There was no question Wednesday where Rep. Dave Loebsack's focus is, heading into the November election.

Loebsack, speaking to a small crowd gathered around the Des Moines Register's Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair, said he's determined to keep the spotlight on issues like Medicare and Social Security as they pertain to the middle class.

"It's a choice election on all levels," said Loebsack. "It's about who will be the best to protect, restore and expand the middle class."

Loebsack used his own background as evidence as to why programs like Social Security are important. Growing up in Sioux City, Loebsack lived with his grandmother and his mother, who was mentally ill. Without the aid of Social Security, he said, he never would have been able to attend college or imagine a life outside of Sioux City.

"I owe Social Security a lot," he said. "I will never privatize Social Security. I can promise you that."

Loebsack ended his 15 minutes on the stump by saying he has hopes for America.

"Things are not easy in America right now," he said. "I think the American dream is alive and well. I think that Democracy in America is alive and well, but we can't continue either of those if we don't continue to strengthen the middle class."