Vice President Joe Biden went back to school in Muscatine on Thursday. Delivering his assignment to compare Obama and Romney platforms, he says it all comes down to President Obama's character.
"He says what he means, and he means what he says," said Biden. "And no one can say that about Governor Romney."
Speaking before a crowd of 425 at West Middle School, the long campaign is winding down to a few precious days. For those at the rally, it's a chance to make the most of the moment.
In battleground Iowa, where six electoral votes could be crucial, converting each undecided voter is a mandate.
"What Vice President Biden said today should clear up a lot of questions people might have," said Muscatine voter Wayne Shoultz.
Thursday's stop kicks off a barrage of campaigning in the Hawkeye state. These last-minute rallies are designed to fire up the faithful while swaying the remaining undecided voters.
That tactic worked for Sue Roelle and her mom, undecided voter Helen Wulf. Undecided, that is, until Biden sold her on the Obama ticket.
"I'm glad to see that we're pulling together," Wulf said. "And I have made an undecided decision today."
"This is the kind of thing you have to keep doing," Roelle added. "You have to keep pounding the pavement."
Just that one example shows that these rallies really play a role at this late date. After a deluge of attention, it's crunch time for the campaign. And the V-P is moving forward.
"Together we can win Iowa," he concluded. "And if we win Iowa, we win this election."
A lesson from West Middle School while voters prepare for the big test on Tuesday.