Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Neera Tanden — presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama’s (Ill.) domestic policy adviser — on Tuesday sketched out the Democrat’s plans for reinvesting and reinvigorating America’s middle class.

Meeting with the media at the Colorado Convention Center, Stabenow described the loss of manufacturing jobs and hardships that have befallen many in her home state.

“We need change that will allow a vibrant middle class,” Stabenow said. “We can do that through fair trade, better health care, new energy, education and innovation.”

Stabenow also touted Obama’s economic policy to cut middle-class taxes, invest in education and balance the nation’s budget.

Both Stabenow and Tanden dodged questions about how specifically Obama plans to make the budget numbers work.

Stabenow and Tanden wanted to focus more on Obama’s plans for developing alternative energy, affordable education and building on the current health care system to cover all Americans and lower costs.

“We’re drawing contrasts about policies to break from the last eight years,” Stabenow said. “Barack wants a much more responsible approach to using tax payer money that will go directly into the profits of the middle class.”