Video – Mitt Romney Michigan Victory Speech

Below is the video of Mitt Romney’s victory speech in Michigan.  The full text of the speech is also provided below the video.  Once again, congrats to Mitt Romney, his campaign, supporters, voters, and Michigan!  Now it is time to seal the nomination and start focusing on helping Mitt win Michigan in the general election.  MICHIGAN STANDS WITH MITT!!

And here is the full text of Mitt Romney’s Michigan victory speech:

“Thank you, Michigan. And thank you, Arizona! A week ago the pundits and the pollsters were ready to count us out. But across Michigan and Arizona I kept meeting moms and dads, students and grandparents, all concerned about what was happening to this great country. I was confident that we would come together today and take a giant step toward a brighter future.  Tonight, their efforts have brought our cause a great victory.

Tonight is all the more special because we’re celebrating in the state where I was born, surrounded by Michiganders we consider family. Ann and I want to thank all of you who knocked on doors, made calls, and went to the polls.

And in Arizona, we want to thank Governor Brewer and Senator McCain who are celebrating with our two sons, Craig and Matt.

Our campaign is about restoring the promise of America. Last week, I unveiled a bold economic plan that will jumpstart this economy and help get Michiganders and Americans back to work.

Americans are crying out for more jobs, less debt, and smaller government – and I will deliver.

You know, a lot of people say that if you’re running for office, you can’t speak honestly with the American people.  Well, I did – and I will – because this is a decisive moment that requires real leadership.

Times are tough. And we need leaders who will live with integrity, who have the courage to tell the truth, and who have the experience to get our economy back on track. That’s the kind of leader I am. And that’s the kind of President I will be.

Our campaign is about more than replacing a President. It’s about restoring America’s promise.

From generation to generation, Americans have always known that the future would be brighter and better.  Americans have always believed in a tomorrow full of possibility and prosperity.

That’s what it means to be a land of opportunity. In America, if you work hard, you can build a better life. If you teach your kids the right values and help them make the right choices, you know their future will be prosperous and secure.

That deep confidence in a better tomorrow is the basic promise of America. Today, that promise is being threatened by a faltering economy and a failed presidency.

Four years ago, we warned that the Presidency was no place for on-the-job training. Today, we have an economy to prove it.

This President likes to remind us that he inherited an economic crisis. But he never mentions that he also inherited a Democratic Congress. With majorities in the House and Senate, President Obama was free to pursue any policy he pleased.

Did he fix the economy? Did he tackle the housing crisis? Did he get Americans back to work?  No. He put us on a path toward debt, deficits, and decline. It is time to get off that path and get back on the path to prosperity.

These days, when he’s not spending our money or infringing upon our rights, President Obama is busy running for re-election. He believes he ranks among the top four presidents in history.

He thinks he deserves a second term. He keeps saying, “We can’t wait.” To which I say, “Yes, we can.”

Today, we’re $15 trillion in debt. Real employment stands at 15%.

You’ve heard the saying, “I need a vacation from this vacation?” Well, we need to recover from this so-called “recovery.”

Americans survived a Great Depression. We weathered two world wars. We’ve made it through tough times before.  And we have not come all this way to give up now.

We still believe in the hope, the dream, and the promise of America. We know our future is better and brighter than these troubled times.

That unwavering conviction guides our campaign. It has rallied millions of Americans to our cause. And it’s the message we will take to every corner of this country – from Ohio and Idaho to Georgia and Tennessee.

We’ve seen enough of this President over the last three years to know that we don’t need another four. President Obama believes he is unchecked by our Constitution. He is unresponsive to the will of our people. In a second term, he would be unrestrained by the demands of re-election. If there is one thing we cannot afford, it is four years of Barack Obama with nothing to answer to.

His budget foreshadows what lies ahead. Runaway spending and record debt were just the warm-up act.  For an encore, he wants to raise taxes on job creators and small businesses and families. We will not let him!

In this campaign, I am offering a real choice and a new direction. I have a plan that will restore America’s promise through more jobs, less debt, and smaller government.

President Obama is making the federal government bigger, burdensome, and bloated. I will make it simpler, smaller, and smarter.

He raised the national debt. I will cut, cap, and balance the budget.

He passed Obamacare. I’ll repeal it.

He lost our AAA credit rating; I’ll restore it.

He rejected the Keystone Pipeline. I’ll approve it. I will open up our lands for development, so we can finally get the energy we need at a price we can afford.

When it comes to the economy, my highest priority will be worrying about your job, not saving my own.

President Obama wants to raise your taxes. I will cut them. That starts with an across-the-board, 20% rate cut for every American. I will repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax and abolish the death tax.

He’s proposed tax increases on small businesses and job creators. I will lower the corporate tax rate to 25%. I will make the R&D tax credit permanent to foster innovation. And I will end the repatriation tax to return investment to our shores. Let’s finally have a tax plan that puts people to work.

President Obama’s budget raises taxes on savings and investment. I will help America’s middle class families save and invest tax-free.

President Obama has yet to offer a single serious proposal for saving Medicare or Social Security. I have a plan to save both – and, unlike him, I have the courage to put my plan on the table.

My plans will help create jobs and raise wages. They will strengthen entitlement programs for future generations.  And they will not add to our deficit – they will abolish it.

I have a plan to get our citizens back to work – and I have the experience to get our economy back on track. I spent 25 years in business.  I have been the steward of an Olympics and the leader of a state.  I’ve cut taxes 19 times.  I’ve turned a budget shortfall into a windfall.  I know how government kills jobs – and, yes, how it can help.  And I stand ready to lead our Party to victory – and our nation to prosperity.

This is our time for choosing – and this is a choice we must get right. I have said it before – and I firmly believe – that this campaign is about saving the soul of America.

This election will come down to two very different visions for our future.

It’s a choice between becoming a nation of and by Washington … and remaining a nation of and by a free people.

A choice between an entitlement society … and a land of opportunity.

A choice between squandering America’s promise … and restoring that promise for future generations.

If you want to make this election about restoring American greatness, then I hope you will join us.

If you believe the disappointments of the last few years are a detour, not our destiny, then I need your support.

I’m asking you to get out and vote. I’m asking you to go to mittromney.com and pledge your support.  I’m asking you to join in the fight for our freedom – and ensure that tomorrow will be better than today.

This election, let’s restore America’s promise. Let’s fight for the country we love.

Thank you. And God bless America.”

Mitt Romney Wins Michigan!!

Mitt Romney Michigan victory speech. Photo credit: CNN

Michigan has spoken and with a loud, clear voice Michigan has nominated Michigan native Mitt Romney to be the next President of the United States of America!!!  

To all Michigan Mitt supporters, volunteers, campaigners, and most importantly Michigan voters, thank you for your votes and hard work!  This is a great victory for Gov. Romney and his campaign to restore American prosperity and greatness. 

After all the events, talking with friends and family, phone calls, sacrifices of hard-earned money and sacrifices in time, and other campaign work we have all put into this primary, this is one sweet victory for us all to enjoy. 

Not only are we celebrating victory here in Michigan, but also in Arizona where Mitt won the winner-take-all primary, and also a running lead continuing in the ongoing Wyoming caucus!

Time to do what we can to help Gov. Romney seal the nomination and win in the general election, but first we celebrate tonight!  Enjoy the moment and feeling.  Remember what this is like, because just imagine how incredble it will be to be celebrating a Mitt Romney victory in the general election a few months from now, and witnessing a President Romney being sworn into office in just under a year from now.  WAY TO GO MITT ROMNEY AND THE WHOLE CAMPAIGN!  MICHIGAN STANDS WITH MITT!!

Mitt Romney’s Decisive Win in Nevada; Nevada Victory Speech Video

Gov. Mitt Romney speaks to supporters at his Nevada caucus night victory celebration in Las Vegas, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Mitt Romney didn’t just win the Nevada Caucus.  Mitt Romney owned the Nevada Caucus!  He was the first presidential candidate in this cycle to chalk up a majority victory (greater than 50%).  Mitt also won each category of political ideology: Very conservative, conservative, moderate/liberal.  How did he do with the Tea Party?  Won that one too.  And what about the different religions?  Well he won the Christian, Protestant, Latter-day Saint, Evangelical and Catholic votes, among others.  How about voters who were concerned about electability?  Yep, he won that category too.

Here are the final results from Nevada:

Official Results*100% Precincts Reporting

Candidate	Votes	%	Del
Mitt Romney	16,486	50.1%	14
Newt Gingrich	6,956	21.1%	6
Ron Paul	6,175	18.1%	5
Rick Santorum	3,174	10.0%	3

Here are some additional points from Romney’s campaign about Mitt Romney’s Nevada victory:

“Another swing state — another big victory. Thank you for your support and hard work over these last few weeks.

Four days after Mitt’s big win in Florida, he followed it up with an equally impressive victory Saturday in Nevada.

And just like in Florida, there are some really compelling statistics from last night’s results that make it very clear that Mitt is the only candidate that can unite our party to defeat Barack Obama this fall:

• Nevada’s exit polls showed a very broad victory for Governor Romney, just like Florida. Mitt won among conservatives, Tea Party members, women, men, lower educated, higher educated, etc.

• Mitt won nearly a majority of “very conservative” voters (46%). He defeated Newt Gingrich (35% – 32%) among strong Tea Party voters and also won 48% of the vote among evangelicals over Newt Gingrich (43% – 28%).

• Like Florida, Mitt Romney won handily among voters who said electability was the most important quality in a candidate. He also won handily among those voters who said the economy was the top issue.

• Mitt won a majority of LDS voters and also won among Protestant and Catholic voters.

• With victories in the Northeast (New Hampshire), Southeast (Florida), and now the West (Nevada), Mitt has proven he is a strong national candidate.

In 2008, Barack Obama won both Florida and Nevada. Winning these states will be crucial this November. This week, Mitt showed he can — and will — make these states red again.”

Finally, here is Mitt’s Nevada Caucus victory speech:

Full text of the victory speech here:

“Tonight, I want to thank the people of Nevada. Once again, you have given me your vote of confidence. And this time, I intend to take it all the way to the White House!

Four years ago, candidate Obama came to Nevada, promising to help. But after he was elected, his help was telling people to skip coming here for conventions and meetings. Today, Nevada unemployment is over 12%, home values have plummeted, and Nevada’s foreclosure rate is the highest in the nation. I’ve walked in Nevada neighborhoods, blighted by abandoned homes, where people wonder why Barack Obama failed them.

Mr. President, Nevada has had enough of your kind of help!

Three years ago, a newly elected President Obama told America that if Congress approved his plan to borrow nearly a trillion dollars, he would hold unemployment below 8%.  It hasn’t been below 8% since.

This week he’s been trying to take a bow for 8.3% unemployment. Not so fast, Mr. President. This is the 36th straight month with unemployment above the red line your own administration drew. And if you take into account all the people who are struggling for work or who have just stopped looking, the real unemployment rate is over 15%.

Mr. President, America has also had enough of your kind of help!

Let me ask you a question. Did Obamacare encourage businesses to hire more people?  No.

Did the Dodd-Frank Act get banks to renegotiate or make more loans?

Did the NLRB’s attack on Boeing in South Carolina encourage employers to expand?

Did efforts to block the domestic production of energy and the Keystone Pipeline speed job creation?

And did those billions of dollars the President sent to his green energy buddies give anyone here a job?

Mr. President, we welcome any good news on the jobs front, but it is thanks to the innovation of the American people in the private sector, not to you!

This President’s misguided policies made these tough times last longer.

Earlier this week, he spoke with a woman from Texas during an online event.  She told him that her husband has been out of work for three years.  President Obama said he found that “interesting.”

Interesting?  Really?  I’ve got a better word: tragic.  America needs a President who can fix the economy because he understands the economy!

This President began his presidency by apologizing for America.  He should now be apologizing to America.

We won’t settle for a President who tells us it could be worse.  What defines us as Americans is our unwavering conviction that things must be better.  That conviction guides our campaign.  It has rallied millions of Americans to our cause, including tens of thousands of Nevadans who gave me their support today!

They know that our future is brighter and better than these troubled times.

It is better than 15% real unemployment.

It is better than $15 trillion in debt.

It is better than the misguided policies and broken promises of the last three years – and the failed leadership of one man.

Our campaign is about more than replacing a President.  It is about saving the soul of America.

President Obama wants to “fundamentally transform” America. We want to restore America to the founding principles that made this country great. Our vision for the future could not be more different than his.

President Obama will grow government and amass more trillion-dollar deficits. I will not just slow the growth of government, I will cut it. I will not just freeze government’s share of the total economy, I will reduce it. And, without raising taxes, I will finally balance the budget.

President Obama’s brand of capitalism sends your money to his friends’ companies. My vision for free enterprise is to return entrepreneurship to the genius of consumer markets and to the creativity of the American people.

Like his colleagues in the faculty lounge who think they know better, President Obama demonizes and denigrates almost every sector of our economy. I will make America the most attractive place in the world for entrepreneurs, for innovators, and for job creators. And unlike the other people running for President, I know how to do that.  If elected President, my priority will be worrying about your job, not saving my own.

On one of the most personal matters of our lives, our health care, President Obama would turn decision making over to government bureaucrats. He forced through Obamacare; I will repeal it.

President Obama orders religious organizations to violate their conscience; I will defend religious liberty and overturn regulations that trample on our first freedom.

President Obama is shrinking our military and hollowing out our national defense. I will insist on a military so powerful that no one would ever think of challenging it.

President Obama believes America’s role as leader in the world is a thing of the past. I believe the 21st century will be and must be an American century.

Our mission is to increase the freedom and opportunity of the American people. Our blueprint is the Constitution of the United States. We will build an America where “hope” is a new job with a paycheck, not a faded word on an old bumper sticker.

I will not attempt to bribe the voters with promises of new programs, new subsidies, and ever-increasing checks from government. If this election is a bidding war for who can promise the most benefits, then I’m not your President.  You have that President today.

But if you want to make this election about restoring American greatness, then I hope you will join us.

If you believe the disappointments of the last few years are a detour, not our destiny, then I am asking for your vote.

I am asking each of you to remember how special it is to be an American.

I want you to remember why it was that you or your ancestors sacrificed to come to America and to overcome the challenges of life in a new country.

It was not for a free ticket. It was for freedom.

It was not for the pursuit of government benefits. It was for the pursuit of happiness.

We still believe in that America.

We still believe in the America that is a land of opportunity and a beacon of freedom. We believe in the America that challenges each of us to be better and bigger than ourselves.

This election, let’s fight for the America we love. We believe in America.

Thank you. And God bless America.”

Video: Mitt Romney’s Florida Primary Victory Speech

Mitt Romney won the the Florida primary decisively tonight, earning almost half of all votes cast!  Here is his victory speech below. Here is a teaser quote from the speech:

“We will build an America where ‘hope’ is a new job with a paycheck, not a faded word on an old bumper sticker.”

Michigan’s Role Rising in Primary Elections

Detroit News reviewed how Michigan’s role in the primary process for the presidential elections has grown in light of recent primary results in South Carolina.  The following are key excerpts from the article “Michigan’s role rises in GOP presidential contest” (emphasis is mine):

“Romney, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills, had eked out a victory in the Iowa caucuses, won handily in New Hampshire’s primary and was topping the polls in South Carolina…and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich pulled off an impressive come-from-behind triumph in the Palmetto State.

With three winners in three states, Michigan’s contest becomes more critical and will fuel momentum heading into the Super Tuesday delegate bonanza on March 6.

“Clearly, Michigan’s role was elevated (Saturday) night,” said Stu Sandler, a consultant for the Michigan Republican Party.”

…

“Without a runaway winner in the early contests, the competition will head into March and “Michigan is going to be a player in the process,” said Josh Putnam, author of the Frontloading HQ blog that tracks the presidential calendar.

Wanting to be relevant in the primary contests, Michigan and Arizona bucked party rules by opting for a Feb. 28 primary, a move that will cost them half of their delegates. Florida offended the traditional early states the most by moving its primary to Jan. 31, also suffering delegate losses. But Michigan’s primary was not nearly as early as it was in 2008, leaving some wondering whether the penalty would be worth it if the race wouldn’t be competitive.

But with the way the nominating contest has shaken out so far, Michigan’s timing might be just right.

“I think it will absolutely pay off,” Sandler said of the date that he believes will spark a lot of candidate visits. Santorum is slated to speak at the Oakland County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 16, less than two weeks before Michigan’s primary.”

…

“I think Michigan is in play, but Romney has the home team advantage per se,” said Saul Anuzis, Michigan’s Republican National Committeeman and a Romney supporter.

Anuzis downplays the Romney losses in Iowa and South Carolina as states that would have been unexpected bonuses for the campaign, but not necessary places he had expected to win initially. “Romney is back to his original plan, which was recognizing it’s going to be a long, drawn-out process,” Anuzis said.”

The full article is available here.

What this means to each of us Michiganders is that we have a profoundly important and influential role this year in selecting our country’s next President.  And to anyone who thinks their vote doesn’t matter, all I have to say is ‘remember Iowa!’

On that note, Michigan’s primary election day is February 28th and that is coming fast!  Check here to see if you’re registered, and if not, remember that you need to be registered before January 30th in order to vote one month later on Feb 28th!  You can read directions on how to register to vote in Michigan here.

Now is also an important time to get involved in Mitt Romney’s campaign.  If you haven’t done so already, sign up for a MyMitt account or make a donation.  Time is getting short and we have an important role to play in securing a better future for our state and our country.  And don’t forget to share this information with friends and family who can also help support Mitt!

Video: Mitt Romney’s Victory Speech for New Hampshire Primary, Historic Win

Mitt Romney delivering victory speech after winning historic New Hampshire primary. Photo credit: Jay Wescott/Politico 2012

Congratulations Mitt Romney on your New Hampshire primary victory!  This accomplishment was historic as it was the first time ever that a non-incumbent republican presidential candidate has won the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary back-to-back!  The win was also by a heavy margin, with 95% of the precincts reporting at the time of this post showing Mitt with a 40% portion of the vote, leading Ron Paul in 2nd place with only 23%.  The following is Mitt Romney’s New Hampshire primary victory speech where he thanks New Hampshire voters and goes on to make an unapologetic defense of America and American free enterprise:

The highlight of the speech was undoubtedly his response to the President, Newt Gingrich, and others who have been criticizing his private sector experience, making a clear contrast between the principles he stands for, and what his critics believe:

“President Obama wants to put free enterprise on trial. In the last few days, we have seen some desperate Republicans join forces with him. This is such a mistake for our party and for our nation. This country already has a leader who divides us with the bitter politics of envy. We must offer an alternative vision. I stand ready to lead us down a different path, where we are lifted up by our desire to succeed, not dragged down by a resentment of success. In these difficult times, we cannot abandon the core values that define us as unique – We are One Nation, Under God.”

Here is the speech in full text provided by Mitt Romney’s campaign:

“Thank you, New Hampshire! Tonight, we made history!

This state has always been a special place for our family.  Ann and I made a home here and we’ve filled it with great memories of our children and grandchildren.  And this Granite State moment is one we will always remember.

Tonight, we celebrate.  Tomorrow, we go back to work.

We remember when Barack Obama came to New Hampshire four years ago.

He promised to bring people together.

He promised to change the broken system in Washington.

He promised to improve our nation.

Those were the days of lofty promises made by a hopeful candidate.  Today, we are faced with the disappointing record of a failed President.  The last three years have held a lot of change, but they haven’t offered much hope.

The middle class has been crushed. Nearly 24 million of our fellow Americans are still out of work, struggling to find work, or have just stopped looking.  The median income has dropped 10% in four years.  Soldiers returning from the front lines are waiting in unemployment lines.  Our debt is too high and our opportunities too few.

And this President wakes up every morning, looks out across America and is proud to announce, “It could be worse.”

It could be worse? Is that what it means to be an American? It could be worse?

Of course not.

What defines us as Americans is our unwavering conviction that we know it must be better.

That conviction guides our campaign.  It has rallied millions of Americans in every corner of this country to our cause.

Over the last six months, I’ve listened to anxious voices in town meetings and visited with students and soldiers.  In break rooms and living rooms, I’ve heard stories of families getting by on less, of carefully planned retirements now replaced by jobs at minimum wage.  But even now, amidst the worst economy since the Great Depression, I’ve rarely heard a refrain of hopelessness.

Americans know that our future is brighter and better than these troubled times.  We still believe in the hope, the promise, and the dream of America.  We still believe in that shining city on a hill.

We know that the future of this country is better than 8 or 9% unemployment.

It is better than $15 trillion in debt.

It is better than the misguided policies and broken promises of the last three years – and the failed leadership of one man.

The President has run out of ideas.  Now, he’s running out of excuses.  And tonight, we are asking the good people of South Carolina to join the citizens of New Hampshire and make 2012 the year he runs out of time.

President Obama wants to put free enterprise on trial. In the last few days, we have seen some desperate Republicans join forces with him. This is such a mistake for our Party and for our nation.  This country already has a leader who divides us with the bitter politics of envy. We must offer an alternative vision.  I stand ready to lead us down a different path, where we are lifted up by our desire to succeed, not dragged down by a resentment of success. In these difficult times, we cannot abandon the core values that define us as unique — We are One Nation, Under God.

Make no mistake, in this campaign, I will offer the American ideals of economic freedom a clear and unapologetic defense.

Our campaign is about more than replacing a President; it is about saving the soul of America.  This election is a choice between two very different destinies.

President Obama wants to “fundamentally transform” America. We want to restore America to the founding principles that made this country great.

He wants to turn America into a European-style entitlement society.  We want to ensure that we remain a free and prosperous land of opportunity.

This President takes his inspiration from the capitals of Europe; we look to the cities and small towns of America.

This President puts his faith in government.  We put our faith in the American people.

He is making the federal government bigger, burdensome, and bloated.  I will make it simpler, smaller, and smarter.

He raised the national debt.  I will cut, cap, and balance the budget.

He enacted job-killing regulations; I’ll eliminate them.

He lost our AAA credit rating; I’ll restore it.

He passed Obamacare; I’ll repeal it.

When it comes to the economy, my highest priority as President will be worrying about your job, not saving my own.

Internationally, President Obama has adopted an appeasement strategy.  He believes America’s role as leader in the world is a thing of the past.  I believe a strong America must – and will – lead the future.

He doesn’t see the need for overwhelming American military superiority.  I will insist on a military so powerful no one would think of challenging it.

He chastises friends like Israel; I’ll stand with our friends.

He apologizes for America; I will never apologize for the greatest nation in the history of the Earth.

Our plans protect freedom and opportunity, and our blueprint is the Constitution of the United States.

The path I lay out is not one paved with ever increasing government checks and cradle-to-grave assurances that government will always be the solution. If this election is a bidding war for who can promise more benefits, then I’m not your President.  You have that President today.

But if you want to make this election about restoring American greatness, then I hope you will join us.

If you believe the disappointments of the last few years are a detour, not our destiny, then I am asking for your vote.

I’m asking each of you to remember how special it is to be an American.

I want you to remember what it was like to be hopeful and excited about the future, not to dread each new headline.

I want you to remember when you spent more time dreaming about where to send your kids to college than wondering how to make it to the next paycheck.

I want you to remember when you weren’t afraid to look at your retirement savings or the price at the pump.

I want you to remember when our White House reflected the best of who we are, not the worst of what Europe has become.

That America is still out there.  We still believe in that America.

We still believe in the America that is a land of opportunity and a beacon of freedom.  We believe in the America that challenges each of us to be better and bigger than ourselves.

This election, let’s fight for the America we love.  We believe in America.

Thank you.  God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.”

Mitt Romney Wins Iowa!

Photo Credit: Getty Images, 2012

Its 2:40 a.m. and Mitt Romney has just officially won the Iowa caucus!!  The journey to restore American greatness has begun and its on to New Hampshire next!  Congratulations to Gov. Romney, the whole campaign, and all his supporters in Iowa who nominated him.  Also big congrats to all who worked so hard to get out the vote to make this win possible, it paid off.

Here are the results:

Results for Iowa Republican Caucus (U.S. Presidential Primary)

Jan 03, 2012 (100% of precincts reporting)

Mitt Romney	30,015	24.6%
Rick Santorum	30,007	24.5%
Ron Paul	26,219	21.4%
Newt Gingrich	16,251	13.3%
Rick Perry	12,604	10.3%

Source: AP

Mitt won Iowa by 8 votes according to reports available at the time of this posting, so that should remind all of us how much every single vote matters.  It reminds us how just one more phone call, a few more dollars, a few more conversations with friends, a few more invites to others to come with you to the polls matters.  It can make all the difference in the world, and what a difference it made tonight!

So once again, congrats, and enjoy celebrating this great kickoff to the official voting season!