The Romney Campaign held its final Victory Rally on Monday, November 5 at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester. Over ten thousand individuals attended the free event, many of whom were Saint Anselm College students. This was the campaign’s final event in New Hampshire before the Presidential Election the following day.
When the volunteers arrived at the Verizon Wireless Arena at 6 PM, there was already a crowd of people forming. There was such enthusiasm amongst the people that many arrived as early as 2 that afternoon. Audience members came from across New England, some even from as far as Connecticut. While there were many different faces in the crowd, ranging from toddlers to the elderly, they were all there for one purpose: to hear the potential next President of the United States speak about his plans for this nation.
Although it was extremely cold that evening, with temperatures in the upper forties, not one soul turned away. Everyone was waiting anxiously in line, hoping that they would be able to get a seat in the arena. Once everyone had filed inside, the event began with a performance by country star Kid Rock. Kid Rock sang several songs including “Born Free,” the theme song for the Romney Campaign.
At the end of his performance, Kid Rock gave a warm welcome to Mitt and Ann Romney saying, “Please welcome the next President and First Lady, Mr. Mitt and Ann Romney.”
At these very words the crowd stood up and cheered loudly, as the Governor and his wife approached the stage. The excitement in the audience was unreal – the applauding and cheers lasted, quite literally, for five minutes. Mitt and Ann responded with gentle laughs and smiles, both in amazement at the energy and support of the audience members.
As the crowd settled down, Mitt Romney thanked Kid Rock for his opening performance, and introduced his wife as “the next First Lady of the United Sates.”
Ann Romney began with opening statements discussing how she fears for the future of this wonderful nation. Recently, she said, this nation has taken a turn for the worse, and its citizens are hurting. She expressed confidence that the fate of this country could be turned around once her husband is elected President.
“Hope is on its way and it starts tomorrow!”
Mitt Romney then approached the podium, giving a half hour address to the audience. Romney began by reminiscing on his campaign’s journey over the past year and a half. His campaign began right here in New Hampshire, when New Hampshire residents voted for him in the primary.
“And tomorrow your votes and your work right here in New Hampshire will help me become the next President of the United States.”
Although this was Romney’s vision for the path of the United States, he realized that the dedication of his supporters and their love for this country made his accomplishments possible.
“And of course, what makes this rally and all your work so inspiring is that you’re here, not because of one person or because of a party, you’re here because of America.”
Romney explained that his entire campaign was organized for the sake of America, its future, and the future of generations to come. With the election just hours away, Romney asked his supporters to get the message out and encourage fellow Americans to vote for him.
“Now perhaps some of your friends and family have not yet made up their mind for who to vote for. I’d like to you make sure and talk to them, and see if you can convince them to come join us. Ask them to look beyond the speeches, and the attacks, and all the ads, and to look to the record because talk is cheap, but a record is real and it’s earned with effort.”
According to Governor Romney, while Obama was campaigning four years ago, he made many promises about the changes he would bring to this nation. Now, four years later, President Obama has failed to fulfill such promises in the areas of jobs, social security, Medicare, the deficit, gas prices, and many others.
Addressing his audience Romney said, “You watched what happened in this country over the last four years with an independent view. You hoped that President Obama would live up to his promise to bring people together, to solve the big problems. He hasn’t, I will.”
Romney explains that unlike President Obama, he does not simply promise change, but he also has the record to prove it. Romney reflects on his record in business, in the Salt Lake City Olympics, and as the former Governor of Massachusetts.
“And that’s why I’m running for President because I know how to change the course the nation is on, and I’ll do it.”