Posted on '08 Election, Republicans

mitt at CPAC

If we are to keep America strong, we must turn to the source of America’s strength. Liberals think that government is the source of our greatness. They’re wrong. The American people are the source of our strength: hard working, educated, skilled, family-oriented, willing to sacrifice for their family and their country, God-fearing, freedom-loving American people. They always have been the source of our strength and they always will be.

And so if we need to call on the strength of America, you don’t strengthen government, you strengthen the American people.

You strengthen the American people by letting them keep more of their own money, and not taxing their families at death.

You strengthen the American people by making sure that the voice of millions of voters trumps the voice of unelected judges.

You strengthen the American people by securing our borders and by insisting that the children who come legally to this land are taught in English.

And perhaps most importantly, you strengthen the American people when you strengthen the American family. Marriage must come before children because every child deserves a mother and a father.

This is not the time for us to shrink from conservative principles. It is time for us to stand in strength.

the rest of his speech was just as good. read it all at redstate.

reagan’s social conservatism was one of his strengths, but the reason why he is idolized so much by the right is his optimism and his ability to inspire and lead the country. of course conservatives want someone who agrees with us on social issues, gun rights, securing the borders, and winning the war against the jihadists. we can find a few of those. what we don’t have is inspiration and a vision going forward. that should be something our nominee should bring to the table. i think romney has this ability, judging from this speech. i’m not at all sure how he’s going to gain enough momentum to pass giuliani in the polls, no matter how many great speeches he gives from now on…but I hope he will.

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