DES MOINES, Iowa — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel launched an ardent defense of President Barack Obama in Iowa, saying that "we just can't cut our way to prosperity" to create middle-class security.
Obama's former chief of staff rallied about 1,300 Democratic activists Saturday night at the Iowa Democratic Party's largest annual fundraiser in Des Moines.
Emanuel told the crowd that Republicans want to solve the nation's debt problem only through spending cuts, while Obama favors a balanced approach of cuts and tax increases.
Emanuel also says Obama has made crucial, tough decisions based on his principles to help the country — and not in an attempt to lay the groundwork for a second term.
Obama had a surprising win in Iowa's caucuses four years ago, and he easily carried Iowa in the 2008 elections.
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