WASHINGTON: The battle lines are drawn. The candidates are defined. Having won an inevitable five-state whitewash Mitt Romney has all but claimed victory in the Republican primaries, in a sharp speech targeting America's sluggish economy and the dashed hopes of many supporters of the Obama presidency.
The President, Barack Obama, responded as only he could, appearing on a late night talk show hosted at the University of North Carolina, where he crooned a speech on student loan interest rates to the backing of the Jimmy Fallon house band The Roots.
This year's election will largely be fought over the economy and the youth vote will be crucial.
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Oozing confidence … Mitt Romney at an election night rally in New Hampshire. He has taken a big lead after a five-state sweep of Republican presidential primaries. Photo: Reuters
Speaking in New Hampshire after his victories, Mr Romney gave what has been widely viewed as the best speech of the campaign.
''After 43 primaries and caucuses, many long days and not a few long nights, I can say with confidence and gratitude that you have given me a great honour and solemn responsibility,'' he said.
''Four years ago, Barack Obama dazzled us in front of Greek columns with sweeping promises of hope and change.
''But after we came down to earth, after the celebration and parades, what do we have to show for 3½ years of President Obama?''
He declared that a turning point had been reached.
''Tonight is the start of a new campaign to unite every American who knows in their heart that we can do better,'' he said.
''To all of the thousands of good and decent Americans I've met who want nothing more than a better chance, a fighting chance to all of you, I have a simple message: Hold on a little longer. A better America begins tonight.''
Before voting began late last night, the former Massachusetts governor had just under 700 delegates, with 1144 needed to nail down the nomination.
He was expected to win most of the 209 delegates at stake in the polls last night.
A poll by Harvard University's institute of politics released on Tuesday found Mr Obama has increased his lead over Mr Romney among voters aged 18-29 by 6 per cent since December to 43 per cent to 26 per cent.
The latest Gallup poll shows Mr Obama leading Mr Romney by 7 percentage points.
Mr Romney won primaries in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Connecticut, and Delaware and New York on Tuesday.
Despite Mr Romney'swins, the zombie campaigns of Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich lurch on.
''I think it's a very substantial mistake for governor Romney to give a general election speech tonight in New Hampshire,'' Mr Gingrich told reporters.
''He is not the nominee. I think it's a little insulting to people in these states.''
Mr Gingrich had earlier indicated that should he not win or run a close second in Delaware he could consider his options. As it was he won just 27.1 per cent of the vote to Mr Romney's 56.5 per cent in that state.
Mr Obama's decision to ''slow jam'' on the Jimmy Fallon show appears to have been designed to distract from Mr Romney's victories, as well as to underscore his call on Congress to cap increases on student loans. Mr Romney has echoed that move.
''I want to slow jam the news, and I am not the only one,'' Fallon said as the curtains behind him opened and the President swaggered onto the stage.
''I am President Obama and I too want to slow jam the news,'' said the President, launching into a version of his student loans speech as The Roots chimed in.
''Ooooh yeeeeaah, you should listen to the President,'' Fallon crooned to his audience
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/romney-win-looms-as-obama-croons-20120425-1xlnx.html#ixzz1t8P9Sw9v
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