Rick Santorum blasted President Barack Obama's administration as "elite" for dismissing the so-called Ryan Plan, using a word that tends to play well with conservative audiences.

"Don't you see how they see you? How they look down their nose at the average American. These elite snobs," Santorum said Tuesday, drawing big applause at a major rally in Boise, Idaho.

The proposal, a Medicare overhaul plan authored by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, drew heavy criticism from Democrats last year, as it proposed replacing direct federal coverage for those over 55 with subsidies in which seniors could purchase health insurance themselves.

"They don't believe you can make these decisions. They need to make these decisions for you," Santorum said, referring to the Obama administration.

Speaking to much fanfare at the Boise rally, Santorum also spent considerable time talking about Iran and pointed to a report by national intelligence director, James Clapper, that said Iran may be willing to sponsor future attacks on U.S. soil.

With that in mind, Santorum emphasized the need to control U.S. borders, which he said are "40% secure," to protect the country from "drugs, violence and jihadists."

He cited a convesation in Texas last week with a border agent, who reportedly told him the state has captured Spanish-speaking Arabs and Muslims.

"This should not be a surprise. There's all sorts of evidence of jihadists training camps all throughout Central and South America," Santorum said.