DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Before traveling to the Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama stopped in Davenport Monday morning.

Obama's speech focused on rival John McCain.

"He has a compelling biography. He served America with bravery and distinction and he deserves respect for that, but his policies don't deserve respect. His ideas don't deserve respect because they're the same old ideas we've seen out of George Bush for the last eight years," said Obama.

Obama spoke at the Mississippi Fairgrounds and answering questions about Israel and Iran.

He also made a cell phone call to the husband of a woman who said he was still on the fence about who to vote for.

The convention opened Monday night with Michelle Obama as the featured speaker.

The program is themed "One Nation." According to a Democratic news release, it will highlight Obama's life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans calling for a new direction for this country."

Among those voices will be former Iowa GOP Rep. Jim Leach, whose speech is designed to illustrate Obama's appeal to Republicans and independents.