more popular -- half as he tries to get Democrats excited about an election that offers little hope but a lot of change for his core supporters.

The president and first lady Michelle Obama will campaign together Sunday for the first time since the 2008 presidential race. The two link up for a Democratic National Committee rally at Ohio State University Sunday night, after the president hits separate Ohio campaign stops for Gov. Ted Strickland and the DNC.

Democrats have turned to several high-level surrogates, from former President Bill Clinton to Vice President Biden, to assist the flagging campaigns of once-popular incumbents and help the party shore up its coffers. The president, too, has crisscrossed the country in support of Democratic candidates, but his low approval ratings can make his visits a political risk. Michelle Obama, whose popularity has remained high, is just recently starting to make an appearance on the campaign trail in support of her party and could play a vital role in the two weeks remaining.
But even the president has acknowledged Americans are angry and frustrated in the face of 9.6 percent unemployment.

"There is no doubt that this a difficult election. That's because we've been through an incredibly difficult time as a nation," Obama said Saturday at a campaign rally in Boston for Gov. Deval Patrick.

Mrs. Obama's campaign message has echoed her husband's -- saying he can't make good on the promises he made during the presidential campaign unless voters keep Democrats in control of the House and Senate.

She has urged supporters to summon the same enthusiasm that helped sweep her husband and many congressional Democrats into office last election cycle.

Obama said Saturday he still believes Democrats can retain control of Congress, though recent polls suggest Republicans may well retake the House and make major gains in the Senate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.