Obama expected to struggle to capture Hoosier votes in 2012

It was an almost unheard of change in the Hoosier State, a Democratic presidential candidate besting a Republican candidate, but that is exactly what happened in 2008.

"You and I together will change the country and change the world," said Mr. Obama.

If new approval numbers are any indication, the President looks poised to keep his office. According to a new Gallup Poll, more Americans like what the President is doing by a count of 47 percent to 45 percent. If he is to win re-election, Indiana likely will not be part of it.

The projected top five toughest states for the President to carry include:

• Indiana: 87 percent
• North Carolina: 57 percent
• Virginia: 47 percent
• Florida: 35 percent
• Ohio: 32 percent

Indiana is number one, but it's still not clear whom Hoosiers will vote for. Some Hoosiers said it is a long-shot for the president to repeating his 2008 performance in the Heartland.

"Frankly, I do not think it is going to happen," said voter David White. "Indiana is going to go red next year."

Others disagree, though.

"I think that if the people are as pleased with him as they were in 2008, then he will do it again," said voter Shaunte Hill.

Julia Hill voted Democrat in 2008. She thinks Indiana will break from the norm again in 2012 for an unusual reason.

"I do not think that any of the Republican candidates are good enough to vote for, so I hope Indiana will go for the current president," said Hill.

Mr. Obama stopped seven times in Indiana on his way to the White House, we could see just as many trips, or possibly even more leading up to election day 2012.