efforts to take the steps we need for our economy. it made things worse instead of better. there's nothing wrong with our country. there is something wrong with our politics. [applause] there is something wrong with our politics that we need to fix. we know there are things we can do right now that will help accelerate growth and job creation, that will support the work going on here at johnson controls, here in michigan, and all across america. we can do some things right now that will make a difference. we know there are things we have to do to erase a legacy of debt that hangs over the economy.

time and again, we have seen partisan brinksmanship get in the way as it winning the next election is more important than fulfilling our responsibility to you and to our country. this is downgrade you have been reading about could have been entirely avoided if there had been a willingness to compromise in congress. [applause] it did not happen because we don't have the capacity to pay airbills. it happened because washington does not have the capacity to come together and get things done. it was a self-inflicted wound. [applause] that is what people are frustrated. you can hear in my voice that i

am frustrated. you deserve better. you guys deserve better. [applause] all of you, from the ceo down, are working hard, taking care of your kids or parents, maybe both, you are living within your means, you may be trying to save for your child's college education or saving for retirement, you are donating to the church or the food pantry, you are trying to help the community, you are doing your part, you are living up to your responsibilities, it is time for washington to do the same, to match your result and decency and show the same sense of honor and discipline. that is not too much to ask. that is what the american people are looking for. [applause] if that can happen, we know what

is possible. we know what we can achieve. at this factory. look what is happening in holland, michigan. every day, hundreds of people are going to work on the technologies that are helping us to fight their way out of this recession. every day, you are building high-tech batteries so that we lead the world in manufacturing the best cars and the best trucks and that does not just mean jobs in michigan. you are buying equipment and parts from companies in florida, ohio, wisconsin and all across america. let's think about it. what made this possible? the most important part is you, your drive, your work ethic, your ingenuity, your management, the grit and optimism that says

we've got an idea for a new battery technology for a new manufacturing process and we will take that leap and we will make an investment and we will hire some folks and see it through. that is what made it possible. what also made this possible are the actions that we took together as a nation through our government. the fact that we were willing to invest in the research and technology that holds so much promise for jobs and growth, the fact that we helped create together the conditions for businesses like this can prosper. that's why we are investing in clean energy. that's what i brought together the world's largest oil companies who agreed for the first time -- though world's

largest auto companies who agree for the first time the distance their cars can go on a gallon of gas. [applause] that is going to save customers thousands of dollars at the pump.. it will cut our dependence on foreign oil. it will promote innovation and jobs and mean more ground picking jobs for companies like johnson controls and that is how america will lead the world and automate of innovation and production and export in this country. think about it -- that is what we got done and by the way, we did not go through congress to do it. [applause] but -- we did use the tools of government, as working together, to help make it happen. there are more steps that we can take up to help this economy

grow faster. there are things we can do right now that will put more money in your pockets, will help businesses sell more products around the world, will put people to work in michigan and across the country. to get things done, we do need congress. there are common sense ideas that have been supported in the past by democrats and republicans, things that are supported by carl levin. the only thing keeping us back is our politics. the only thing preventing these bills from being passed is the refusal of some folks in congress to put country at a party. -- country ahead of party. some in congress would rather see their opponents lose than see america when. w in and that has to stop.

it has to stop. we are supposed to be on the same team. especially when we are going through tough times. we cannot afford to play games. not right now. not when the stakes are so high for our economiy. if you agree with me, it does not matter if you're a democrat or republican or independent, you got to let congress know. you've got to tell them that you have had enough of the theatrics, you've had enough of the politics, stop sending out press releases, start passing some bills that we all know will help our economy right now. that is what they need to do. they need to hear from you right now. [applause] let me be specific -- i will give you some examples -- you've

got to tell them to extend the payroll tax cuts some middle- class families will continue to have more money to spend. we pass this in december and the average family received $1,000 from that tax cut. you need to get it again because the economy is still weak. it will help you make ends meet but it will also mean more customers for businesses and increase demand. it is right for the economy and i would sign the bill today if it came to my desk. [applause] tell congress to get past their differences and send a road construction bill so that companies can put tens of thousands of people to work right now building of roads and bridges and airports and seaports. [applause] america used to have the best stuff, the best roads, the best

airports, the best seaports. we are slipping behind because we are not investing in it. because of politics and gridlock. do you want to put people to work now but rebuilding america? you have to send that message to congress. [applause] send a message to congress to come to an agreement on trade deals that will level the playing field and opens markets to our businesses so we can sell more goods to countries around the world. [applause] we've got a lot of americans driving kias and hyundais. i want people in korea driving force and charities. i would like to see that. [applause] i want to see billions of dollars more products sold

around the world stand with three words -- "made in america." [applause] those trade bills are teed up and ready to go. let's get it done. tell congress will need to reform the patent system. so entrepreneurs like the ones developed some of the technology here can turn their ideas into businesses more quickly. so companies like this one can better compete against companies around. the around we should not make it so difficult for somebody with a good idea to translate that into a business. tell congress we've got hundreds of thousands of bright, talented, skilled americans who are returning home from iraq and afghanistan and i propose connecting those veterans looking for work with businesses who need. their need you got 24 and 25-year-old who

are leaving platoons and handling of equipment worth hundreds of billions of dollars and they come back here and they cannot find a job? let's put them to work. [applause] these are things we can do right now. these are things i have already proposed. we have worked out the glitches. the legislation is ready. let's get it done. given the weakness of the economy, we need to do even more than that. over the next couple of weeks, i will put out more proposals week by week that will help businesses hire and put people back to work. i will keep that up until every single american who wants a job can find one. now, we do have to pay for these things. in order to pay for these

things, congress has to finish the job of reducing the nation's budget deficit in a sensible, responsible way. not just with more cuts this year or next year, those cuts would weaken the economy more than it already is and we have already cut $1 trillion in what is called discretionary spending. what we need is a long-term plan to get our nation's finances in order. that is the only way we can invest in places like this. that is how we can fund the research at the department of energy. that is how we can find the community college that trained folks to be aware. that is how we can fund the infrastructure and technology that will help us win the future. by doing what you do, what families do, think about it -- when things are tight, you cut out those things you cannot afford even if it is tough to

pay for the things that really matter. the colleget out fund for your kids. you stop may be going out as often. you don't stop taking care of your parents who need care. you cut back on some of the things that you don't really need. it is the same principle that applies to government. by the way, in your own families, i am assuming you don't just keep all the stuff you like and tell your spouse that you have to get rid of all the stuff she likes or he likes. [laughter] that would not work in my household. you don't just cut out the stuff that is important to you or keep all the stuff that is important you and cut out the stuff that is important to your kids. the same is true for us as an

american family. we cannot ask the people in this room, working families, middle- class families to bear the entire burden. we will not balance our budget on the back of middle-class and working people in this country. everybody has to do [applause] their] -- everybody has to do their part. [applause] everybody has to do their part. everybody has to chip in. that is fair. you learn that in kindergarten. that is what all this fuss was about in washington. are we going to deal with our deficit in a way that is fair? that means closing tax loopholes for billionaires' before we cut college loans for young people. [applause] that means ending government subsidies for oil and gas companies that are doing very well before you cut health care

for seniors. [applause] [applause] it means making sure that the biggest corporations pay their fair share in taxes before we got the investments in technology and clean energy that made this factory reality. that is just common sense. it should have bipartisan support. these are things we could be doing right now. that is how we can jump-start this economy and speed up the recovery and get more folks working while making sure we get our fiscal house in order. we can do both. i will be laying out more proposals in the days ahead and i will keep after every idea and every serious proposal to help us grow this economy until everybody wants a job and can find one.

i want everybody to understand that the problem is not that we don't have answers. the problem is that folks are playing political games. go.e got a long way to we did not get into this mess overnight and it will take time to get out. that is the truth. that is no excuse for inaction. it is time to put aside a ultimatums and stop drawing lines in the sand. in the aftermath of this whole debt ceiling debacle, with the market's going up and down like they are, there has been a lot of talk in washington right now that i should call congress back early. the last thing we need is congress' spending more time arguing in d.c. [applause]

they need to spend more time out here listening to you and hearing now fed up york. you are. that is why i am here and i will be traveling to many communities like this over the next few weeks. that is what congress should be doing. go back, listen to people's frustrations with all the gridlock. listen to help frustrated folks are with the constant bickering and the unwillingness to compromise and the desire to score points even if it is at the expense of our country. if they are listening hard enough, maybe they'll come back to washington ready to compromise and ready to create jobs and ready to reduce our deficit and ready to do what you sent them there to do. you know, america voted for a

divided government and that makes it tough. you have one party controlling the house of representatives and another party controlling the senate. you voted for divided government. you did not vote for dysfunctional government. you did not vote for a do nothing government. you did not vote for a government where folks are just looking out for special interests. you did not vote for a government that is beholden to lobbyists. we've got a lot of work to do. and the only way we will get it done is if everybody, democrats and republicans, find a way to put country ahead of party. that is what i am fighting for.

i am here to enlist you in that fight. you've got to hold everybody accountable because if we can come together and find common ground, there is no stopping the united states of america of. there is no holding us back. we can strengthen this economy and we can put our nation back to work. we can lead the world in growing industries and we will make it through these economic storms and read calmer waters stronger than we were before. thank you very much, everybody. [applause] [applause] [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪

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♪ ♪ ♪ >> watch more video of the candidates and see what political reporters are safe and track the latest campaign contributions would cspan's web site 4 camp in 2012, easy-to- use, it helps you navigate the political landscape with twitter feet and updates from the campaign trail and links to cspan media partners in the earlier -- early primary and caucus states and c-span.org/ campaign 2012. cspan is covering the gop presidential candidates at the iowa state fair this weekend.

the first baker was -- first speaker was meant running. after his speech, he was asked about the future of social security and medicare. he is introduced by carol hunter. [applause] >> good to be here. >> good morning, everyone and welcome to the des moines register soapbox. >> good to be here. >> good morning, everyone and welcome to the des moines register soapbox. i'm carol hunter, the politics editor and we are glad to welcome our first soapboxes the speaker of the affair. it is and mitt romney, a former governor of massachusetts. [applause] mr. romney is speak -- seeking the republican nomination for a presidency. let's give him in iowa or welcome. [applause] >> thank you, carole.

thank you for the work of the desk moines register, one of the grape pickers in america the kids our democracy free and open. i appreciate the free press and the work you do. it is good to have so many friends here today. what a great day. this is fabulous. last and i was here four years ago, i will speak louder -- does that work better? there is brian kennedy. it looks like he stacked the crowd with a couple of old friends. i appreciate your help. this is a challenging time. i wish i could start off with terrific news about how the country is doing and what bright prospects people fill in their hearts but right now, people are concerned about the country and recognize that america is in crisis. that is because we have 25 million people out of work or have stopped looking for work or are in jobs will be need their skills. with kids coming out of college that cannot find jobs. we have people wonder if they could stay on the family farm. we have people wonder it

manufacturing will lead our country and go elsewhere. i was not only a state that lead the nation - iowa is a leading state in manufacturing. this is an extraordinary state with a diverse economy. iowa is very better as the nation as a whole but the nation is struggling. part of that reason is we are led by a man who is a fine fellow but is out as a bridge the out of his death and does not understand how the economy works. [applause] i happen to believe that if you want to create jobs, it helps to have had a job. [laughter] i have spent my life and the private sector. in my career, i have been doing what you have been doing which is trying to make ends meet. my business help me start a company and i worked to try to manage enterprise is to make them better if i could. sometimes i was successful and

sometimes i was not by learned the lessons of a free economy and i believe it is essential in washington if we are going to turn around the economy to have someone who knows how the economy works and has spent time in the real economy and not someone who's so professional experience was being a politician. let's send some citizens to washington in addition to some politicians. [applause] i happen to think that the reason that this recession was deeper than it could have been and recovery is more tepid than it should have been is because the president just doesn't understand that his policies did the exact opposite of what the nation needed. he said he wants to create jobs and create the conditions that will let employers add jobs. did promising to raise taxes help create jobs? no. did obama care convince any

small business to hire more people? no. if you are an energy-intensive business, did capt. trade and higher energy costs cause anybody to add more jobs? no. did dodd-frank, the financial regulatory reform, cause banks to give out more loans? no. on every dimension you can think of with this president, the actions he took made it harder proctor for north to build businesses, for banks to loan money, for big businesses to invest in capital and people. as a result, the american people are still suffering and that is why i predict that in november of 2012, president obama will not carry the state of iowa. [applause] i happen to believe after a lifetime of working in the private sector and some service

and the governmental sector for only four years, i liked my experience as a governor. it was terrific but i did not in help politics. i am a business man and a private citizen for dialer for my business experience that there are a number of things that economy has to do if it is going to perform better than the other nations around it. it should allow americans to have a standard of living that leads the world. you have to have tax rates that are comparable with competing nations. you have to have regulation and bureaucracy which is streamlined and modern and which encourages the private sector as opposed to burdening it. you have to have trade policies that work for us not just for the other guys. you have to have energy policies to get america free of our dependence on foreign oil. you after emerald law. -- you must have rule of law. when the president says we will bail out the automakers, you

wonder if we have the rule of law. when they say you don't -- you can't have a boeing plant in south carolina, you don't have rules law. -- rule all block. rule of law. we are a capitalist nation. that does not mean capital of a physical nature but capital of a human nature. we have to a great schools, universities, and immigration policies that bring in the best and brightest. you have to have a government that does not consistently spend more money than it takes in. you have to balance your budget. [applause] over these last several months, we have watched people in washington debate about what we should do about the debt in this country. there were a number of people on the other side of the aisle who consistently pleaded to raise taxes.

the people on our side of the aisle said absolutely not. we don't want to take more money out of people's pockets. we know if government takes money out of people's pockets, it will not help the economy. government is already too big. during the days of john f. kennedy, government all levels comprised about 1/4 of our economy, 27%. government today comprises about 37% of the economy. we are inching closer and closer to a nation that no longer has free enterprise. we insisted that we cut federal spending and cap federal spending and that we have a balanced budget amendment and that is the right course for america if we are going to reign in the excessive growth of government. [applause]

a don't know why the president is as misguided and in managing our economy as he is. sometimes i wonder whether he takes his political inspiration from the social democrats of europe. i don't think europe is working. i don't think europe will work here. can happen to believe that we got it right and they got it wrong. i believe in freedom and opportunity american-style. [applause] i believe in capitalism and free enterprise. i believe in the constitution as it was framed by the founders. by the way, i like all the amendments, not just a few of them. those who served in state government are particularly fond of the 10th amendment. i will give you the top -- it says those powers not specifically granted to the federal government are to be

reserved by the states and the people. when the president imposes obama care on the entire nation, he not only puts in place bad policy or an entitlement we can afford, he travels on the principles of the 10th amendment to the constitution and that is why he will be -- it will be repealed on day one of my administration if i am lucky enough to be president. [applause] let me tell you one more thing -- i believe in the american people. many people these days are cynical and skeptical. i love the country because of the people of this country. i have had the chance to go across the country. i have met people across iowa. we visited a lot of counties last time. we made a lot of friends. this is a fundamentally patriotic nation. we love america. it is not just for our temple hills, we love america because of the values that this nation has promoted around the world

and preserved for ourselves, our destiny -- our descendants, and our friends around the world. we show that love for america when the national anthem is being played by placing her hand over her heart. that tradition began in the days of fdr. he asked to put our hand over our heart in recognition of the blood that were shed by heroes proved in liberating strike. --s trife. because of the love of this country, i am convinced that despite our challenges, $14 trillion in debt, $62 trillion in unfunded promises by government, jihadists that want to kill us and russia who is resurgent, china that is now an assertive grand power, we face real challenges in the world. i am convinced that the patriotism of the american people if combined with leaders that will actually tell the

truth and live with integrity and to know how to lead america back to greatness, that we will rise to the occasion overcome those challenges and remain as we have always been, the greatest nation on earth and the hope of the earth. thank you so much. thank you. [applause] thank you] thank you, guys. i will take a couple of questions. >> do you support the cells security tax on rich people? do you support stretching the social security payroll tax for rich people for them to pay their fair share into the trust fund? >> it has become a very popular -- the question was do i support

raising the cap on social security's of rich people pay their fair share. there's a ton this country where we did not celebrate attacking people based on their success. we did not go after people because they were successful. i have watched this president go across the country attacking people. [applause] all the streets in america are connected. i have watched people connect wall street. we want to make sure that people pay their fair share. half the people in this country pay no income tax at all. when we talk about their share, what is a fair share? we don't want to raise taxes on the american people or grow government. government is too large already. we want to restrain the growth of government and when it comes

to sell security and medicare and medicaid, the truth is the promise we are making young people have to the promises we can keep. you should say with to raise everybody's taxes. the tax rate would have to be, but payroll tax is 15.3%. that would have to rise to 44%. we will not do that. hold on just a moment. i will give you a chance to speak in a moment. you will get to ask your question. all on a second and i will let you speak. [yelling and shouting]

>> we are also on medicare which is a tremendous program. what are you going to do to strengthen social security, medicare, and medicaid without cutting benefits? >> and you had your chance. anything else? >> i want to see what you are going to say. [laughter] >> you get to ask your question i get to give my answer. if you like my answer, you can vote for someone else. [applause] are you ready for my answer? i will not raise taxes. that is my answer. i will not raise taxes. [applause] if you want somebody that raises taxes, you can vote for barack obama. he is killing this economy. he is why 25 million people

don't have jobs and cannot find jobs. >> wall street-free! >> you closed corporate tax loopholes as governor of massachusetts to raise revenue and balance the state budget. if you are elected president, would you do the same thing? >> let's describe what is a loophole and was raising taxes. a loophole is when someone takes it that is of a tax lawyer and a way that was not intended by the legislation in my state, we had a special provision for real estate enterprises that owned a lot of real-estate. it provided lower tax rates in certain circumstances and some banks figured out that by calling them sells real estate companies, they could get a

special tax break and we said no more of that. if there are taxpayers who find ways to distort the tax law and take advantage of what we call loopholes that are not intended by the people, absolutely, i would close those loopholes. there are many people use the word local to say let's just raise taxes on people. i will not raise taxes. >> pay your fair share of. >> i am a peacock farmer and schoolteacher. i supplement my income as a peacock farmer. since the last election, my peacock farm went away. i was going to add more people can keep everything in this state. if i support you, can you assure me that you'll make small businesses like mine better? >> i will not send you checks.

i will not promise checks. >> i want to earn it. >> when politicians get on the public stage, they give a promise to the american people all sorts of free stuff. it is time in america to tell people the truth. we have to earn what we spend. we cannot spend more than we earn year after year. we cannot go to china and other nations and ask them to give us your money so we can spend more than we earn. i will make america the most attractive place in the world to start a business, grow a business, expand a business of any place in the world and i will do that by making sure that our corporate tax rates are the same as the corporate tax rates of other nations around us. right now, they are the highest in the world. i want them to be competitive. i want regulations to be competitive and modern and up- to-date. i want trade policies to open up markets outside the u.s. agriculture is one of the

biggest exports we have. people in this state understand the value. other nations in europe and asia have put together some 40 different trade agreements to open up trade. we need to do the same thing. i will make it easier for you to sell peacocks to other nations if people want to buy them. do they buy the feathers? he is selling fedders to the u.k.i want to make this a better place. thank you. >> i have a non-controversial question. [inaudible]

congress had voted -- has voted themselves a raise for four years then he said he is a >> senior citizen but in the last two years, so security has not been raised but congress has voted themselves a raise. it would make sense for congress to link their pay to what is happening on social security and retirement. congress should not get a better deal than the people on social security. all this talk about entitlements, recognize that we want to make sure we can keep those programs and we can assure that the next generation knows they will have those programs. you want to raise taxes? that is your right. vote for somebody who wants to raise taxes. >> we won't vote for you a puzzle you want. >> that's just fine. as a free society.

we have a group of people who think we should raise taxes to pay for their benefits. how many agree? you got your answer. i don't agree with you. your turn has been heard. i will take one more question. >> social security legally cannot add a single dime to the deficit. do you agree that social security should take no part in deficit-reduction negotiations? >> can i answer? >> answer.

>> the answer is best. social security, medicare and medicaid account for 1/3 of the economy. about half of federal spending. overcoming decades, if we are going to be able to balance our budget and not spend more than we taken, we have to make sure that the promises we make in social security, medicaid and medicare are promises we can keep. there are various ways of doing that. we could raise taxes on people. corporations are people, my friend. of course they are. everything corporations earn ultimately go to people. where do think it goes? it goes into people's pockets.

human beings, my friend. you could raise taxes. that is not the approach i would take. you can make sure that the promises we make our promises we can keep. the areas you have to consider are higher income people receiving less rapid growth in their benefits. if you want to give wealthier people a bigger portion, that is your right. we should have progress of indexing. we should consider a higher retirement age. those are things that should be considered. you may disagree. my view is that we do not make promises we cannot keep. i appreciate the chance to be with you. we have a few folks who got here up front to make sure their voices are heard. my guess is they won't be voting for may. that is fine. they can vote for president obama. you guys will be voting for the next president of united states, a person who believes in america, a person will balance our budget, a person will not raise taxes and i'm that person.

thank you, guys. it is great to be with you. >> thank you so much. >> there you go. >> our you? >> are you doing today. what do you recommend today? >> hi girls, how are you? good to see you. for president. how are you doing? is business goods? what are you selling today? they are delicious. are these ribbon fries for me?

have a good day. i think i am blocking your customers. i will get out of the way. thank you so much. good to see you. i'd take questions when i expressed my views. sometimes i find i don't get a chance to express these things in fall. how are you? good to see you. how are you? good to see you. >> you are a good-looking guy. >> thank you ve.

>> how are you? >> a good to meet you. is that a friend of yours taking a picture? thank you. how are you guys doing? good to see you. how are you? are you a grandmother? grandkids are great, aren't they? >> they are. >> hi there, how are you? nice to see you. thank you. how're you doing, sir. have a great today. how're you today? it is a family affair. >> how are you? >> nice to see you very where you guys from? >> from iowa pella whereabouts? >> near the border. >> your far wider ar and away.

>> how are you. love your belt. i am running for president. good to see you. thank you. hello, senator. >> you've got one of the best days for the fair. . >> nice sun, nice weather. what is the total population of the state? >> a little over 3 million people. >> you have about 1/3 of the state on these fair grounds. >> have you had a good day? >> so far, so good. a big crowd at the soap box. >> do you want to be seen with me for the next hour?

>> i am not sure about that. it has been fun and people are friendly. a beautiful young lady there. our you? -- how are you? excellent, thank you very senator, >> you're the boss. what should we do? >> we should see the pork producers. our you? senator grassley is here. how are you? hello there. how are you? good to meet you. >> gas, oil, coal and renewals.

>> good to see you again. have you met senator grassley? how are you? good to be here. how are you doing? what is your name? hi sarah, nice to meet you. are you six? 5.5? that's great. mead senator grassley here. you can't miss them. how are you? are you doing today? say hello to senator grassley here as well. did you get your picture? how are you? get a picture with senator grassley here.

>> bingo! >> thank you, good to see you. how are you? >> i am a former general. >> our you? -- how are you? you were with the iowa national guard? do you do anything at a senior level? minister of health, how are you? general, nice to see you. what is the nature of this relationship? >> 54 50 states have a relationship with the national

guard for the state to be the in partnership with close kosovo. we help foster our relationship with them on the economic development of both countries. we have been doing this in the national guard for about 20 years. i was with the adjutant general earlier this week for a dinner in washington, d.c. to celebrate our state partnership. >> congratulations. >> thank you for your service. >> thank you so much. how are you again? [laughter] good to see you. where is your grandson? there we go.

that is senator grassley. >> i recognize you. >> that is terrific, thank you. how are you? how are you doing? you're a grandmother? my goodness, good to see you. >> my granddaughter. >> aren't grandkids wonderful? look at this. did you win that? what did you do to win that? that's terrific. say hello to senator grassley. thank you. is that your son? >> one shot, he made it. >> that's terrific. there is a newborn.

it is good to see you. thank you. we appreciate your help. how're you, sir? how're you doing? i was in his office the other day. he has some pretty good ideas, you know that? >> good luck. >> thank you so much. he sat down and made a proposal about crop yields per acre. it was very impressive. frame butow the time they said they are building an

ethanol plant. that is a big event. it is amazing to see the progress in yields over time. they showed it over a couple of hundred years and is remarkable. >> [inaudible] >> i am terrific, how are you doing? you've got your shades and you got your seat our you, sir? good to see you. good. how are you today? this is a member of law- enforcement brigade. >> don't give her any trouble. >> this is senator grassley. >> thanks, good to see you. how are you? it's good to meet you.

how are you? how are you, sir? have you been married a while? almost 60 years? congratulations. it does not get better than that. i don't understand how people go from marriage to marriage. [laughter] i found the right won the first time. good to see you. >> the cspan coverage of the republican presidential candidate at the iowa state fair continues this morning at 11:00 eastern. we will hear from newt gingrich, herman cain, rick santorum, ron paul, tim pawlenti and rep michelle bachmann. the democratic national committee chairman debbie wasserman schultz is scheduled to speak. on saturday, live coverage of the republican straw poll begins at noon eastern. for the history of the straw

poll and its effect on campaigns, it takes place in years without an incumbent republican president running for reelection. presidents over the -- residents or the age of 18 can vote for one of the nine candidates. texas governor rick perry says he will be running for president. we will have live coverage of his announcement. >> in a few moments, today's deadline at your calls live on "road to the white ho "washingt" wheel of a foreman how the federal deficit affects national security and foreign policy. that is just after 10:00 eastern right after a brief pro forma session of the house. in about half an hour, we will talk about the economy, the deficit, and the debt ceiling with the