1. Scenes from the Obama Bus Tour: The President tours the Midwest in hopes of strengthening his prospects for re-election in 2012 Photo Essay August 15, 2011 http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2088922_2303033,00.html

2. On the Move: President Barack Obama's bus motorcade heads to an event at Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2011. Jason Reed / Reuters

3. Iowa Arrival: Obama greets people as he arrives to a town-hall-style meeting in Decorah, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2011. His Midwestern bus tour centers on the state of the economy, and Republican stances on taxes have been a subject of criticism. Joe Raedle / Getty Images

4. Stump Speech: A member of the Secret Service stands guard as Obama speaks at the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2011. Joe Raedle / Getty Images

5. Coffee Break: Obama steps off his bus and heads to the Coffee Mill café in Zumbrota, Minn., on Aug. 15, 2011. The bus tour is taking Obama to stops in Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Jason Reed / Reuters

6. Coffee Talk: Carol Jackson, owner of the Coffee Mill, talks with Obama during his stop in Zumbrota, Minn., on Aug. 15, 2011. The President is touting his job-growth strategy as he tours the Midwest to strengthen his hopes for re-election in 2012. Carolyn Kaster / AP

7. A Younger Demographic Kids attending summer school help Obama to his feet after posing for a photo outside the George H. Potter Auditorium in Chatfield, Minn., on Aug. 15, 2011. Carolyn Kaster / AP

8. Joe Raedle / Getty Images The President's Speech: Obama speaks at Lower Hannah's Bend Park in Cannon Falls, Minn., on Aug. 15, 2011.

9. Carolyn Kaster / AP Relief: Obama wipes his brow as he delivers a speech in Cannon Falls, Minn., on Aug. 15, 2011.

10. Jason Reed / Reuters Drawing a Crowd: Audience members listen as Obama speaks during the town-hall-style meeting in Cannon Falls, Minn., on Aug. 15, 2011.