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Iowa Straw Poll: Romney Kicks Off Candidate Speeches

AMES, Iowa -- Apropos of his likely finish in today's GOP straw poll, Mitt Romney was the first candidate to speak this afternoon to Republicans gathered at the Hilton Coliseum.

Romney attempted a bit of verbal gymnastics in his speech, calling for change in Washington in one breath and embracing President George W. Bush in the next.

"If there's ever been a time we need to see change in Washington it's now," said Romney, decrying the "bickering and partisanship and scorekeeping" in the nation's capital.

And yet, Romney quickly turned to praising President Bush. "There's no one that's perfect, but let's not forget one thing and that is he has kept us safe these last six years," Romney said to loud applause.

Romney generally delivered his standard stump speech -- strong military, strong economy and strong family values. Romney repeatedly received huge rounds of applause thanks to his campaign's success at packing the hall with plenty of supporters, many of whom were sporting yellow Romney T-shirts. Red Romney foam fingers also abounded.

The governor seemed energized by the crowd and, perhaps, by the prospect of a strong victory today. "Change begins in Iowa and change begins today," thundered Romney before leaving the stage to "A Little Less Talk & A Lot More Action" by country singer Toby Keith.

By Chris Cillizza |  August 11, 2007; 2:28 PM ET  | Category:  Eye on 2008
Previous: Straw Poll Expectations Setting | Next: Iowa Straw Poll: The Ron Paul Revolution


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Comments

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It's no secrect but Mitt is loved by those who believe in him, and hated by those who fear him. Once all America get to know him, they will believe him and vote him into the White House. The dark cloud of ignorance, fear, bigotry, bias, prejudice, hatred will eventually pass and America will follow Mitt. But, since there's an opposition in all things, the worst enemies are the Christian hypocrites. If religion is the only qualification for the highest office, then might as well vote for an aethiest, since many candidates are not very faithful to their religions EXCEPT MITT. Throw out religion and only Mitt still stands out because of his experience and family values.

Posted by: Savea | August 12, 2007 3:15 AM

I suppose you phlegm wads are blogging from somewhere in the sands of suburban Bagdhad.
Unless your out there yourself feel free to shut up about WHO should serve.

Romney kicked butt in Ames - grow up and deal with the fact that he's the most likely and qualified candidate. You'd think you'd know when you've been beat!

The disparity between the candidates is obvious!!!
Romney is the better guy. Your wasting perfectly good phlegm trying to justify your waste of time. Move on already!!!

Posted by: KCB | August 12, 2007 2:43 AM

I feel like the main stream media and the republican party is blocking or boycotting Ron Paul. I am a life long Republican. I am also an Iraqi War veteran and disabled veteran. Is this America or a conspiracy state. He is the only candidate. The rest are all the same. I can't tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans any more. I beg you please help Ron Paul save our great Republic. To me my friends and family he is our only and best hope. For our children, for our future, we must have a tomorrow . The country cannot go on as is. I beseech to more robustly cover this great American. Restorer of the Republic and possibly one of the last defenders of the Constitution.
Sincerely,
RFD

Posted by: roy.davis2 | August 11, 2007 6:14 PM

" I love what Romney did in MA and the Olympics and every single business hes' been involved in. Does anyone seriously think any of the Dems are going to look at the government and implement a management structure or policies that would streamline the way our government operates?"

After the fine job our first MBA President has done....

Posted by: Michael | August 11, 2007 6:04 PM

Though Romney may be financially able to buy all the straws for the polls in Iowa, but he won't be able to BUY the GOP presidential nomination!

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2007/08/gop-holds-straw-poll-in-iowa-should.html#links

Posted by: KYJurisDoctor | August 11, 2007 4:24 PM

He may buy all the straws for the polls in Iowa, but he won't be able to BUY the GOP presidential nomination!

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2007/08/gop-holds-straw-poll-in-iowa-should.html#links

Posted by: KYJurisDoctor | August 11, 2007 4:22 PM

When you get a chance Chis, please just make sure this soulless twit has reflection in the mirror.

Thanks.

Posted by: Van Helsing | August 11, 2007 3:14 PM

This missionary stuff is all applesauce. In order to be taken seriously in Iowa or elsewhere, Gov. Romney's eligible children and the 96 relatives he's brought to the State ought to enlist now for military service. He wouldn't look bad in uniform either, come to think of it. With all his crowd suited up, he might have a brigade.

Posted by: Lt. Col. Jim McGurky, USMC (Ret.) | August 11, 2007 3:14 PM

When you get a chance Chis, please just make sure this soulless twit has relection in the mirror.

Thanks.

Posted by: Van Helsing | August 11, 2007 3:14 PM

Those handsome Romney boys would look great in uniform...

...like, sticking out of the hatch of a Humvee in Baqouba, participating in the war they love so much.

Posted by: OD | August 11, 2007 3:13 PM

No surprise there, Romney flip-flopped in two breaths. I don't even think that's a record for him.

Mitt Romney believes in nothing but the promotion of Mitt Romney.

Posted by: AJ | August 11, 2007 3:11 PM

***Romney attempted a bit of verbal gymnastics in his speech, calling for change in Washington in one breath and embracing President George W. Bush in the next***

Oh, yeah, the Mittster is a real contortionist when it comes to speaking out of both sides of his mouth and flip-flopping in the opposite direction in mid-stride...Big-Hair Mitt is not constrained by consistency, principles, concern for the truth or anything else that might get in the way of his ambition...if you thought John Kerry flip-flopped on the issues wait till you see the Mittster in action; he'll whirl like a dervish and spout whatever you want to hear. But bottom line is: Mitt's a liar and an unprincipled one at that...what he tells you today has no bearing on what you'll be eharing tomorrow if he thinks he can grab a few extra votes by following wherever the political winds blow him.

Pro-choice yesterday, anti-abortion today, wherever votes & $$$ can be found tomorrow. That's Mitt the Man.

Posted by: | August 11, 2007 3:09 PM

I watched Romney live and he did fantastic! Romney 2008!

Posted by: John | August 11, 2007 3:08 PM

What promises has Romney made to lower the drinking age? I'm not clear on this.

Posted by: Billy Bob Busbee | August 11, 2007 3:07 PM

I only wish we could get Jack Welch formerly of GE to go in and shake the foundation of every single government agency and squeeze out all the crap -- or get Jack Welch to go turn both houses of Congress upside down and start over -- this is our tax money these idiots are spending like drunken sailors - people from both political parties. I love what Romney did in MA and the Olympics and every single business hes' been involved in. Does anyone seriously think any of the Dems are going to look at the government and implement a management structure or policies that would streamline the way our government operates? Hell No. Maybe Romney could start with the tax code by scraping it and starting over with a system that is fair for everyone and start eliminating all these jackass organizations that are exempt from paying taxes - start with Jesse Jackson and his sham organization. Get real, we need somebody in there who can sweep our government clean - it ain't going to happen with any of the Dems, all of whom lack one second of executive/chief executive experience except Bill Richardson.

Posted by: Perception5 | August 11, 2007 3:06 PM

I'd be careful about aiming criticism, even veiled, at Gov. Romney. "Wives for Romney" takes note of these things and will exact what the ladies call "rectification."

Posted by: Rev. Jayne R. Stuckley | August 11, 2007 3:05 PM

Flip-flop Mitt has such a tough time maintaining a consistent position on any issue I'm surprised he even HAS such a thing as a standard stump speech.

Posted by: Damian in Pittsburgh | August 11, 2007 3:04 PM

Flip-flop Mitt has such a tough time maintaining a consistent position on any issue I'm surprised he even HAS a such a thing as a standard stump speech.

Posted by: Damian in Pittsburgh | August 11, 2007 3:04 PM

Forget Romney, Thompson, or Giuliani...

Ron Paul in 2008!!

Posted by: trent dillman | August 11, 2007 2:39 PM

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