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President Barack Obama walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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Obama pushes manufacturing in swing state tour

America 'starts with manufacturing'

Updated: Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 2:05 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 1:34 PM EST

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — President Barack Obama is arguing that manufacturing must be the foundation for a renewed American economy, as he takes his State of the Union economic message on a tour of politically crucial states.

Obama toured a plant that makes giant conveyor belt screws Wednesday before addressing a crowd about the importance of bringing manufacturing back to American shores.

Running for re-election against Republicans who've questioned his economic stewardship, the president said he wants to restore the basic promise of America, "and it starts with manufacturing."

Obama's remarks in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, came on the first stop of a three-day tour the morning after his State of the Union address. Obama stops later Wednesday in Arizona before traveling Thursday to Nevada and Colorado and wrapping up Friday in Michigan.