Obama overnights in Iowa after first day of bus tour

DECORAH, Iowa - President Barack Obama begins the day in Iowa, one of three states on his bus tour through the upper Midwest.

He was challenged Monday by Iowa voters about the compromises he made with Republicans in the debt limit talks. Obama responded, ``I make no apologies for being reasonable.''

Obama is promising to present a specific jobs plan to Congress when lawmakers return from their recess. And he said if Congress doesn't approve it, Americans will have a ``very clear'' choice next year.

During his stops in Minnesota and Iowa, he also took potshots at his potential Republican rivals. Obama faulted them for opposing any tax hikes during the debt standoff, saying it was ``just not common sense.''

During an Iowa stop, Obama was given an earful from two tea party supporters.

Along a rope line Monday after a town hall meeting, they challenged him on reports that Vice President Joe Biden had agreed with congressional Democrats who characterized members of the conservative movement as terrorists.

Ryan Rhodes told Obama that the people being characterized as ``terrorists'' are seeking limited government and a balanced budget.

Obama responded that Biden was making the point that almost failing to raise the debt ceiling was irresponsible.

Rhodes persisted, and Obama moved on, saying, ``It doesn't sound like you are interested in listening.''