America's safety is Sen. Marco Rubio's top priority.
Speaking before about 200 people in Muscatine on Thursday, he vows to beef up the military in order to beat terrorism.
"I hear some people running saying, oh, I'm going to carpet-bomb them," Rubio said, referencing opponent, Sen. Ted Cruz. "The sand is going to glow in the dark. You've got to have an Air Force to do that."
That theme resonates with the audience at Kent Corporation.
Recent tragedies in Paris and California amplify concerns over national security for voters.
"Obviously, you always wonder how we're going to pay for it," said Muscatine builder Jeff Frye. "But we've got to reestablish our power."
When it comes to the economy, Rubio calls to energize the American Dream. He says it can be a manufacturing renaissance.
"We need to make America the best place in the world for someone to start businesses or to grow a business," he said.
While Rubio ranks third in most Iowa and national polling, he's working to separate himself from front runners Donald Trump and Cruz.
Rubio is finding differences in stances on national security and the economy, but he also wants to avoid going into attack mode.
"I think we are capable as a society of debating the big issues before us without asking Americans to be angry at other Americans in order to make progress," he said.
That's scoring points with Thursday's audience.
Most of them are looking to unite Republicans behind an electable candidate.
"He has a can-do attitude," said Rubio supporter Marilyn Wedel. "He's very optimistic and upbeat on what we can accomplish."
That perception will be important as he works to connect with voters.
"This isn't just the country I was born in," he said. "This is the country that changed the life of my family."
Rubio is hoping now that Iowa will change his political life.