Barack Obama promised better days ahead, as he accepted the Democratic Party nomination for President before thousands of charged-up party loyalists and millions of television viewers. In a crucial speech at the Democratic National Convention, just two months before the November 6 vote, Obama looked to reignite the excitement that powered his first run for the presidency. Obama needed to win over undecided voters, especially those who had been swayed by his inspiring message of hope in 2008, but now feel disillusioned after years of economic weakness and persistent political bickering. Obama built on the message delivered throughout the convention that America is on the road to recovery while Republican rival Mitt Romney would revive failed policies, cutting taxes for the rich and slashing programs that give regular Americans a chance for a more prosperous future. The two candidates are locked in tight race. Polls show that Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, is seen as the better candidate for improving the economy, while Obama is viewed as more likable and having a better understanding of everyday Americans. Obama was setting out a goal of creating 1 million new manufacturing jobs by the end of 2016 and push for more aggressive steps to reduce American dependence on foreign oil.