Obama mixes debate preparation with fundraising

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama said Friday that the nation is "not as divided as the pundits make it seem," offering themes of political unity during a fundraising blitz for himself and other Democrats.

"I don't know how many folks will vote for me this time around," Obama told an audience of donors near the White House. "But I say the same thing to them (as in 2008): I will be your president, too."

"I'm not fighting to create Democrat or Republican jobs," Obama added. "I'm fighting to create American jobs."

The message came as Obama continues to seize on a leaked video in which his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, said that 47 percent of people "will vote for the president no matter what." Romney described them as people who pay no federal income tax and "believe that they are victims."

Obama spoke at the first of three fundraisers after another Friday afternoon of debate prep at Democratic National Committee headquarters. He will face off against Romney in Denver on Wednesday.

The Obama fundraiser at the Capital Hilton drew an estimated 700 guests with tickets starting at $250.

Obama was later speaking to about 90 people at the home of Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat. Tickets cost $20,000 per person.

The final fundraiser, back at the Hilton, was for 200 people. Tickets for that event start at $2,500 per person.

The money is to go to Obama's campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties.