US Presidential Campaign: Mitt Romney focusing on military and foreign policy

Reno, Nevada: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is moving away from his preferred issue - the economy - and into military and foreign policy, a realm usually viewed as the home turf of the incumbent.

Mr Romney's address on Tuesday to the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars comes on the eve of an overseas visit to key allies.

Aides say the former Massachusetts governor will outline to veterans his view that President Barack Obama has relinquished U.S. leadership around the world.

Mr Obama sought to raise the stakes for Mr Romney's speech with remarks on Monday to the VFW, casting himself as a steady commander in chief tested by two wars and the successful raid on Osama bin Laden's compound. He continues a Western campaign swing with appearances on Tuesday in Oregon and Washington.