Perspectives from Two Appearances of Governor Romney in California
Following are three perspectives from those who went to see Governor Romney in person and to hear him speak earlier today. I did not have enough time to attend both events during the day, but did attend the luncheon. I have to run to a meeting tonight and don’t have time to provide my perspective, though I may later tonight after the meeting. I may also have other perspectives to give you. For now, here are David’s, Nancy’s, and Jenny’s:
David Damitz — Ladera Ranch, CA (Rally in Fountain Valley, CA):
My family has been watching the presidential primary very closely. We are concerned about the direction of the Republican party. My wife and I decided early on, that Mitt Romney has the total package of experience, character, and conservative principles that we hold dear.
When I found out earlier today that Gov. Romney was going to be appearing locally, my wife and I decided right away that we couldn’t turn down the opportunity to see him in person. In fact, we felt strongly enough that we pulled our two elementary school age children out of school so they could be a part of the event. They have been asking a lot of questions about politics and the primary process as we have watched the debates in our home.
We arrived at the location about 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the event. Boy am I glad we did. Even arriving at that time, we were in the back of the room. A few minutes later and we probably wouldn’t have been able to get a spot inside. Once Gov Romney took the stage, I was impressed with him even more in person than I was previously through his TV appearances. I was struck by his energy and enthusiasm. I could tell that he believes in what he is doing and he is speaking from the heart. He was so excited that we even stumbled over some words. That showed me that he is not just reciting some tired and rehearsed talking points, but that these are things he truly believes in.
At the end of his remarks, he shook many hands on the way out. And although I wasn’t able to get close enough to shake his hand, I was able to see him close up and see how he was interacting with the crowd. I lifted up my kids so they could see him close up as well. I want them to be able to say that they were in the same room as the President of the United States. Even though it was hard for them to stand in a crowded room and not be able to see much, on the way to the car, they both remarked about what an exciting event it was to be a part of. I wholeheartedly agree.
To read a news account of the rally, click here —-> Romney finds his crowd in Fountain Valley rally — The Orange County Register
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Nancy Harline — San Clemente, CA (Luncheon in Irvine, CA):
Today in Irvine was the second time that I have had the opportunity of seeing Mitt Romney in person and hearing him speak in a luncheon room setting. Last March I attended a luncheon in San Diego as the campaign was just getting started. He talked comfortably and with conviction about many issues, not the least of which was immigration inasmuch as the border was only ten miles away. It was informative and he was impressive, but today was, for me, more electifying. He was not only warm, down to earth and engaging but there was a ready connection with me and, I think, many in the room.
There was such refreshing straight talk about the turns and twists of the campain and the REAL reasons that he feels so passionate about the future of this country. He spoke convincingly of the challenges our country faces globally as we could run the risk of slippage from a superpower to a second rate country potentially losing the economic and military edge that is vital to our freedom and well being. He is truly a patriot and you could sense that he feels deeply about how this time in our history is a critical turning point with the great issues facing us.
He is so engaging, personable, funny, humble AND handsome. It was as if we were all sitting in his family room and he was talking personally and intimately about things that matter most. I felt his honesty and openess about the road ahead and his optimism and pledge for his very best efforts to offer his service on our behalf. For me, I would have to say that I felt more committed and more personally invested than I ever have to a candidate. I came home to double check my email from his people to help with a phone call campaign this weekend. I told my husband I am going to sign up to call and I have never done anything like that before. This country will lose a golden opportunity for more focused prosperity and progress in the vital areas facing our nation if they do not wake up to who Mitt Romney really is. Today I felt more than ever he is a true patriot and we are so lucky he is offering his time and effort on our behalf.
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Jenny Wilson — Laguna Beach, CA (Luncheon in Irvine, CA):
I was fortunate to attend the luncheon for Governor Mitt Romney today in Irvine, CA. It was a pleasure for me to lend my support to the candidate who is most qualified to lead this country as President of the United States. As I listened to Governor Romney today, I was awed by his analysis of what America needs to do to stay a powerful nation, what the world needs from America to retain global vision of freedom and free trade, and what Washington must do to initiate needed changes. I felt more than ever that here was a man with unparalleled leadership skills, with the brilliance and world understanding to lead our nation to a place of prosperity and safety. As Governor Romney spoke, he also clearly demonstrated his personal integrity. I believe that the leader of the United States of America must have a strong sense of the importance of family, faith in a higher power and the character to live by what he believes. Governor Romney truly exhibits all of these values. In short, today Governor Romney proved yet again that he has every quality needed to bolster and sustain this country, and that he is the man Americans need to elect as their President.
THANK YOU David, Nancy, and Jenny for taking time to be “our eyes” to these great events!
~ Vic
February 1st, 2008 at 1:18 am
Did anyone see Colbert tonight? He did a hilarious piece about John Mccain at last night’s debate. He had Mac saying the word “timetable” dozens of times. It made him look very senile. So Funny
February 1st, 2008 at 2:23 am
Mike Huckabee was head and shoulders above both McCain and Romney at the Reagan Library debate. But, don’t take my word for it . . . http://snipr.com/eleven
February 1st, 2008 at 3:13 am
Ian from Ann Arbor:
First of all, when you are only staying in a presidential race to position for a VP slot, it is easy to debate. He had it easy. No pressure whatsoever. Three questions for you:
1) Why does MH never answer any direct questions with direct answers? Without exception, a direct question is answered with a big smile and a joke. Then he changes the subject. Every time. Nobody really calls him on it, because they simply don’t care. he no longer matters. So why not?
2) At what point in the next 40+ states do you expect MH to win more than 5% of the non-evangelical vote? Three days ago in a giant southern state (Florida), MH won whopping 4% of all non-evangelical votes. When you look at his stats, he did worse than Fred Thompson who wasn’t even in the race! Both FT and RG are super bright people and therefore decided they would waste their supporters’ money to stay in. In which states do you think MH will win more than 4% of the non-evangelical vote?
3) MH knows he cannot win under any circumstances. He knows it just like FT and RG knew it. So why does MH stay in the race? Ego? Self-centerdness? Vanity? Maybe I am missing something here so please enlighten. He barely wins 1/3 of all evangelicals. So with 1/3 of all evangelicals’ votes and 5% of the non-evangelicals’ votes, show me how he will ever win. I am completely open to your logical explanation.
February 1st, 2008 at 2:22 pm
ATTENTION IAN
Please take the challenge Ian. You enjoy giving all of us your opinion so why not show us the facts. Are you following the model of Mike Huckabee? He never answers the question directly, never provibes suitable facts that would make his arguments believable. Mitt Romney had to explain to all to the listeners at the debate that Infrustruture, though a much needed, is not a short term solution to get the economy going. Mitt Romney came across like someone who understood Infrusture, the economy and how it works. After Mitt Romney pointed out the weakness in Mr Huckabees comments, Mr Huckabee came acrossed like someone who does not understand the economy. Mike Huckabee will never be able to gain the trust of the American conservative base. He has come across like someone who would make a better stand up comic/entertainer than someone who is serious and competent leader. Mitt Romney is a much stronger candidated than Mike Huckabee despite the media pile up and all of the dirty tricks, he has the popular vote in our country.