COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (MCT) — President Barack Obama pushed back against the idea of U.S. influence being in decline — and against Republican criticism of his stewardship — telling the Air Force Academy’s graduating class that around the world “there’s a new confidence in our leadership.”

Republican critiques hold otherwise, suggesting that Obama has “led from behind” in international efforts, cut the military and responded weakly to the rise of contending powers.