AP Interview: Obama says Romney pushing ‘extreme’ positions; promises compromise in 2nd term

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says Republican rival Mitt Romney has locked himself into “extreme positions” on economic and social issues and would impose them if elected.

Obama gave an interview Thursday to The Associated Press ahead of the Republican convention that starts Monday. Obama says Romney lacks serious ideas, refuses to “own up” to the responsibilities of the office he seeks in the November election and deals in factually dishonest arguments that could haunt him.

Obama says Romney’s plans would worsen life for the middle class and offer no prospects for those trying to join it.

The president says in a second term, he would be willing to compromise with Republicans who are tired of what he calls one of the least productive Congresses in American history.