Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney visited Victory Landing Park in Newport News on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012.
The rally began early due to the rainy weather that poured on spectators and volunteers alike.
“America needs this new direction. We cannot go on the path we’ve been on. We must restore America’s strength, and I will do it with your help,” stated Romney. “I want you to know that I’m confident this is going to happen. We’re going to have good years ahead. The best is not in the past. The best is in the future.”
Romney was introduced to the crowd by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, who, earlier this summer, was thought to be a possible choice as Romney’s vice presidential candidate.
Governor McDonnell stated, “Ladies and gentleman, I am delighted that we’ve got a man of great character, great fortitude. A person that loves this country dearly, who understands the American dream because he’s lived the American dream.”
Romney’s rally was coming off of the recent debate against President Obama, where many supporters and news outlets claimed it was a Republican victory.
Of the debate, Romney commented, “Some of the places we agreed were associated with the fact that we would take America in different directions. The president has his path. I have a path I take, and they’re very, very different.”
Republicans in the crowd said that they’re hoping for a change from the current administration.
“I think, primarily, that the country’s condition with the national debt, federal spending, and the deficit is unsustainable. Romney recognizes that, and Ryan as well. It’s been something that we needed for a long time now, to have a president that recognizes that we cannot continue on the same path that we’ve been on for the past fifty years,” stated Alan Hollingsworth, one of the conservative supporters at the rally. “Romney recognizes that our national defense needs to remain strong in order for us to have security in the world, and that Obama does not have an appreciation for that.”
On spending, Romney says that Obama will continue to spend a trillion dollars more than we take in every year.
“All of these things have not ignited our economy the way it should be ignited. We see the slowest recovery from a recession in history,” said Romney.
He also states that he will fix this by cutting and capping spending, getting America on track to a balanced budget.
Another big topic of the rally and the debate was healthcare. According to Romney, if President Obama is re-elected, his controversial health care plan will be completely installed in our society, and will increase health insurance payments by 2,500 dollars per year.
Hampton Roads, being an area that is so well known for its military community and responsibility, saw many veterans, servicemen and women in attendance. Romney declared that he will restore funding to the military budget, where Obama continues to plan to cut about two trillion dollars more in military spending. That would leave approximately 200,000 Virginians without jobs.
One of the big points of the rally, and the upcoming election, are unemployment rates. Romney addressed this by saying that under President Obama, there have been 43 months of unemployment above eight percent. He argues that our current president wants to continue to hire more government workers, as well as add another stimulus.
Referring back to the debate, Romney said, “He was given the opportunity in the debate to describe what he’d do to create jobs, and I didn’t hear anything new. It was very clear he plans on four more years like the last four years. I don’t think we can afford four more years.”
The presidential candidate says that he will succeed where he believes Obama hasn’t.
Romney said he plans to make full use of our oil and coil supplies. Next, he wants to create new markets for trade, and crack down on China when they do. He stated he would make sure that children in the United States get the education they need, and put them, along with their parents and teachers, first.
“Champion small business,” Romney commented. “All these things come together and make it easier for a small business to grow with pride. We have to do that to get jobs going again because small businesses are where two thirds of jobs are created.”
Completing all of these things, he said, will get America back on the road to a balanced budget.
“I know that America’s going to come back because I’ve seen the heart of the American people,” stated Romney. “We face real challenges right now, but they’re not greater than we’re able to overcome. As long as we have leaders that will take us down the path to restore America’s strength and vitality.”
