Obama facing heavy pressure in debate rematch with Romney

 New York (REUTERS) - President Barack Obama's camp promised that the American public would see a more energised candidate on Tuesday night as Obama tries to keep Republican challenger Mitt Romney at bay in a high-stakes debate three weeks before Election Day.

Mr Romney's campaign got a much-needed shot in the arm two weeks ago when the Republican came out swinging in the first matchup between the two candidates, while Mr Obama was passive.

The strong debate performance helped Mr Romney reverse his slide in the polls, and recent surveys put the race for the White House at a virtual dead heat just three weeks ahead of the Nov 6 election.

Mr Obama seems to have stemmed the bleeding, though. In a Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll on Tuesday, he gained a bit more ground on Mr Romney for the third straight day, leading 46 per cent to 43 per cent.