MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Ted Cruz says he’s optimistic about the country’s future.

The health care law — well, that’s another story.

The Texas senator — a possible 2016 presidential candidate — spoke before a group of conservatives in New Hampshire on Saturday.

He offered a plan for change that included standing for liberty, growth and opportunity, and empowering people.

Cruz cited his father, who escaped from Communist Cuba at age 18.

Cruz compared the hardships his father faced as a teenage immigrant with the difficulties today’s young people have finding a job — something the senator blamed on President Barack Obama’s policies.

Cruz’ father later immigrated to Canada, where Cruz was born.

Cruz also pledged to “repeal every single word of Obamacare.”

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.