Obama fighting for 'everyone to have American dream'

President Obama has appealed to the opposition Republican party to back his plans to boost the US economy, ahead of a major speech on Thursday.

Speaking at a Labour Day rally in Detroit, the president said he would announce measures to get America back to work, including starting a major road and bridge building programme.

He said he hoped Congressional Republicans would put their country before their party and support him.

The president said he wanted to rebuild the economy ''the American way''.