Obama touts benefits of auto bailout as debate looms

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - President Barack Obama sought on Saturday to sustain momentum from Vice-President Joe Biden's strong debate showing by touting the benefits of one of his signature actions, the rescue of the US auto industry, as he prepared for his next debate with Republican Mitt Romney.

"We refused to let Detroit go bankrupt," Mr Obama said in his weekly radio address. "We bet on American workers and American ingenuity, and three years later, that bet is paying off in a big way."

The President will drop from view for several days to prepare for his second debate with Mr Romney on Tuesday.

By focusing on the health of the auto industry, currently benefiting from strong sales, Mr Obama is reminding voters he came to the industry's rescue. Mr Romney had opposed government help for automakers.