WPDE’s Jim Heath sits down for exclusive interview with presidential hopeful Mitt Romney
http://www.wpde.com/news/viewarticle.asp?view=3146
Winning South Carolina’s 2008 Presidential Primary will be critical. No Republican in modern times, has ever won the party nomination without winning here first. WPDE had an exclusive conversation with Massachusetts Governor, and White House hopeful, Mitt Romney on Tuesday.
“I believe I would make America more prosperous and secure for my kids and grandkids,” said Romney.In Myrtle Beach Tuesday, there were no public events for Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, but in an exclusive interview, the Republican made it clear, he’s in the race.
“It seems like its going to be difficult, if you do run, to get that message ahead of the front runners in this race,” said Jim Heath, WPDE NewsChannel 15.
“I think it’s natural,” said Romney. “The front runners in the race are people who are known to the national stage, like John McCain. He’s been around and Mayor Giuliani, and the senators. Governors tend not to be well known outside their own states.”
It was back in 2002 when most Americans got there first look at Romney. He headed the Salt Lake Olympic Committee and just months after 9-11, stood next to President Bush as the National Anthem was performed.
“They did something unexpected and that is, they sang an old 1930’s version of our national anthem, where you repeat the last line one octive higher, with more orchestration,” said Romney. “And as they repeated that line, a gust of wind came into that flag. One of the athletes said later, it was like all those who have fought for our American liberty had blown into that flag.”
Just months after the Olympics, the Republican Romney was elected Governor in Democratic Massachusetts.
“I know that my religious theology of my religion is different than others, but this is a time to talk political leadership,” said Romney. “And as one Evangelic leader said recently, we’re not looking for a pastor in chief.”
“Is that the definitive statement? That putting religion aside, I answer to the Constitution of the United States and the people first and foremost?” asked Heath.
“The answer to that is a resounding yes,” said Romney.
Romney says he’ll make an official announcement in January, but he’s already hired Warren Tompkins, who lead George W. Bush’s successful 2000 South Carolina campaign.
November 29th, 2006 at 7:24 pm
I’m looking forward to hearing more from Romney. My personal favorites right now are Newt and Mitt. Newt is a great idea person - smart and just full of good ideas. His problem is his past and some character issues.
Mitt may have the advantage in terms of likeability and character, unless something nasty falls out of his closet. I’m looking for a smart conservative with character.
November 29th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
“I believe I would make America more prosperous and secure for my kids and grandkids,” said Romney.
If anyone doubts Mitt is running after that line, they are just out of it.
November 29th, 2006 at 10:01 pm
Event tommorrow include Romney top pollster in a panel about 08. We should atleast hear feedback from the hotline blog and this is something that could/should be pick up by c-span either live or tape for weekend/evening showing.
http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/11/the_amerivcan_d.html#more
November 29th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
He’s saving the gas. He wanted approval from his whole family as he meets with them over Christmas and said he would either announce it before or after the New Year.