"This is the man America needs."
So says Ann Romney, describing her husband Mitt to a rapturous Republican National Convention in Florida.
In likeability surveys, Barack Obama is well ahead of his conservative challenger.
Romney's supporters claim the president is more interested in popularity than making tough decisions.
"I believe in America and in her history and there is only one thing missing now - leadership," New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told the convention in Tampa.
"It takes leadership that you don't get from reading a poll. You see, Mr President - real leaders don't follow polls. Real leaders change polls," Christie said in a pugnacious keynote address.
Romney and Obama are running neck-and-neck nationally but voter surveys show a gender gap with women much more likely to support the Democrat.
Cue the would-be first lady - with a heartfelt speech aimed at portraying an approachable, dependable man in touch with the concerns of the middle-class.
Whether the US agrees will not be known until November.
Source: Euronews
