• Some states swing
    As the general election begins, the focus moves to the swing states, where the candidates (and their supporters) are gearing up for some close contests
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Fired Up! Ready to Go!
    Ohio, which has picked every president since 1964, was the site of Barack Obama's campaign kick-off rally on May 5th. Here volunteers look up at a motivational video prior to his arrival
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Michelle in turquoise
    To this point, Mrs Obama had been more active on the campaign trail than her husband. But here she prepares to introduce Mr Obama at Ohio State University
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Obama arrives
    Mrs Obama's turquoise dress almost matched the colour of the placards held by supporters. Mr Obama went with no jacket or tie, his typical campaign uniform
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • 14,000
    The event attracted a crowd of about 14,000. But the president will reach many more voters with a $25m ad buy in Ohio and eight other swing states
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Make or break for the middle class
    "This is not just another election," said Mr Obama. "This is a make or break moment for the middle class, and we've been through too much to turn back now."
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Polls show Mr Obama leading in Ohio. But his campaign is looking to expand the electoral map, giving them several routes to victory
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Two days after Mr Obama's rally, Mitt Romney campaigned beside an 800-ton press inside a factory near Cleveland, Ohio
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Mr Romney is "bracketing" Mr Obama by convening events in the same states and near the same dates as the president's visits
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • National polls show Mr Romney running neck and neck with the president. His message for Ohioans is simple: Mr Obama has not delivered on his promises
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • A man was booed for asking Mr Romney about $1.5m in foreign tax credits claimed on his 2010 tax return. Mr Romney said he would review the matter
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald
  • Outside the Romney event, Greg Smith hawks T-shirts critical of the president. Mr Smith said he would vote for Mr Romney
    Source: Christopher Fitzgerald