President Obama Tackles Drought, Jobs and Economy in Iowa - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Leah Uko and Maureen Wurtz

COUNCIL BLUFFS (KPTM)-  President  Barack Obama made a stop in Council Bluffs Monday morning to kick off a three day campaign trip to Iowa.

The President addressed the farm bill and the drought which has been affecting the Midwest. President Obama also said Congressman Paul Ryan is blocking the Farm Bill which would provide relief to farmers and ranchers.


"Right now folks here in Iowa and across the heartland are suffering
from one of the worst droughts in 50 years. Farmers and ranchers depend
on a good crop season to pay the bills and put a roof over their heads,
and I know that things are tough right now.


"The best way to help these states is for leaders in Congress to pass a
farm bill that not only helps farmers and ranchers respond to natural
disasters, but also makes necessary reforms and gives them some
long-term certainty.  But right now, too many members of Congress are
blocking that bill from becoming law. Now, I'm told Governor Romney's
new running mate might be around Iowa these next few days. And he's one
of those leaders of Congress standing in the way. So if you happen to
see Congressman Ryan, tell him how important this farm bill is to Iowa
and our rural communities. It's time to put politics aside and pass it
right away.


"But the folks suffering from this drought can't wait for Congress to do
its job.  So in the meantime, I've made sure my Administration is doing
everything we can to provide relief to those who need it. Last week, we
announced $30 million to help farmers and ranchers, get more water to
livestock, and rehabilitate land affected by the drought. Today, we're
announcing that the federal government will help livestock producers by
purchasing over $150 million worth of meat and fish now, while prices
are low, and freeze it for later."

"He obviously knows iowans and mid-westerners well enough to know what really makes a difference to them on a day-to-day basis," Tanya Cook said.  

The President also tackled taxes. He is guaranteeing tax breaks to companies that invest in America.

"You won't see your income taxes go up by a single dime next year. 97 percent of small businesses will not see their taxes go up."

He also took a shot at the wealthy and  encouraged them to pay more in taxes to help with things like education.

These ideas along with keeping his healthcare plan in place and investing in clean energy, Obama said will pay down the country's debt in a balanced way.

Not everyone bought the President's message  or his promises. Specifically his vision that helping the middle class will boost the economy.

"I have a plan. Now let's go register voters. And we're sitting there going, ‘well I wanted him to articulate that plan' what is his jobs plan?" 

The President's visit had some saying that Iowa and Nebraska are up for grabs.

"The voters of Iowa said we're up for grabs. The President is saying Iowa's up for grabs!"  Romney volunteer David Overholtzer said.

"Iowa's always a swing state in America, but I kind of think Nebraska might pull it off with the electoral vote again," Obama supporter Teresa Teater said.

It doesn't matter what side of the ballot or what side of the street you were on. A lot of people said both President Obama and Governor Romney need to present their issues and how they're going to tackle them.

Thousands of people grabbed tickets for the speech. Romney supporters said the President is trying to grab votes in a state he's not going to win.

"Why would he be coming here, Council Bluffs, the reddest part of the state if it wasn't because his message of jobs is failing," Overholtzer said.

"Iowans can't take it for granted. He has relationships here-he's worked hard," Tanya Cook said.

The  President is on a three day tour of Iowa this week. He toured damage from the drought in Missouri Valley before making his way to Boone.

Republican Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan also  campaigned in Iowa Monday. He attended the state fair in Des Moines.