(From FT.com) A contrite Barack Obama prepared to face some of his fiercest critics yesterday when he came to Las Vegas as part of a fundraising trip through western states. The president was hoping to rebuild bridges with a state that came out in force for him in the 2008 election. He will need Nevada’s support again when he runs for re-election in 2012 but as he prepared to meet local business leaders he had already been told to go home by prominent civic voices.

They were angry that he had told a town hall meeting in New Hampshire that people trying to save money should stay away from the gambling centre.

“When times are tough, you tighten your belts,” he said. “You don’t go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don’t blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you’re trying to save for college.”

Read more here: Angry Las Vegas withdraws president’s credit