CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren is casting herself as a champion of a beleaguered middle class and a foe of moneyed interests in a speech to the Democratic National Convention.

The speech Wednesday night is designed to give a jolt of energy to her campaign while defending President Barack Obama’s record on consumer rights.

Warren also highlighted her work to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and tried to connect with ordinary Americans she said are losing faith in the idea that they have an equal shot at success.

Democrats gave Warren the prime-time slot just ahead of former President Bill Clinton, in part, because she is locked in a tight race with incumbent Republican Sen. Scott Brown.

Brown said Warren’s proposals would increase taxes and harm the nation’s economic growth.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.