U.S. President Barack Obama is visiting Michigan Thursday, to talk about job creation in a state where the unemployment rate exceeds the national average.

Mr. Obama is to appear at a plant that makes advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. The plant has received a $3 million federal grant and expects to create 150 jobs in Michigan and neighboring Wisconsin.

Michigan’s unemployment rate stands at 10.5 percent, compared to the nation’s 9.1 percent.

Later in the day, the president travels to New York City for two fundraising events, as he continues his efforts for reelection.

A new Washington Post poll of 600 people showed Americans are frustrated with the country’s leadership after the protracted battle over raising the debt ceiling. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents said they have little or no confidence that Washington will be able to repair the economy.

Only 17 percent said they were inclined to reelect their own representative in Congress. Seventy-eight percent said they are unhappy with the country’s political system, although nearly the same percentage said compared to the rest of the world, the U.S. system of government is the best.

The poll was conducted by telephone August 9.

The margin of error is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.