“ President Obama’s failed economic policies have hurt cities from coast to coast. Those in the industrial heartland like Cleveland and Detroit are facing not only the nationwide struggle of the last four years, but also a longer-term challenge resulting from the erosion of America’s manufacturing might.

Restoring American leadership in manufacturing will require policies that make our economy the most attractive place in the world to set up shop and make things. Fundamental tax reform will bring our corporate tax rate in line with other developed nations’, and regulatory reform will cut through the red tape that is driving up costs for our businesses. My bold strategy to make North America energy independent by 2020 will produce an affordable and reliable supply of energy for our economy and create more than one million manufacturing jobs.

Finally, we must stand up for America’s interests in international trade. While President Obama was refusing to confront China’s unfair trade practices, China ended our century-long run as the world’s leading manufacturer. As president, I will demand that all nations play by the rules. If we create a level playing field for American businesses and workers, I am confident that we can compete and win. ”

“ As a former community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, President Obama knows the importance of working at the neighborhood level to address the challenges of some of our finest cities. As president he has called on local leaders and government officials to develop ground-up solutions that help revitalize neighborhoods, and get at the root of problems that cause cyclical poverty while empowering those with the best ideas to overcome them.

President Obama created the first White House Office of Urban Affairs to ensure that federal dollars targeted at urban areas would be effectively spent on the highest-impact programs and to work closely with state and local officials, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. He also announced, for the first time in 30 years, an intensive interagency review to assess how federal policy impacts urban areas. Responding to feedback from city leaders, President Obama launched the Strong Cities, Strong Communities program, sending federal officials to economically-distressed cities to work side-by-side with local leaders, helping them cut through bureaucratic red tape in order to use existing federal funds more efficiently.
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