Possible 2012 candidates speak to Iowa GOP

DES MOINES -- Three high-profile potential presidential candidates told a gathering of hundreds of conservative Republicans yesterday that most Americans agree with their values and voters' opposition to President Barack Obama's health care overhaul plan could pave the way for their party to make historic gains in next year's election.

Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota got the noisiest reception when she told activists that voters are ready to overturn the health care law and oust Obama next year.

"The ultimate arrogance, in my opinion, is Obamacare," Bachmann said. "That's why I am so absolutely confident in 2012. Americans have made the decision that we're going to take our country back."

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour also spoke at the gathering organized by Rep. Steve King, a Republican who represents a district in western Iowa.

Gingrich and Barbour insisted that most Americans agree with their conservative values, and Gingrich said the 2012 election would provide a chance to end the "domination of the left and move this country back to the center-right."

Barbour dismissed suggestions that Obama has moved to the center in preparation for next year. Pointing to the president's proposed budget, he said, "It calls for spending to go up, it calls for the deficit to go up."

The governor said Republicans can win next year if their candidates stay focused on the key issues of health care and balancing the federal budget and don't get distracted by arguments about personality.

Gingrich departed briefly from the event's mostly domestic theme to attack Obama's handling of the airstrikes in Libya.

He ridiculed Obama for consulting with the Arab League and the United Nations, but not Congress, before making a decision to attack.

Gingrich said he would not have approved the airstrikes but with that decision made, all possible force should be used to win the conflict as quickly as possible.

"Once you get involved, you put on the pressure and you win quickly," he said.