With approval rating at new low, Obama launches three-day bus blitz

This piece was co-authored by Peter Nicholas.

Reporting from Minneapolis— Burdened by sagging poll numbers, hamstrung by poor economic news, and trapped in Washington for much of the summer because of the debt ceiling fight, President Obama will seek to reverse his recent fortunes by hitting the open road.

Obama Monday will embark on a three-state, five-town bus tour deep in the heart of the American Midwest, hoping to tell the public—and potential voters--some small-business success stories and highlight economic development in rural areas. He’ll also be looking to rebut criticism that he’s not focused on finding solutions to bolster the flat-lining economy.