DES MOINES – President Barack Obama defended his economic policies on Wednesday in the face of tough questions from skeptical Americans less than five weeks before congressional elections that threaten his fellow Democrats’ grip on Congress.
Holding the latest in a series of backyard meetings with middle-class voters, Obama heard one small businessman’s fears that his tax plans could “strangle” job creation. The president also fielded concerns about high unemployment and the impact of his healthcare overhaul.
It was a marked contrast to the enthusiastic university crowd that greeted Obama on Tuesday in Wisconsin when he sought to fire up his youthful base of support, and showed the obstacles his Democratic Party faces in the November 2 elections.
Obama stood up for his agenda but acknowledged the country faced “hard decisions” as he works to shore up the struggling economy and rein in huge budget deficits. “We’re not going to be able to solve our big problems unless we honestly address them,” he told about 70 people at an Iowa home.
One questioner brought up her 24-year-old son, who graduated from college and campaigned for Obama in 2008 but has been unable to find a full-time job. “He and many of his friends are struggling. They are losing their hope, which is a message that you inspired them with,” she said.
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