President Barack Obama on Wednesday launched a three-day visit to five battleground states in the November election by pressing State of the Union themes of core American values and having the wealthy pay more taxes.

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At an Iowa manufacturing plant that he said represented the kind of job creation needed for the economy, Obama repeatedly drew applause for the apparent central message of his re-election bid — that the country needs to keep alive equal opportunity for all.

Americans aren’t looking for a handout, the president said, but want the security of knowing they can provide for their families, send their kids to college and save for retirement.

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