New Obama Video Seeks to Combat Negative Perceptions June 4, 2012, 4:03 pm After a challenging week capped by a lackluster jobs report, the Obama campaign released a new Web video Monday that aimed to reassure supporters and asked them not to "lose focus" on the campaign's "grass-roots organizing efforts." The video features Jim Messina, the manager of Mr. Obama's re-election campaign, who, after acknowledging a tightening race against Mitt Romney, suggested that things were tougher for Mr. Obama at this point during the 2008 election cycle. "We knew this was going to be a tough race" once Mr. Romney wrapped up the nomination, he said. If the election were held today, Mr. Messina said Mr. Obama would get 243 Electoral College votes to Mr. Romney's 191 votes. But recent polls have showed a tightening in the race in some key swing states like Florida.