Breaking Down Romney’s Presidential Announcement Speech
February 14th, 2007 by eric
I anxiously awaited the hour this morning when Mitt Romney would give his announcement speech. I had expectations that it would be a finely coreographed, exciting event. But As several minutes passed, after 9am EST when the announcement should have begun, I began to get the feeling that it was going to be much less than perfect.
Governor Romney approached the podium, gave his wife a respectable smooch, and received a healthy applause from the crowd. He began with some statements that seemed a little bit goofy or over-rehearsed. It was several lines he spoke commenting about the audience and where he said something like, “this warms my heart to see you all here.” He was a little bit stiff in his delivery as he tried to appeal to the people of Michigan and present himself to them as a native son of Michigan. It started too reminicient of an Al Gore speech. My commentary and critique here to this point is only regarding the presentation, and the first few minutes of the content. Perhaps he was nervous in these opening minutes when he spoke of his and his family’s ties to Michigan. It was after these first few minutes of his speech when he settled in and began to speak with poise and confidence. It was then that he connected with the audience and delivered a great speech that was full of substance.
Innovation and transformation was his theme as he spoke with a backdrop of a Rambler, A DC3 airplane, and a new Ford Hybrid.
He cast himself as a political outsider with the skills to tackle the problems that face our country. Although he did not mention his rival John McCain, it seemed that he was aiming for McCain when he had this to say…
“I don’t believe Washington can be transformed from within by lifetime politicians,” Romney said. “There have been too many deals, too many favors, too many entanglements — and too little real world experience managing, guiding, leading.”
Here’s another beautiful quote from Romney’s speech.
“I don’t believe Washington can be transformed by someone who has never tried doing such a thing before, in any setting, by someone who has never run a corner store, let alone the largest enterprise in the world.”
He spoke about the importance of families, about the sanctity of human life, about the proper role of judges in our judicial system. He spoke about the over-taxing and over-spending of our government, and protection of our borders. He spoke about the belief he has in our citizens, and the hope that he has for America. He spoke about the dangers that face us as a country and the need for a strong America. He spoke about the dangers that are posed by Iran and the jihadists. He stressed the need for a stable Iraq. He said that we must care for our veterans. He said we must work to change our tarnished image in the worlds view. We need better schools, more innovation and technology, less talk in government and more action. We need better, more affordable health care.
You can view the whole speech via the internet on Mitt TV here. (19:52 min.)
You can view excerpts of the speech via the internet on Mitt TV here. (1:20 min.)
Eric,
I generally agree with your comments. It wasn’t a home run but it was a solid sortie
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First of all, as a traditional Baptist, I was stunned after viewing a movie called “States of Grace.” A friend of mine from Utah sent it to me for Christmas. In spite of everything I have come to learn about Mormonism, here is a movie – a Mormon movie nonetheless – that demonstrates a deep understanding of — and longing for — unconditional grace and forgiveness through a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In my opinion, it movingly depicts the power of God’s healing love and redemptive grace that comes after a fall and repentance. It not only shows the heart of Christianity, but it convincingly challenges the stereotypes that many of us traditional Christians have of Mormons and their belief in only conditional grace.
Second of all, I love my country and the constitution it was founded upon. The only person I believe will stand up for those beliefs is Mitt Romney – a.k.a. The “Mormon Candidate.†I will say that it would have been hard to pull the lever for a Mormon until I had a few questions cleared up for me. I believe this movie can be a landmark film in presenting a view of the Mormon church and Mormon life that has never before made it to the big screen – answering simple questions such as polygamy (by far the funniest scene in the movie), interfaith relationships and Mormon beliefs concerning grace.
Many, and I do mean many, of the Mormon beliefs and doctrines I disagree with, but I don’t want a country ran by Pres. Clinton II, Obama, McCain or even Giuliani. I believe Gov. Romney is a Christian who shares my most important values. Now more than ever, we Christians need to pull together and I believe States of Grace can be that elusive element that brings us together. The movie is extremely thought-provoking and very educational for many in America who don’t know much beyond popular rumor about the faith of the man who just might be the next president. In short, this little film has the potential to actually shift and mold public opinion in a presidential campaign without being a political hatchet job like Fahrenheit 911. It should be required viewing for the entire Christian community.
My question is this – With all the stereotypes and misinformation out there about his beliefs, why hasn’t anyone put this movie out there to help him? I would have to say I have never felt closer to Mormonism, and Christ’s message of love, redemption, and hope, than after viewing States of Grace. You have a tool to answer the questions that would help me pull the lever for Gov. Romney, and you’re not using it.
I emailed “Evangelicals for Mitt†and they’ve never heard of the movie. I emailed a website called MittRunMitt.org and they dismissed me. I found more information on this movie at http://www.StatesofGrace.net
I hope you care enough to do something about this – or I’ll find a way to do it myself. I can’t believe that a Baptist has to push a Mormon movie, but if thats what it takes, then that is what it takes. I just need help.
Your Brother in Christ,
Mark L.