ROMNEY AS REAGAN
[This is the full text of Mitt Romney's extraordinary speech last night (7/24) at the VFW Convention in Reno, Nevada. I entitled it "Romney As Reagan" as it is a speech Ronald Reagan could have given and would be proud of. -JW]
Thank you. Commander Richard DeNoyer, I appreciate the introduction, and I'm proud to see a combat veteran from Massachusetts serving as National Commander of the VFW...
I am an unapologetic believer in the greatness of this country. I am not ashamed of American power. I take pride that throughout history our power has brought justice where there was tyranny, peace where there was conflict, and hope where there was affliction and despair.
I do not view America as just one more point on the strategic map, one more power to be balanced. I believe our country is the greatest force for good the world has ever known, and that our influence is needed as much now as ever.
And I am guided by one overwhelming conviction and passion: This century must be an American Century.. I will not surrender America's leadership in the world. We must have confidence in our cause, clarity in our purpose, and resolve in our might.
This is very simple: if you do not want America to be the strongest nation on earth, I am not your President. You have that President today.