Romney surprises, rallies fairgoers
By Greg Drees, Journal correspondent | Posted: Sunday, September 09, 2007
Former Mass. Governor and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney address a crowd Saturday at the Clay County Fair in Spencer. (Photo by Greg Drees)
SPENCER, Iowa -- Most folks didn't even know he was in town, and for visitors to the Clay County Fair on Saturday Mitt Romney's appearance was an unexpected treat.
On a gorgeous September morning the former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential hopeful walked the fairgrounds greeting fans and then delivered an impromptu speech in a courtyard area before several hundred people.
Romney's first reference was to the most recent threat from Osama bin Laden's threat to end the war in Iraq if the U.S. doesn't convert to his brand of Islam. "Well, that's just not going to happen," Romney said. "We're going to win the war in Iraq by supporting the troop surge, being successful there and hopefully bringing our troops home. We're going to win this battle against violent jihad throughout the world by helping Muslims reject the extreme."
Addressing the renewable fuels issue, Romney said the U.S. should become energy independent and liberated from foreign oil. "We need to get serious about renewable fuels, bio-fuels, nuclear power, liquefied coal and other sources," Romney said.
Romney gestured over the crowd and said he guessed many in the assembly didn't have health insurance. He said he is seeking ways to bring health care costs down for average citizens. "We need to get health insurance for all the people in this country," he said.
Citing Democratic presidential hopefuls, Romney painted his opponents as liberal big spenders. "Which way are we going to turn?" Romney asked. "Will we take a sharp left turn and follow Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama or John Edwards into their pathway of big government and big taxes or are we going to stay true to the principles that have built the Republican party and is some respects built our nation; principles built on a philosophy of strength."
Romney said he is building his campaign on the strength of the American family, promising to strengthen the homes and values of the country. Saying he would rid the Internet of pornography, violence and sex, Romney also said he would wage a war against drugs. "If I'm president, I will make sure every computer that goes into a home has an Internet filter where a parent can block pornography from coming into their home."
Saying that communication with young adults is important to him and his wife, Ann, Romney said he would urge youthful couples to marry before they had children. "Marriage comes first," Romney said, "and makes strong families.
In reference to the economy, Romney said he wants people to be able to save money without oppressive taxation. Asked specifically what he would do, Romney said if a household income is $200,000 or less per year he would impose no tax on interest, dividends or capital gains on that money.
Romney stressed the importance of a strong U.S military. "If we want to remain the hope of the earth, we need a strong military to defend us and defend our values," Romney said. He urged public support of military families with members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He closed by offering a glimpse of hope for the future. "I believe our future is going to be brighter than our past," Romney said. "We as a country have all that it takes to overcome our challenges and to continue to be the nation that is the hope of the world. We have the financial resources we need, we have the technology we need and have the innovative spirit we need. The heart of the American people is well and strong."
Romney said his campaign has staged more than 300 events in Iowa since he announced his run for president in January.
On a gorgeous September morning the former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential hopeful walked the fairgrounds greeting fans and then delivered an impromptu speech in a courtyard area before several hundred people.
Romney's first reference was to the most recent threat from Osama bin Laden's threat to end the war in Iraq if the U.S. doesn't convert to his brand of Islam. "Well, that's just not going to happen," Romney said. "We're going to win the war in Iraq by supporting the troop surge, being successful there and hopefully bringing our troops home. We're going to win this battle against violent jihad throughout the world by helping Muslims reject the extreme."
Addressing the renewable fuels issue, Romney said the U.S. should become energy independent and liberated from foreign oil. "We need to get serious about renewable fuels, bio-fuels, nuclear power, liquefied coal and other sources," Romney said.
Romney gestured over the crowd and said he guessed many in the assembly didn't have health insurance. He said he is seeking ways to bring health care costs down for average citizens. "We need to get health insurance for all the people in this country," he said.
Citing Democratic presidential hopefuls, Romney painted his opponents as liberal big spenders. "Which way are we going to turn?" Romney asked. "Will we take a sharp left turn and follow Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama or John Edwards into their pathway of big government and big taxes or are we going to stay true to the principles that have built the Republican party and is some respects built our nation; principles built on a philosophy of strength."
Romney said he is building his campaign on the strength of the American family, promising to strengthen the homes and values of the country. Saying he would rid the Internet of pornography, violence and sex, Romney also said he would wage a war against drugs. "If I'm president, I will make sure every computer that goes into a home has an Internet filter where a parent can block pornography from coming into their home."
Saying that communication with young adults is important to him and his wife, Ann, Romney said he would urge youthful couples to marry before they had children. "Marriage comes first," Romney said, "and makes strong families.
In reference to the economy, Romney said he wants people to be able to save money without oppressive taxation. Asked specifically what he would do, Romney said if a household income is $200,000 or less per year he would impose no tax on interest, dividends or capital gains on that money.
Romney stressed the importance of a strong U.S military. "If we want to remain the hope of the earth, we need a strong military to defend us and defend our values," Romney said. He urged public support of military families with members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He closed by offering a glimpse of hope for the future. "I believe our future is going to be brighter than our past," Romney said. "We as a country have all that it takes to overcome our challenges and to continue to be the nation that is the hope of the world. We have the financial resources we need, we have the technology we need and have the innovative spirit we need. The heart of the American people is well and strong."
Romney said his campaign has staged more than 300 events in Iowa since he announced his run for president in January.
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Greg DeWeese wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:24 AM:
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