Washington (CNN) -- Equal pay for women, raising the minimum wage, immigration reform, combating climate change and virtually swearing off extended wars. All are catnip for the political left, and all were highlighted by President Barack Obama this week as he informally launched the November election campaign for 36 Senate seats and a new House of Representatives. By flying the Democratic banner so high in Tuesday's State of the Union address and subsequent road show to four states, Obama tried to signal unity with his liberal base and provide the party's candidates with ammunition for elections certain to be "spirited" -- the Washington euphemism for fierce and nasty.
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President Obama's road show informally launches the mid-term election campaign
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Obama sounds themes benefiting Democrats in his State of the Union address
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The goal: highlight differences with Republicans on issues important to ordinary Americans
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Both parties seek to strengthen their support among women voters
Obama's re-election victory in 2012 owed much to a solid majority among women voters, including independents turned off by hardline anti-abortion policies of @placeholder.
Republicans believe they can win control of the @placeholder by taking six seats from Democrats in November.