President Barack Obama promised to roll out “new ideas” to boost growth and spur hiring this week as he embarks on economy-focused trips to the Midwest with less than two months until congressional elections.

President Barack Obama, previewing a big push on the U.S. economy next week, on Saturday defended policies that he said have stopped the bleeding and put the middle class on the road to recovery.

President Barack Obama used Saturday's Labor Day-themed weekly address to stress the focus of his policies toward strengthening the U.S. middle class.

President Barack Obama, previewing a big push on the U.S. economy next week, on Saturday defended policies that he said have stopped the bleeding and put the middle class on the road to recovery.

President Barack Obama said on Friday he would outline new measures next week to boost the U.S. economy, but analysts were skeptical he would be able to deliver a big enough package to lift growth significantly.