Romney leaves Obama campaign on defense

In the home stretch of the presidential campaign, Mitt Romney is gaining enthusiasm on the campaign trail and support in the polls.

"The Romney people feel like they are on the march... things are getting better, they're moving," CBS News political director John Dickerson said today on "CBS This Morning." However, he added, "If the Romney campaign's on the march, the Obama forces are at the barricades."

Romney made three campaign stops in the critical swing state of Ohio Thursday, where he promised voters "big change." Lately, Dickerson said, voters at those campaign events are no longer just excited about beating President Obama, but also excited about Mitt Romney.

"Now when he's on stage, he will say things that have nothing to do with Barack Obama and the crowd will go nuts," Dickerson said. "It's what you need oing to this final stretch."

The president, however, who just wrapped up a two-day campaign blitz through eight states, also sees enthusiasm at his events.

"This race feels tied in every possible way," Dickerson said.

The latest Marist/ Wall Street Journal/ NBC poll shows Romney and Mr. Obama tied in the swing state of Colorado, with each garnering 48 percent support among likely voters. Mr. Obama, meanwhile, maintains a narrow edge in the key state of Nevada, beating Romney 50 percent to 47 percent. Romney has gained ground in Colorado in part by cutting into Mr. Obama's lead among women, with whom the president now holds just a seven-point lead.

The president needs to improve his standing with both men and women Dickerson said. His campaign says they can hold off Romney's momentum until Election Day on Nov. 6, "pointing to the quality of their sandbags against the encroaching assault," Dickerson said.