U.S. President Barack Obama is trying to shore up his support among blacks, telling them to stop complaining and stay with him as he pushes for more jobs and opportunities for American workers.

Mr. Obama spoke Saturday at the annual awards dinner of the Congressional Black Caucus, saying he needs their help to accomplish his goals.

In a rallying call, Mr. Obama told the crowd to put on their marching shoes. He said: “Shake it off. Stop crying. We have work to do”

Getting the millions of unemployed Americans back to work is for focus of the jobs bill Mr. Obama presented to Congress two weeks ago, and the cornerstone of his push for reelection.

One of the Republicans seeking the chance to unseat Mr. Obama gained an upset victory in a straw poll in Florida on Saturday.

Herman Cain, a former Godfather's pizza chief executive, beat Texas Governor Rick Perry in the non-binding vote by Republican party activists in Orlando.

Cain got 37 percent of the vote and Governor Perry came in second with 15 percent of the tally.

Perry's closest rival, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, came in third with 14 percent of the vote.