DES MOINES, Iowa ? Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will launch an ardent defense of President Barack Obama to Iowa Democratic activists, warning that "we just can't cut our way to prosperity."
Emanuel was scheduled to speak Saturday night at the Iowa Democratic Party's biggest annual fundraiser. Excerpts from his remarks were provided to The Associated Press in advance.
In them, Emanuel says Obama has made crucial and tough decisions based on his principles, and not to lay the groundwork for a second term in office.
"In the next four years, there will be more challenges and more crises that will determine the economic vitality of the middle class and the economic future of this country," Emanuel says. "Whose character, whose judgment do you want in that office?"
Before winning election as mayor, Emanuel was a top aide for Obama and he's been a vocal advocate for the president. Emanuel says he expects voters to focus on the character of the candidates during the upcoming campaign.
The deficit reduction debate in Washington has centered on a fight between Obama and Democrats, who argue the solution is a combination of spending cuts and tax increases. Republicans argue for sole reliance on spending cuts.
"To create true middle-class security, we can't just cut our way to prosperity," Emanuel says. "We must out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the world."
Emanuel was to be the featured speaker at the Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner in Des Moines, the largest annual fundraiser for the Iowa Democratic Party. His appearance was expected to give the party a chance to grab attention from Republican presidential candidates making their case to social conservatives just across town.
While polls show next year's election will likely be competitive, there's a debate about tactics among some Democrats. Some argue Obama benefits from a long and heated Republican primary season in which candidates are burning GOP money and attacking each other. Others warn Republicans are getting all of the media attention and that Obama will be better off when he has a single opponent with whom he can draw contrasts.
In recent weeks, Obama has sharpened his populist message as he shifts to election mode. Emanuel is echoing that theme as he seeks to rally activist Democrats.
"President Obama believes in an America where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded," Emanuel says. "He believes in an America where we don't have two rule books, one for those at the top and another set for everyone else. President Obama believes in the idea that our country prospers when we're all in it together."
Obama has a long history in Iowa. His surprising win in the state's precinct caucuses four years ago launched him on the road to the White House and he easily carried the state in the 2008 general election. Polls have shown the state to be competitive in this election cycle.
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