"The problem with the Obama economy is not what he inherited; it is with the misguided policies that slowed the recovery, and caused millions of Americans to endure lengthy unemployment and poverty," Romney said.

He called the election "a choice between the status quo -- going forward with the same policies of the last four years -- or instead, choosing real change, change that offers promise, promise that the future will be better than the past."

West said Obama can benefit from a more aggressive approach in messaging and campaigning of running as the underdog, but he warned that Romney would take a risk by relying on perceived or claimed momentum.

"I think the riskiest position in a close race is to try sit on a lead and make an argument about momentum," West said. "Momentum is very nebulous. Romney has done well over the last few weeks in the polls, but that can change fast."