AMERICA: Barack Obama urged wavering supporters not to give up on their dreams of change as he accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

Mr Obama used his nationally televised speech closing the Democratic National Convention, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to try to revive the excitement that powered his first run for the presidency.

With just two months before he faces Republican Mitt Romney at the polls, Mr Obama needs to win over undecided voters, especially those swayed by his inspiring message of change in 2008, but who are disillusioned by economic weakness and persistent political bickering.

"The election four years ago wasn't about me. It was about you," he said. "My fellow citizens – you were the change."

He said the American people were responsible for accomplishments on his watch, such as overhauling health care and changing immigration policies.

If they turned away now, he warned, "you buy into the cynicism that the change we fought for isn't possible. Change will not happen".

Mr Obama built on the message Democrats delivered throughout the convention, that America is on the road to recovery while Mr Romney would revive failed policies, cutting taxes for the rich and slashing programmes that give regular Americans a chance for a more prosperous future.

Republicans, who nominated Mr Romney last week, say an 8.3% unemployment rate is proof Mr Obama's policies have failed.