Obama begins three-day tour

US President Barack Obama has begun a campaign-style speaking tour to make a case to voters for action to boost the US economy and create jobs.



Obama's three-day Midwest swing comes as his poll ratings continue to slip amid poor economic news.



Obama is now on a tour in Minnesota and is also expected in Iowa and Illinois.



Officials said he will make the case to voters that his administration has stabilised the economy and laid the foundation for job growth.



At an earlier meeting with voters in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Obama called for Washington politicians to put the country's needs ahead of their own political aims.



Meanwhile, some analysts are marking Obama’s tour as a new phase in his re-election effort, noting that it is imperative that he begin to regain control of the political message from the Republican party.