Vacillator wrote:
the outlet that I plug the cord into gets pretty warm,
as well as the wire at the last few inches.

1) Corroded contacts on the (male) plug.
Burnish with steel wool until shiny.

2) Poke-in connections used on the outlet. (Not screw-down.)
Cut the wires flush, strip them, and use the screws.

3) Aluminum wiring and loose screws.
Tighten the screws.
http://google.com/images?q=aluminum-wire+anti-oxidant

4) Worn-out receptacle. (Poor tension.)
Replace the outlet.