Posted on 03/14/2010 2:57:08 PM PDT by delacoert
Utah's favorite political son made no apologies Saturday for his conservative cred -- a stance thousands of backers in the Beehive State hope will propel Mitt Romney to the White House.
Speaking at the Salt Palace Convention Center hall, Romney weaved wit, humor and folksy anecdotes around enough anti-Barack Obama broadsides to energize his fawning fans. Most in attendance braved a sloppy snowstorm to hoist campaign-style signs, giving Romney's No Apology: The Case for American Greatness book tour the feel of a 2012 campaign rally.
"I hope he does run," Midway's Bart Kotter said afterward. "The guy is an amazing visionary. He's got a lot of pride in our heritage without the arrogance."
Romney argued America must work harder than ever to keep up with foreign powers such as China and Russia -- a feat that starts in Washington. He railed against Obama for pushing a "crazier than new Coke" health care plan, cap and trade, higher taxes on capital gains and "immoral" deficit spending.
"He has put in place the most anti-growth, anti-jobs, anti-investment strategy that we have seen since Jimmy Carter," Romney said. "And it's been wrong."
Romney's speech was red meat for Republicans, but may have swayed one voter. "I'm actually an independent and voted for Obama," said Kathy Younker, of Salt Lake City. "But I really enjoyed everything he said. He's a true patriot."
"I didn't see a teleprompter," added Dianne Halloran, on vacation from Southern California. "He spoke from his heart. I was proud to be an American tonight."
Romney, who said he will wait to decide about 2012 until after the November midterm elections, said he was dismayed by Obama's "apology tour," telling Arab television the U.S. has dictated to other nations.
"No Mister President, America has freed other nations from dictators," Romney said to the night's biggest applause. He insisted liberal politicians in Washington are "smothering the spirit of America."
When a 12-year-old Bluffdale boy asked if he'll run for president, Romney said, "I'll either be that person, or I'll work my tail off for that person."
Kirk Jowers, whose Hinckley Institute of Politics sponsored the speech, calls Romney the GOP frontrunner. "When we actually get to Iowa and New Hampshire," he said, "neither [Sarah] Palin nor [Mike] Huckabee will be in the top five."
That would please Brian Ranniger, of Heber City, who said Romney seemed like the only "presidential" candidate in 2008. "The only problem he's going to run into is his [Mormon] religion," Ranniger said. "I don't know if Americans are going to get over that."
Romney took the stage with his wife Ann, and the couple praised the state and its residents for a memorable 2002 Olympic experience. Romney's leadership role during the Games helped vault the businessman to political prominence.
He's been mildly criticized for frequent fundraising trips in which Utah has been a virtual ATM. But nobody Saturday thought Romney should apologize.
"I would donate to anyone who has that vision," said Scott Howard, of Pleasant Grove. "He has an understanding of what is embodied in the American spirit."
Looks like some is stuck with about 6,000 unused books.
By the way Mormons post about Romney here, they seem to be that tribal.
Thanks justiceseeker93.
Slick Willard being HAILED ? Gee whiz, where have we heard THAT one before ?
...said he was dismayed by Obama's "apology tour," telling Arab television the U.S. has dictated to other nations. "No Mister President, America has freed other nations from dictators," Romney said to the night's biggest applause. He insisted liberal politicians in Washington are "smothering the spirit of America." When a 12-year-old Bluffdale boy asked if he'll run for president, Romney said, "I'll either be that person, or I'll work my tail off for that person."
Too bad. He’s been designated by the MSM as the 2012 GOP presidential candidate and there is nothing you can do about it. /s
Sadly, I hear that far too often here on FR.
And forget the MSM, Mitt thinks he has been designated by GOD to be the nominee.
I can’t stomach anything written about Romney anymore. As far as I’m concerned, he hops the fence when it suits him, & he has woven a nest of lies thinking we are too stupid to realize it...
...all I have to say about Romney is good riddens!
When Salt Lake City Calls - Is there a conflict between Mormonism and the public trust?
Buy the book now....before it is too late.
http://whensaltlakecitycalls.wordpress.com/
I would think that you must be a natural born male citizen of a State!
ML/NJ
Too bad "Romney the younger" didn't learn anything from his father. George would probably have been pretty good, but Mitt... no way would I ever vote for that arrogant self-righteous jerk.
I guess it's all the OTHER prideful ones that are ARROGANT!
Who the hell would buy Romney's "book" ............and WHY?
Doorstops are $1.00 at the Dollar Store.
Would love to know the answer from anyone.
Thanks in advance!
Romney puts on one face for Utah residents, another for the rest of the country.
He got about 95% of the Utah vote in the primaries. Of course, in between running as a pro-abortion senator vs. Teddy in '94 and a pro-abortion governor in '02, what was he telling Utah readers in a letter-to-the-editor of the Salt Lake Tribune, July of '01?
"'I do not wish to be labeled pro-choice'"...
(Some states are just plain more gullible than others)
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