Republican vice presidential contender Paul Ryan says America is "a country in decline" because of national debt piling up under President Barack Obama.

Ryan campaigned Wednesday in Adel, Iowa. He reminded supporters that the national debt surpassed $16 trillion this week on the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

Ryan blames Obama for what he calls "a gusher of spending." He says there will be "a lot of talk" at the Democratic convention, but no new solutions.

Ryan credits former President Bill Clinton with reforming the welfare system, but says Obama is rolling back those reforms. Ryan also says his plans to transform Medicare were inspired by Clinton.

His comments came on the same day Clinton delivers a prime-time speech at his party's Charlotte, N.C., convention.