Pirate's Cove

It’ll be interesting to see what the viewership numbers are for Romney’s speech. Many are describing the speech as “workman-like.” I can agree with that. Workman-like is good. Workman-like is how my NY Giants have won the Superbowl twice in 5 years. Workman-like is how my NJ Devils have won 3 Stanley Cups, played in 5, missed the Playoffs just twice, and have one of the best records in hockey since 1990. This country doesn’t need flash, pomp and circumstance, nor a rock star as president: we need competence and hard work

(CNN) Mitt Romney told the Republican National Convention on Thursday that he accepts the nomination as the party’s presidential candidate in November.

Mitt Romney said he wished President Barack Obama had succeeded, “but his promises gave way to disappointment and division.”

“This isn’t something we have to accept,” Romney told the Republican National Convention, adding that “now is the moment when we can stand up and say, ‘I’m an American. I make my destiny. And we deserve better!’ “

Obviously, saying “I’m an American” is probably dog whistle language. Can anyone truthfully imagine the crowd at the DNC spontaneously breaking into chants of “USA USA USA” multiple times? Me neither.

He went on to ask Americans if they still felt the excitement from when they voted for Barack Obama four years ago, saying “there’s something wrong with the kind of job he’s done as president when the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him.”

“The time has come for us to put the disappointments of the last four years behind us” by electing him president, he said, adding that “many Americans have given up on this president but they haven’t ever thought about giving up – not on themselves, not on each other and not on America.”

CNN also brought out 5 things we learned. First is that Mitt can show emotion

From an emotional video to a speech with more insight on his family, his faith and his career, Romney used the most important address of his life (yes, way overused, but true) to open up to Americans voters.

Many called the earlier parts of the speech wooden, stiff, or disjointed, but it was a man who is rather reticent finally opening up his emotions on family, love, and church. Many lines brought tears to people’s eyes, especially when he was talking about his wife Ann and raising his 5 boys.

“Self-revelation and introspection are still not his strong suits,” said CNN Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley, anchor of “State of the Union.” “He had some good lines, some nods to his religion, but if you want a public emoter, Mitt Romney will never be your guy.”

Do we want an emoter? Is that what this country really needs? Or do we need someone who is going to get America working again? I have another description for Romney’s speech: “CEO”. Romney was like the person coming in to your company, replacing the person who ran it into the ground, and calmly and cooly explained just how he/she would get it back to prominence. I almost expected him to whip out a clicker, point it at the screen, and go through a PowerPoint action plan which would show what needs to be done, who is responsible, and what the due date is.

We don’t need flash. We don’t need ambiance. We don’t need parties. We don’t need “likeability”. We need someone who will roll his sleeves up and get to work. And who will follow the tried and true “inspect what you expect.” Obama simply says “get it done” then hits the golf course, campaign trail, or party. Can anyone imagine Romney doing that? Can you imagine him not meeting with his economic council for the better part of 9 months? I can’t.

Consider his final line

If I am elected President of these United States, I will work with all my energy and soul to restore that America, to lift our eyes to a better future. That future is our destiny. That future is out there. It is waiting for us. Our children deserve it, our nation depends upon it, the peace and freedom of the world require it. And with your help we will deliver it. Let us begin that future together tonight.

Other great lines

• When every new wave of immigrants looked up and saw the Statue of Liberty, or knelt down and kissed the shores of freedom just ninety miles from Castro’s tyranny, these new Americans surely had many questions. But none doubted that here in America they could build a better life, that in America their children would be more blessed than they.
• Those weren’t the easiest of days – too many long hours and weekends working, five young sons who seemed to have this need to re-enact a different world war every night. But if you ask Ann and I what we’d give, to break up just one more fight between the boys, or wake up in the morning and discover a pile of kids asleep in our room. Well, every mom and dad knows the answer to that.
• I am running for president to help create a better future. A future where everyone who wants a job can find one. Where no senior fears for the security of their retirement. An America where every parent knows that their child will get an education that leads them to a good job and a bright horizon.
• President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet. MY promise…is to help you and your family.
• I will begin my presidency with a jobs tour. President Obama began with an apology tour. America, he said, had dictated to other nations. No Mr. President, America has freed other nations from dictators. Every American was relieved the day President Obama gave the order, and Seal Team Six took out Osama bin Laden. But on another front, every American is less secure today because he has failed to slow Iran’s nuclear threat.

Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU.