For Romney: Leadership with a steady hand and a “united America”

Photo: Camera shot of C-SPAN screen/The US ReportThe Republican National Convention concluded on Thursday night in Tampa when former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney accepted the nomination to oppose the Democrat, President Barack Obama, in November.

Regardless of standard infighting that always rumbles through any party in the primary season, Republicans appeared to be cohesive if enthusiasm is a measure.

Romney doesn’t go theatrical—he opts for a steady hand.

The GOP nominee delivered a nuts and bolts speech that reflected a man who is stable, confident and above all, experienced in the sectors of finance and government.

Romney also hit upon one of the Democrats’ greatest vulnerabilities. He said, “[T]his president cannot tell us that YOU are better off today than when he took office.”

In a world devoid of smoke and mirrors, that statement alone would constitute grounds to replace a leader. That’s how it works in the real world—if you don’t get the job done, you are replaced.

Clint Eastwood summed it up well. The Hollywood icon said, “It’s time for a businessman—a stellar businessman…When somebody doesn’t do the job, we gotta’ let him go.”

Romney criticized Obama’s policies, never veering into disrespect. He told Republicans, “I wish President Obama had succeeded, because I want America to succeed.”

Romney also reminded Americans that First Lady Michelle Obama had praised Bright Horizons, a company owned by Bain where Romney had worked. He also reminded us the Obama campaign likes to purchase supplies from another Bain venture—Staples. He didn’t have to remind us those and other ventures created private sector jobs.

Isn’t it smart of us taxpayers to praise those who create private sector jobs instead of government jobs we’ll have to subsidize for the rest of our lives?

Romney said to Obama, jobs “are about government.”

Romney’s speech was well-received; it gave Americans at home a chance to learn more about a man who is probably the most qualified presidential candidate we have had from either party since Ronald Reagan left office. I spoke to a Democrat about that speech; she told me she actually likes him. She is very disappointed with Obama. Naturally I gave her many reasons to vote for a Republican in November.

As the confetti fell, the crowd was roaring approval.

I noticed something else. As balloons rained on the audience, the stage was full of children. Between the Ryans and the Romneys, there are more children and grandchildren than previous candidates had. The children were having a ball with those balloons and it struck me that right there is the whole reason I do what I do. I can’t bear to think of robbing these children of the opportunities we have been blessed with, and I believe if corruption and inefficiency in our government are not addressed, we will see hardship levied on our children and grandchildren.

Romney met a most important challenge with his speech at the convention. He gave Americans an idea of the man he is and he certainly inspired confidence in us that he is exactly the man to do the job Democrats failed to do.

Romney said this:

I am running for president to help create a better future. A future where everyone who wants a job can find one. Where no senior fears for the security of their retirement. An America where every parent knows that their child will get an education that leads them to a good job and a bright horizon.

Republican messaging comprises unity and that  is important. We are not defined by the color of our skin.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) summed it up:

Hope and Change has become Divide and Conquer.

Romney described his vision for our country:

That America, that united America, will uphold the constellation of rights that were endowed by our Creator, and codified in our Constitution…That united America will care for the poor and the sick, will honor and respect the elderly, and will give a helping hand to those in need…That America is the best within each of us. That America we want for our children.

Considering the anxiety surrounding Isaac ahead of the convention, the necessity to contract the schedule, the occasional antics of the Occupy Party and the coordination of thousands of visitors in a facility at a time when weather was unpredictable—well, considering all that, I’d say the planners and volunteers deserve major praise.

By the time Kid Rock performed at a private party near the convention center, Republicans had been assured of something else.

Romney and running mate Paul Ryan are able, willing and eager to wage a fierce campaign and we have a good chance at winning.

Romney gave those happy children who ended up on stage amid puddles of balloons something to hope for as well:

It's the genius of the American free enterprise system – to harness the extraordinary creativity and talent and industry of the American people with a system that is dedicated to creating tomorrow's prosperity rather than trying to redistribute today's.

(Commentary by Kay B. Day/Aug. 31, 2012)

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