Obama Returns From Vacation; Readying For Re-Election Bid

President Barack Obama is jumping right into the limelight of presidential politics now that he's back from a low-key, 10-day Hawaiian vacation.

Obama plans to make his presence in the campaign known quickly. The president will host a live web chat with supporters in Iowa tonight as the caucuses are unfolding. Tomorrow, he'll travel to Cleveland for an event focused on the economy.

Obama aides say the president will seek to draw a contrast with his GOP challengers during Wednesday's trip to Ohio, a state sure to figure prominently in the presidential campaign.

Obama also returns to a continuing debate on extending payroll tax cuts, the same issue that consumed Washington during the final days of December.

Congress broke through a stalemate just days before Christmas, agreeing to extend the cuts for two months. The next task is to try for a full-year extension.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)