Barack Obama makes pre-convention Ohio appeal

US President Barack Obama has made an appeal to voters in the key swing state of Ohio the day before the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Speaking to auto workers in Toledo, Mr Obama told them that his bailout of the American car industry was a bet that was "paying off for America".

Pledging to create more jobs in a second term, Mr Obama said he would open doors of opportunity to "everybody that's willing to walk through them".

"I need you to stand with me, Ohio," Mr Obama added.

Polls show the president running virtually neck-and-neck with his challenger, Republican Mitt Romney.