I have to tell you, I was impressed. You know I view him very skeptically, so that fact that I was moved by his sincerity impressed me. The problem is, I don’t hear that kind of authentic commitment from him on anything else. It also bothers me that he was at the GHW Bush library with the former president. I’ll be expanding more on this on Tammy Radio. Remember, if your local affiliate doesn’t carry the show, or if you’re at work, etc, you can get the free stream of my show at Talk Radio Network. Just clock on my pic and your stream options will appear.
If you missed the Romney speech, Hot Air as the complete recording, and Townhall has the transcript. It’s worth watching. I’m curious to see what all of you think.
Here’s are the excerpts the Romney camp has chosen to highlight.
And other analysis:
Fox: Mitt Romney Pledges to Serve No One Religion in Faith Speech
WaPo: Romney’s “Faith in America” Speech: What Worked and What Didn’t
It is a classic statement about the role of religion and its place in politics. There were a lot of people advising Romney not to make this speech, but I believe he’s proved them wrong. They are stirring sentiments expressed in beautiful words and well delivered. I think they will resonate with all Americans, not just those whose politics are strongly influenced by religion.
Romney has always done a great job delivering a speech. There’s something about his delivery in other contexts that has a ring of studied political-speak leaving me suspicious. I hope this speech will dispel concerns by religiously motivated voters who had questions about Romney’s Mormon faith. I especially hope Huckabee’s surge comes to an abrupt end.
Have to admit I was moved, too. This was an important moment for Romney in that he was able to pretty much put to rest the “elephant in the room” for a lot of people–the issue of his Mormon faith. He was passionate and very believable. I hope this will free him up to now speak as clearly and passionately and genuinely about the important issues facing this country. The deal breaker, for me, is securing the border and illegal immigration, and here he trumps both Giuliani and Huckster Huckabee. Romney has really set himself apart from the others with this speech (and its delivery). It will be interesting to see how he proceeds from this point on, and if the rest of the pack can rise to the occasion.
You guys are going soft.
I’m not impressed at all. He is still the same person. Still the same political animal. Still saying what he has to say to get elected to an office he’s had his eye on probably most of his adult life….following in the footsteps of his father who didn’t make it.
And like Bill Clinton and Bush after him, I think Romney has an air of immaturity about him. All three of them seem to be pretending to be mature men of stature, but they don’t really possess it.
Too bad Romney can’t speak to foreign policy issues the way he can about this.
I still prefer Fred right now. If you didn’t see him on Charlie Rose, you should.
Wow… it sounds like the guy’s gotten some fire in his belly.
It suits him. As ever, folks are thirsting for their practical concerns to be expanded and reflected by someone who can inspire them with a vision of timeless American ideals.
If he manages to crack that, he has a big chance.
Frankly, I don’t understand why he needed to make that speech in the first place.
Sad.
I think that Governor Romney did himself a lot of good with this speech. While it can be argued that it’s unfortunate that he felt the need to make such a speech, I don’t think it hurt him.
He was able to acknowledge the Judeo-Christian tradition of our nation’s founding while at the same time delineating the importance of personal faith not defining his candidacy or how he would govern. This was key.
Rudy is still my primary candidate, but Romney made me feel more comfortable about backing him if he ends up as the nominee.
I was not impressed either. Now as one of those mean Christian Conservatives..ahem, I could care less if he is Mormon. Does faith matter, yes, but I find the need for him to do this troubling..if he feels that he has to explain, ala JFK, that they Church of Latter Day Saints is not going to run the White House-then come out with it..but this faith based policy paper in the middle of a heated caucus, to me was focus driven and approved.
Sorry Tammy, do not agree with you on this one..
It was a nice touch of President Bush 41 to leave the Presidential Seal on the podium for Gov. Romney to test drive.
His word choice was often stilted. It felt 19th century to me. I especially saw it when he quoted Scripture: When I was enhungered…?? But: imagine how much more we would like our current President if he were as polished with the teleprompter as Romney. He is a handsome, nice-looking, well-mannered man.
Something in me, however, is unmoved. Perhaps it’s just me and my own Catholicity that prefers the flawed and feisty and familiar of Rudy to the genteel, good-natured of Mitt.
After finally being able to read his speech, I found nothing to be afraid of. As Rush commented, it was inspiring to hear such words spoken about America and patriotism. It is tragic that we don’t hear those words from members of Congress or the media or Hollywood. Yes, as Tammy has related here, there are some things about Mr. Romney that are concerning. But no one is going to fit our wants perfectly for President. I still am impressed with what I read of him earlier this year, about his prowess in the financial realm. As someone remarked, when someone has to make a payroll, they learn quickly what works and what doesn’t. He has proven himself a good financial manager and God knows we desperately need one. As a Christian, and a conservative, I still consider Mr. Romney in the running. I choose to let the political “distillation” process work like it’s supposed to.
Mitt’s the man!