Las Vegas: President Barack Obama, fighting to keep Democrats in control of the US Senate, accused Republicans on Friday of peddling discredited "snake oil ideas" about the US economy.
On a five-day sprint through western states, he also entered the highest profile race of the November 2 congressional elections — a contest between Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and Republican Tea Party favourite Sharron Angle.
Obama portrayed the embattled Reid as a champion for the middle class who stays awake at night worrying about people whose houses have been foreclosed.
"You know, Harry's not the flashiest guy, let's face it," Obama told a crowd of about 9,000 people in Las Vegas.
"Harry kind of speaks in a very soft voice. He doesn't move real quick. He doesn't get up and make big stem-winding speeches. But Harry Reid does the right thing."
Slim majority
Races in the West are among a handful that could determine whether Democrats hold onto their majority in the Senate.
Many pollsters predict Republicans will win enough seats to take control of the House of Representatives, which could put the brakes on Obama's legislative agenda.
Surveys show Democrats are also likely to lose Senate seats but could keep a slim majority in the chamber.
The congressional elections are widely seen as a referendum on Obama's own record and the loss of Reid's seat in Nevada would be seen as a big blow for the president and his party.
