Obama laughs off his debate debacle

President Barack Obama, raising cash from celebrities in California, took a good-natured shot at his own underwhelming debate performance, marvelling at how his friends in the entertainment business could turn in flawless showings every time.

Mr Obama spoke at the start of a two-day fundraising swing through California, his final one out West of this election, and one that was expected to raise several millions dollars for advertising efforts to the finish.