Presidential election
2012 presidential election
Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney, winning 332 of 538 electoral votes and 51.1% of the popular vote.
Results
58.2%
Turnout rate
129.1M
Total votes cast
222.0M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio(OH) | 18 | DemocraticObama | +3% |
| Florida(FL) | 29 | DemocraticObama | +0.9% |
| Virginia(VA) | 13 | DemocraticObama | +3.9% |
| Colorado(CO) | 9 | DemocraticObama | +5.4% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 20 | DemocraticObama | +5.4% |
| North Carolina(NC) | 15 | RepublicanRomney | +2% |
Candidates
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Joe Biden
Home state
Illinois
Age at election
51
Previous position
44th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Campaign slogan
"Forward"
Popular vote
65.9M
(51.1%)
Electoral votes
332
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Paul Ryan
Home state
Massachusetts
Age at election
65
Previous position
70th Governor of Massachusetts
Campaign slogan
"Believe in America"
Popular vote
60.9M
(47.2%)
Electoral votes
206
Men
Romney
52%
Women
Obama
55%
White Voters
Romney
59%
Black Voters
Obama
93%
Hispanic/Latino
Obama
71%
18-29 Age
Obama
60%
65+ Age
Romney
56%
Key events
Benghazi Attack
U.S. diplomatic compound in Libya attacked, 4 Americans killed
47% Video Released
Romney caught saying 47% of Americans are dependent on government
First Presidential Debate
Romney performed strongly, Obama seen as disengaged
Hurricane Sandy
Superstorm gave Obama chance to appear presidential
Issues & context
First incumbent to win with unemployment above 7% since FDR. Rise of the Tea Party movement. Citizens United changed campaign finance.
Slow recovery from Great Recession. Unemployment at 7.9%. Auto industry bailout became campaign issue. Housing market stabilizing.
Obama defended his first term record. Healthcare law remained controversial. Bin Laden killing was foreign policy achievement.
Validated Obama coalition. Showed demographic shifts in electorate. Led to Republican 'autopsy' recommending outreach to minorities (later ignored).
Did you know?
- 1.Obama was first president to win with unemployment over 7% since FDR
- 2.Karl Rove famously disputed Ohio call on Fox News
- 3.Nate Silver correctly predicted all 50 states
- 4.Obama won every swing state except North Carolina