Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney on Thursday officially accepted the Republican Party's nomination to run for President of the United States as the Republican National Convention in Tampa drew to a close.
Romney will take on the incumbent, President Barack Obama in the general election on November 6.
The GOP candidate crafted his acceptance speech in a way that revealed more of his personality and plans for the future of the nation - but also painted Obama as out of touch and divisive.
Romney challenged the crowd: we can do better.
"This year, the election comes down to a simple question," Romney said. "If you felt that excitement when you voted for Barack Obama, shouldn't you feel that way now that he's President Obama? You know 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 final day of the convention also featured speeches from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and his wife, Callista; former Florida governor Jeb Bush; campaign chairman Bob White; and actor Clint Eastwood, among others.
U.S. senator Marco Rubio of Florida introduced Romney.
"Mitt Romney knows America's prosperity didn't happen because our government simply spent more," Rubio said. "It happened because our people used their own money to open a business. And when they succeed, they hire more people, who then invest or spend their money in the economy, helping others start a business and create jobs."
Jeb Bush took the opportunity to defend his brother, former president George W. Bush, who is a frequent target of the Obama administration that succeeded him.
But most of Jeb Bush's remarks focused on the need for improved education.
"This election is not about just one office," Jeb Bush said. "It is about one nation. If we want to continue to be the greatest nation on the planet, we must give our kids what we promise them: An equal opportunity. That starts in the classroom. It starts in our communities. It starts where you live. And it starts with electing Mitt Romney the next President of the United States."
Gingrich was a bitter rival of Romney during the lengthy primary season, painting himself as a conservative in the mold of Ronald Reagan.
On Thursday, he cited Reagan again in his support of Romney.
"Now each of us must commit ourselves in the tradition of Ronald Reagan to come together," Gingrich said. "President Reagan said, 'There is no substitute for victory.' And this November, we cannot settle for anything less. This is the most critical election of our lifetime. Each of us must do our part now to ensure that America remains, in the tradition of President Reagan, a land of freedom, hope and opportunity."
The Democratic National Convention is next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
by RTT Staff Writer
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