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Conceding that he failed to deliver at last week's debate, President Obama says he was "just too polite" and that voters should expect "a little more activity" next week in round two.

In a radio interview on the " Tom Joyner Morning Show," Obama compared the presidential race to a seven-game basketball series in which he was ahead two-nothing and lost one game to Mitt Romney at the debate.

Tune in to ABCNews.com on Thursday for livestreaming coverage of the 2012 Vice Presidential Debate moderated by ABC's Martha Raddatz in Danville, Ky. Coverage kicks off with ABC News' live preview show at noon, and full debate coverage begins at 8 p.m.

"You have a seven-game series, we're up two zero and we lose one," he explained. "You know, this is a long haul and I think that it's very important for folks to make sure that they understand that as long as people stay focused, we will win this thing."

"The good news is that's just the first one," the president said of last week's debate. "Governor Romney put forward a whole bunch of stuff that either involved him running away from positions that he had taken or doubling down on things like Medicare vouchers that are going to hurt him long-term.

"Keep in mind, that the issues that are at stake for folks haven't changed," he continued. "We've got millions of people who've got health care now because of our health care bill and they won't have it if Mitt Romney is elected president. You've got young people who are getting Pell grants and help on their student loans and they won't have it if we don't make sure that we win this election."

"We've got four weeks left in the election and we're going to take it to him," Obama said.

The candidates face off again next Tuesday at the second presidential debate.

-Mary Bruce and Ann Compton