Former Navy SEAL Scott Taylor in the new Special Ops OPSEC ad. (Photo: YouTube)

Special Ops OPSEC, one of the anti-Obama political action committees formed by ex-Navy SEALs that have been attacking President Barack Obama for inappropriately politicizing the killing of Osama bin Laden has released a new ad slamming the White House's response to the attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya last month. The Obama administration has faced harsh criticism for allegedly ignoring security warnings ahead of the attacks and offering confusing, evolving explanations for the incident, which left four people dead including U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens and two former Navy SEALs who were working as security contractors protecting diplomatic personnel. The ad specifically targets comments the president made referring to the Benghazi attack and other recent unrest in the Middle East as "bumps in the road."

"President Obama wanted credit after our military killed Bin Laden. Highly classified secrets were leaked endangering real heroes and their families, but when terrorists kill SEALs and diplomats in Libya, this administration doesn't tell the truth about what happened and the president says it's just a bump in the road," OPSEC president and former SEAL Scott Taylor says in the ad. "There is nothing acceptable about playing politics with national security and American lives. Aren't some things more important than politics?"

According to an email sent out by Special Ops OPSEC, the ad will start airing in Virginia today. The group is seeking contributions to help put it on the air in other swing states.

"We need your help to keep it on the air expand it to other critical 2012 battleground states," Mr. Taylor wrote in the email message.

Watch the Special Ops OPSEC ad, which is entitled "Bump in the Road," below.

Joe Biden (Photo: Getty)

Just five days after Mitt Romney's campaign manager said President Barack Obama's re-election team had reached "a new low" with super PAC attacks, the Romney-ans are claiming the Obama campaign has reached a new "new low" after Vice President suggested Mr. Romney's economic policies would enable banks to put people "back in chains."

"After weeks of slanderous and baseless accusations leveled against Governor Romney, the Obama Campaign has reached a new low. The comments made by the Vice President of the United States are not acceptable in our political discourse and demonstrate yet again that the Obama Campaign will say and do anything to win this election," said Mr. Romney's spokeswoman, Andrea Saul in a statement. "President Obama should tell the American people whether he agrees with Joe Biden’s comments."

Mr. Biden made his chains prediction at a speech in Danville, Virginia when he discussed Mr. Romney's plans to scale back some of the Obama administration's financial industry reforms.

"Romney wants to--he said in the first 100 days, he's gonna let the big banks again write their own rules," Mr. Biden said  "'Unchain Wall Street!'"

According to NBC reporter Carrie Dann, Mr. Biden lowered his voice before continuing.

"They're going to put you all back in chains," he said.

Ms. Dann also hinted Mr. Biden's remarks could have been seen as an allusion to slavery by pointing out that "Danville city is about 48 percent black, according to 2011 census numbers" and that the audience for Mr. Biden's speech "reflected the area's demography."

In his speech, Mr. Biden also discussed Mr. Romney's selection of Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate.

"This is a good thing, a good thing for the country that we have this stark, stark choice," Mr. Biden said after referencing Mr. Ryan's signature budget proposals.

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan (Photo: MittRomney.com)

After weeks of veepstakes drama, Mitt Romney introduced Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate this morning in Norfolk, Virginia. After a small slip-up where Mr. Romney accidentally introduced Mr. Ryan as "the next President of the United States," the congressman settled in to a speech in which he said President Barack Obama's policies "didn't make things better" and vowed that "Mitt Romney and I will take the right steps, in the right time, to get us back on the right track."

The Romney campaign has already released a transcript of Mr. Ryan's remarks. Read it below:

"Thank you Governor Romney, Ann.  I am deeply honored and excited to join you as your running mate.

Mitt Romney is a leader with the skills, the background and the character that our country needs at a crucial time in its history. Following four years of failed leadership, the hopes of our country, which have inspired the world, are growing dim; and they need someone to revive them. Governor Romney is the man for this moment; and he and I share one commitment: we will restore the dreams and greatness of this country.

I want you to meet my family.  My wife Janna, our daughter Liza, and our sons, Charlie and Sam.

I am surrounded by the people I love, and I have been asked by Governor Romney to serve the country I love.

Janesville, Wisconsin is where I was born and raised, and I never really left it. It’s our home now.

For the last 14 years, I have proudly represented Wisconsin in Congress.  There, I have focused on solving the problems that confront our country, and turning ideas into action; and action into solutions.  

I am committed, in heart and mind, to putting that experience to work in a Romney Administration. This is a crucial moment in the life of our nation; and it is absolutely vital that we select the right man to lead America back to prosperity and greatness.

That man is standing next to me. His name is Mitt Romney. And he will be the next president of the United States

My dad died when I was young. He was a good and decent man. I still remember a couple of things he would say that have really stuck with me.  "Son you are either part of the problem or part of the solution."  

Regrettably, President Obama has become part of the problem,...and Mitt Romney is the solution.

The other thing my dad would say is that every generation of Americans leaves their children better off. That's the American legacy.

Sadly, for the first time in our history, we are on a path which will undo that legacy. That is why we need new leadership to become part of the solution – new leadership to restore prosperity, economic growth, and jobs.

It is our duty to save the American Dream for our children, and theirs.

And I believe there is no person in America who is better prepared – because of his experience; because of the principles he holds; and because of his achievements and excellence in so many different arenas – to lead America at this point in its history.

Let me say a word about the man Mitt Romney will replace. No one disputes President Obama inherited a difficult situation.  And, in his first 2 years, with his party in complete control of Washington, he passed nearly every item on his agenda.  But that didn’t make things better. 

In fact, we find ourselves in a nation facing debt, doubt and despair.

• This is the worst economic recovery in 70 years. Unemployment has been above 8 percent for more than three years, the longest run since the Great Depression. Families are hurting.

• We have the largest deficits and the biggest federal government since WWII. 

• Nearly 1 out of 6 Americans are in poverty--the worst rate in a generation.  Moms and dads are struggling to make ends meet.

• Household incomes have dropped by more than $4,000 over the past four years.

Whatever the explanations, whatever the excuses, this is a record of failure.

President Obama, and too many like him in Washington, have refused to make difficult decisions because they are more worried about their next election than they are about the next generation. We might have been able to get away with that before, but not now. We’re in a different, and dangerous, moment. We're running out of time -- and we can't afford 4 more years of this.

Politicians from both parties have made empty promises which will soon become broken promises--with painful consequences--if we fail to act now.

I represent a part of America that includes inner cities, rural areas, suburbs and factory towns.  Over the years I have seen and heard from a lot from families, from those running small businesses, and from people who are in need.  But what I have heard lately troubles me the most.  There is something different in their voice and in their words. What I hear from them are diminished dreams, lowered expectations, uncertain futures.

I hear some people say that this is just "the new normal." High unemployment, declining incomes and crushing debt is not a new normal.  It's the result of misguided policies.  And next January, our economy will begin a comeback with the Romney Plan for a Stronger Middle Class that will lead to more jobs and more take home pay for working Americans.

America is on the wrong track; but Mitt Romney and I will take the right steps, in the right time, to get us back on the right track!

I believe my record of getting things done in Congress will be a very helpful complement to Governor Romney’s executive and private sector success outside Washington. I have worked closely with Republicans as well as Democrats to advance an agenda of economic growth, fiscal discipline, and job creation.

I’m proud to stand with a man who understands what it takes to foster job creation in our economy, someone who knows from experience, that if you have a small business—you did build that. 

At Bain Capital, he launched new businesses and he turned around failing ones – companies like Staples, Bright Horizons and Sports Authority, just to name a few. Mitt Romney created jobs and showed he knows how a free economy works.

At the Olympics, he took a failing enterprise and made it the pride of our entire nation.

As governor of Massachusetts, he worked with Democrats and Republicans to balance budgets with no tax increases, lower unemployment, increase income and improve people’s lives.

In all of these things, Mitt Romney has shown himself to be a man of achievement, excellence and integrity.

Janna and I tell Liza, Charlie and Sam that America is a place where, if you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead.

We Americans look at one another's success with pride, not resentment, because we know, as more Americans work hard, take risks, and succeed, more people will prosper, our communities will benefit, and individual lives will be improved and uplifted.

But America is more than just a place...it's an idea.  It's the only country founded on an idea.  Our rights come from nature and God, not government.  We promise equal opportunity, not equal outcomes.

This idea is founded on the principles of liberty, freedom, free enterprise, self-determination and government by consent of the governed.  

This idea is under assault.  So, we have a critical decision to make as a nation.

We are on an unsustainable path that is robbing America of our freedom and security. It doesn't have to be this way.

The commitment Mitt Romney and I make to you is this:

We won't duck the tough issues...we will lead!

We won't blame others...we will take responsibility!

We won't replace our founding principles...we will reapply them!

We will honor you, our fellow citizens, by giving you the right and opportunity to make the choice:

• What kind of country do we want to have?

• What kind of people do we want to be?

We can turn this thing around.  Real solutions can be delivered.  But, it will take leadership.  And the courage to tell you the truth.

Mitt Romney is this kind of leader.  I'm excited for what lies ahead and I'm thrilled to be a part of America's Comeback Team. And together, we will unite America and get this done. 

Thank you."

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan moments before today's speech. (Photo: Garrett Jackson/Twitter)

Mitt Romney rolled out his running mate, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, at an event at the U.S.S. Wisconsin in Norfolk, Virginia this morning, but he made a slight mistake when introducing the man he hopes will serve as his vice president next year.

"Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan," Mr. Romney said as his running mate took the stage.

Mr. Ryan began speaking and, a few moments later, Mr. Romney jogged back to the podium to acknowledge his slip of the tongue.

"Every now and then I'm known to make a mistake," said Mr. Romney as the crowed cheered and laughed. "I did not make a mistake with this guy, but I can tell you that he's going to be the next Vice President of the United States."

After Mr. Romney corrected his mistake, Mr. Ryan continued his speech saying he's "thrilled to be a part of America's Comeback Team."

Bobby Jindal (Photo: Facebook)

Louisiana governor and potential Mitt Romney running mate Bobby Jindal is campaigning for Mr. Romney in Iowa today and he also held a press conference call with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell where they slammed President Barack Obama's "failed economic record" and "misplaced priorities." Mr. Jindal began his remarks by slamming the president as "incompetent" and inexperienced.

"President Obama is the most liberal and incompetent president since Jimmy Carter was in the White House," said Mr. Jindal. "The reality is, he's a great speaker. Four years ago, he was here in Iowa promising hope and change, but the reality is, he's never run anything including a lemonade stand, a business or a state before he was elected President of the United States."

After their criticisms of the president, Messrs. McDonnell and Jindal took questions. Politico's Ginger Gibson brought up controversial comments Mr. Romney made questioning whether the London Olympics would be a success. In an NBC News interview recorded during his trip to London, Mr. Romney cited issues with the private security firms contracted for the games and striking immigration and customs officials and said "it’s hard to know just how well it will turn out." Mr. Romney also asked whether the "people of the country" would "come together and celebrate the Olympic moment." Mr. Romney eventually backtracked his remarks, but they still earned stiff rebukes from British Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson. On today's conference call, Ms. Gibson asked the governor's whether they were concerned about the Olympic flap. Mr. Jindal answered first.

"No, the reality is, I think we're not worried about overseas headlines. We're worried about voters back here at home," Mr. Jindal said. "I think Governor Romney has said he expects the London Olympics to be a phenomenal success....The reality is that the focus needs to continue to be on the issues that are important to voters back home."

Mr. McDonnell's response was much more succinct.

"I agree," he said.

Adam Cook (Photo: AdamCook2012.com)

Adam Cook, a Democrat who is running for the House seat in Virginia's first congressional district got some rather enthusiastic support on YouTube after his first campaign video was posted there today. The first comment added shortly after the video was posted was an especially colorful endorsement of the candidate:

"Adam Cook is the 'Dank Spank' going to dominate in Congress!"

The comment was made by Mr. Cook's younger brother, Simon. According to the only entry for the phrase in Urban Dictionary, which is the unquestioned authority on slang, "dank spank" means masturbating after smoking marijuana. "He's a young guy he's a college student now so I guess that was his support," Mr. Cook told The Politicker.

Before Mr. Cook gets his chance to "dominate in Congress," he will have to defeat Republican Congressman Rob Wittman, who has been serving in the district since 2007. The district has traditionally been a conservative stronghold, however John McCain won it by just three percent in 2008 compared to George W. Bush's more than 20 percent margin of victory in 2004. Democratic Senator Mark Warner also won the district in his 2008 Senate run. Mr. Cook has the endorsement of former Virginia governor Tim Kaine.

"It is like much of Northern Virginia trending in a more Democratic direction," Mr. Cook said. "It could be competitive."

Mr. Cook is an Afghanistan veteran and current member of the Air Force Reserves. He is suspending his campaign for two weeks starting next Monday because he is up for two weeks of active duty in Delaware.

View a screengrab of the younger Mr. Cook's comment and the full campaign video below.

Mitt Romney (Photo: Getty)

In his Ohio ad, Mr. Romney vows that, on his first day in office he will stand "up to China" and demand "a level playing field for our businesses and workers." By his hundredth day, Mr. Romney says he will have repealed "regulations that are strangling our energy industry and costing us jobs." In the end, he says the Buckeye State will be "a better place to do business as we see more factories and jobs coming back."

For his Virginia ad, Mr. Romney promises that on day one of his hypothetical administration he will "repeal Obamacare" and attack the deficit. By day 100, Mr. Romney says he will have "reversed Obama's offshore drilling ban, creating thousands of new jobs for Virginians." He claims all of these plans will leave Virginia with "new life" and "new energy."

Mr. Romney's ads in Iowa and North Carolina also begin with a promise to "repeal Obamacare" and attack the deficit on his first day in office. In the Iowa spot, he says by his hundredth day he will be "working towards a balanced budget" leaving Iowans with "fewer worries about their future and their children's future." In the North Carolina commercial, Mr. Romney says, by day 100, he will "cut taxes that kill jobs" and bringing the state "new certainty to our economy at the promise of new banking and high tech jobs."

Watch Mr. Romney's new ads here, here, here and here.

Vivek Jain (Photo: VivekForVirginia.com)

Vivek Jain was standing in the rain outside President Barack Obama's rally in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday wearing a red armband and collecting signatures for a campaign against one of the most influential Republicans in Washington--House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. A softspoken and extremely articulate man who looks even younger than his 31 years, Mr. Jain is a doctor who also helps teach classes at Virginia Commonwealth University. He's running as an independent.

"Both parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, are beholden to corporate interests," Mr. Jain told The Politicker. "You've only seen the same kind of pro one percent policies from both parties despite their campaign season populist rhetoric."

In addition to his medical, political and academic careers, Mr. Jain has been an active participant in Occupy Richmond.

"I think every American needs to identify themselves with values that Occupy upholds, for example, justice, democracy, equality," Mr. Jain explained. "These aren't limited to a movement. These are fundamental American values which have been undermined, especially over the last 40 years with what's called neoliberal ideology."

Throughout our brief conversation with Mr. Jain, we were interrupted by people who came up to sign his petition to put him on the ballot after being attracted by his sign that said "DISLIKE Eric Cantor? U.S. Congress Ballot Petitions HERE." Mr. Jain had to turn many of supporters away because they didn't live in his district.

An older black man promised to volunteer for Mr. Jain even though he didn't live in the right district to vote for him.

"I'm willing to come up here and help you get elected, because I hate that bastard. I'm telling you he is the worst person in the world," the man said of Cantor.

They exchanged email addresses.

Vivek Jain meeting a voter outside the Obama rally. (Photo: Hunter Walker)

The district in which Mr. Jain is running is solidly Republican and hasn't had a representative from outside the GOP since 1971. Though he's a longshot, Mr. Jain says he was compelled to enter the race because he believes his experience as a doctor gives him an important political perspective.

"I'm also a physician, so I'm a health advocate and I also recognize that health has social determinants. So, the environmental conditions, the working conditions, the living conditions in which people grow up and live, and work and play, they all impact a person's health," he said. "It's very important that someone with a complex, nuanced understanding of health and these social issues really advocates for the people, because neither party is doing so at this moment."

Mr. Jain also said he was motivated to run because he believes it's important for regular citizens to take an active role in the political process.

"It's very important to remember that no politician, no politician understands or will acknowledge that change happens from the bottom up, that change doesn't happen from the top," said Mr. Jaine. "It doesn't happen from politicans or presidents doing stuff. It has to come from the mobilization of the public."

Though his main focus is clearly Mr. Cantor, Mr. Jain is also dissatisfied with the Democratic challenger in the race, Wayne Powell, and President Barack Obama.

"Mr. Powell is unfortunately a very militaristic pro-Israel Democrat and that's not what Americans need right now. We need someone who stands for the American Constitution," Mr. Jain said. "Mr. Cantor explicitly, overtly doesn't make any show of hiding the fact that he's completely beholden to the financial interests. Let's also remember that the financial interests also unfortunately backed President Obama. President Obama also hired the likes of Tim Geithner, Larry Summers and has undermined any efforts to prosecute Wall Street fraud and white collar crime."

With the election six months away, Mr. Jain is focused on securing a space on the ballot and challenging Mr. Cantor to a debate.

"I am an advocate for human needs and human rights," he said. "I think, if Mr. Cantor will dare to have a debate with me, the public will see where the allegiances are. I'm with the people."

President Barack Obama

With his latest campaign ad blitz in the battleground states, President Barack Obama would like to remind you that the economic crisis began before he was in office. His ad, which will air in nine states, articulates what are clearly becoming the main early messages of his reelection bid; the economic recovery may be slow, but it is happening and the Obama administration has made a number of acheivements that make it worth keeping the faith for the many voters who believed in him during the last election.

"In 2008 an economic meltdown, 4.4 million jobs lost, America's economy spiraling down. All before this president took the oath" a narrator says in between grim news clips from the financial crisis as the ad begins.

As shots of Tea Partiers play, the narrator said,  "some said our best days were behind us, but not him." The narrator goes on to give the Obama administration credit for several accomplishments as clips of the president play beginning with a shot of his inauguration clearly labeled "January 2009."

"He believed in us. Fought for us and today our auto industry is back firing on all cylinders. Our greatest enemy brought to justice by our greatest heroes Our troops are home from Iraq. Instead of losing jobs were creating them," the narrator said.

President Obama's ad, which is called "Go" ends with an acknowledgment the economy hasn't fully recovered. However, it argues the president still deserves the fervent hope he infamously inspired and courted in 2008.

"We're not there yet, it's still too hard for too many," the narrator said. "But we're coming back, because America's greatness comes from a strong middle class. Because you don't quit and neither does he."

"Go" is airing in all of the biggest battleground states; Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, New Hampshire, Iowa, North Carolina, Florida and Colorado. Watch the ad below.

President Barack Obama on stage at VCU. (Photo: Getty)

RICHMOND, VA -- In 2008, President Barack Obama was a fresh face who promised to lead the country in a new direction. To score another four years in the White House, the president needs to recapture the swing states and voter enthusiasm he had four years ago as an incumbent with a record that includes the sluggish economic recovery and a war still raging in Afghanistan. The president kicked off his re-election effort yesterday with back-to-back rallies in two battleground states, Virginia and Ohio, where he attempted to assure supporters he's still the transformative figure who captivated them during the last election.

“If people ask you, ‘What’s this campaign about?’ you tell them, it’s still about hope, you tell them it’s still about change,” he said. “You tell them it’s still about ordinary people who believe in the face of great odds that we can make a difference in the life of this country.”

For the president's second rally of the day, at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, 14,000 people waited several hours to see him speak. Before President Obama took the stage, a soundtrack of soul classics warmed up the audience.

"That's not a special song is it?" a reporter for a German newspaper chain asked us as the crowd clapped along to Stevie Wonder's 1973 hit "Higher Ground."

We replied that we weren't sure what he meant.

"It's not something like the unofficial party hymn, because everyone's dancing up there," he explained.

The VCU crowd was certainly, as President Obama's campaign team so often likes to say, "fired up."

In addition to the music, several speakers warmed up the audience including the First Lady, the VCU men's basketball coach, former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and Congressman Bobby Scott, who discussed the crucial role Virginia is expected to play when voters head to the polls in November.

"Four years ago, everybody said that Virginia was important in the presidential race and they said that, if Barack Obama carried Virginia, he would win the election," Mr. Scott said. "Well, they were right."

President Obama became the first Democrat to win Virginia in more than four decades when he won the state in 2008. In his remarks at the rally, Mr. Scott noted CNN declared President Obama the winner in that election two minutes after they called Virginia.

Like Virginia, Ohio is one of the swing states that helped secure President Obama's victory in 2008. At VCU, the president acknowledged some people may be disappointed with his record since his win last time around.

“This election will be even closer than the last. Too many of our friends and neighbors are still hurting because of this crisis,” President Obama said. “I’ve heard from too many people wondering why they haven’t been able to get one of the jobs that have been created. … Why their family hasn’t yet been touched by the recovery.”

In his speech, the president admitted economic progress has been slower than we might like, but he warned the country could fall backward with a Republican taking over in the White House.

“We are making progress and now we face the choice, for the last few years the Republicans who run this Congress have insisted that we go right back to the policies that created this mess in the first place,” he said.

Young voters were a crucial component of the president's base in 2008 and maintaining their support is crucial if he hopes to put on a repeat performance. Many of the college students at his VCU rally were clearly ready to jump back on President Obama's bandwagon.

Amber Bertram is a student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond who attended the rally with her sister. Seeing him in person alleviated any doubts Ms. Bertram had about President Obama's chances of re-election.

"Honestly, I would say for myself, I really was like, well, I don't think he's going to win and I just don't think he has the support, and the drive and everything behind him," Ms. Bertram said. "After seeing him speak, I'm just like, oh my god, it's going to happen again. It's going to happen."

VCU freshman Jackson Shurldes was also impressed.

"He knows how to give a good speech, definitely," said Mr. Shurldes. "He just seems like a very likable guy."

After the president's speech, his campaign touted the large turnouts at his back-to-back rallies. Despite the many excited supporters, outside the rally, we saw some evidence of the diminished enthusiasm that's threatening to be the president's Achilles heel in the upcoming election.

Tyler Scherer and Jeff Payne are VCU freshmen who didn't attend the rally. According to Mr. Scherer, they didn't go because "it was a little early" and they're in the middle of finals.

"It's a lot of stress," Mr. Scherer said of his exams.

Neither Mr. Scherer or Mr. Payne have decided who they're going to vote for. Mr. Scherer said he's "not informed enough" to make a decision yet.

"I might try to get informed before," he said hopefully.

Mr. Scherer said he thinks many other VCU students aren't engaged with this year's election.

"Honestly, everybody here is kind of like in the dark from politics. ... There's so much more that you've got to worry about," he explained.

Across the street from the building where the rally was held, a man named Shawn was selling buttons featuring President Obama's photo and campaign logos. He wore a Yankess hat and declined to give his last name. We asked how many buttons he sold at the rally.

"Not enough," Shawn said.

Shawn also sold buttons at a speech the president gave at the same location in 2008. Four years ago, sales were better.

Though being an incumbent means facing skepticism and questions about whether he can match his prior performance, the president's support is holding up well enoughso far. He currently has a slim lead in the polls in Ohio, Virginia and nationwide.