Returning to Knox College where he spoke in his first months as a U.S. senator, President Obama once again turned his attention to jobs and the economy. In a speech that ran an hour and seven minutes, he denounced the “parade of distractions, political posturing and phony scandals” that have consumed Washington in recent months.

While he recognized the economic hardships Americans have contended with in recent years, he argued that the country has “fought its way back,” though he conceded, “we’re not there yet.” The reason? A gridlocked House, controlled by Republicans, that has failed to make for economist recovery its highest priority.

The president called for increased spending on education — including “high quality pre-school” for every 4-year old in America — infrastructure, and healthcare, among other programs​.

“Some of these ideas I’ve talked about before, and some will be new,” Obama told the crowd. “Some will require Congress, and some I will pursue on my own.​” He added, “Whatever executive authority I have to help the middle class, I’ll use it.”

The speech is the first in the president’s latest “pivot” to focus on the economy. Later today, he will travel to the University of Central Missouri to deliver another address and tomorrow he will speak in Jacksonville, Fla.