UPDATE: Obama urges Democrats in Cleveland to hang in there

CLEVELAND

President Barack Obama says he knows the economic crisis is making this a difficult political season for his party’s candidates.

Speaking at a fundraiser for Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, Obama said it’s a tough time for Democrats all across the country. But he says his party is putting the country on the right track, and implored supporters to keep Democrats in office so they can finish the job.

With the midterm elections fast approaching, the president is trying to energize key Democratic constituencies, including young voters, African-Americans and women. Democrats also need those who voted for the first time in 2008 to head to the polls this year, even though Obama’s name isn’t on the ballot.

Obama is to address a rally in Columbus later tonight.