President Obama blasted Republicans Saturday for an agenda he said was so "last century" that it was like watching "black-and-white TV."

Obama addressed a campaign audience in Iowa as Democrats prepare to begin their convention next week.

The president said that Republican nominee Mitt Romney offered voters a "rerun" agenda with few details at the GOP convention, which ended on Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Let me recap it for you: 'Everything is bad, it's Obama's fault and Gov. Romney is the only one who knows the secret to creating jobs and growing the economy,'" Obama said mockingly of the GOP convention.

"And when Gov. Romney had his chance to let you in on his secret, he did not offer a single new idea, just retreads of the same old policies that have been sticking it to the middle class for years."

Obama promised voters that his convention speech would offer "a better path forward" and contrast with a GOP agenda he said is "better suited for the last century."

Obama is in Iowa as part of the campaign’s “Road to Charlotte” tour, which will take him and Vice President Biden separately to seven swing states before they arrive at the Democratic convention.

The Obama campaign has downplayed expectations ahead of the convention, saying they expect the race with Romney to remain "close 'til the end." Polls show the two candidates neck-and-neck nationally, with Romney gaining a slight edge since the GOP convention.

On Saturday, Obama told voters that Romney and GOP vice presidential pick Rep. Paul Ryan Paul Davis RyanTrump, Biden have one debate goal: Don't lose RNC chair on election: We are on track to win the White House Kenosha will be a good bellwether in 2020 MORE (R-Wis.) support policies that will "take us backwards," making specific reference to energy, education and healthcare.

"It’s up to you whether we go back to a healthcare system that lets insurance companies decide who to cover and when, or whether we keep moving forward with the new healthcare law that’s already cutting costs and covering more people and saving lives," Obama said. "Now is not the time to refight the battles of the past four years. Now is the time to move forward."

Obama also encouraged supporters to register to vote online, and to vote early. Campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Saturday that this strategy is a "big part" of the president's reelection bid.

The Democratic National Convention begins Tuesday in Charlotte and Obama is slated to officially accept his party’s nomination on Thursday.