Despite the trillion-dollar deficits that keep piling up and recent American deaths in hot spots around the world, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that Iowans should have confidence that he can whittle the debt and maintain peace and security throughout the world.

Obama said if he’s fortunate enough to win a second term, his re-election will send a message to Republicans that Americans want them to follow his strategies, and that includes aiding the economy by spending on education and roads and bridges.