President Obama Echoes Teddy Roosevelt's "New Nationalism" in Populist Speech

President Obama called for Americans to get a "fair shot" at advancement to the middle class, deriding the "breathtaking greed of a few" and chastising Republicans who he said enabled them.

President Obama cast himself as the savior of the middle class Tuesday in a policy and political battle with Republicans who, he said, want to let Americans "fend for themselves.

US President Barack Obama speaks about the economy and a payroll tax cut compromise during a visit to Osawatomie High School in Kansas December 6, 2011.