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Brian Snyder / REUTERS
Supporters cheer as they wait for a speech by Mitt Romney in Manchester, N.H. on April 24, 2012.
Updated 9:48 p.m. ET - Mitt Romney declared victory in his quest to become the Republican presidential nominee on Tuesday and kicked off his general election campaign against President Barack Obama in earnest following a clean sweep of primaries in the Northeast.
Romney's performance in Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island allowed him to cap a tumultuous GOP primary cycle that extended longer than many expected. Romney's march toward the 1,144 delegates needed to secure the nomination appeared, at this point, to be all but a formality.
And, eager to begin prosecuting his case against Obama, Romney took a victory lap in the general election swing state of New Hampshire -- rather than appearing in any of the states hosting nominating contests tonight or in the future -- to declare, "a better America begins tonight."
"Tonight I can say thank you, America," Romney told a cheering crowd in the Granite State. "After 43 primaries and caucuses, many long days and more than a few long nights, I can say with confidence -- and gratitude -- that you have given me a great honor and solemn responsibility. And, together, we are going to win on Nov. 6."
Romney faced only token opposition from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul in Tuesday's contests. The former Massachusetts governor had all but assumed the status of presumptive Republican nominee two weeks ago, when his principal conservative rival, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, suspended his campaign.
While President Barack Obama went after the college vote Tuesday, presidential candidate Mitt Romney was prepping for another primary night. NBC's Chuck Todd reports.
Major Republican figures had finally begun to rally around Romney and offer their endorsements since that point, but he must still work toward winning the 1,144 delegates needed to formally secure the nomination. Romney had entered Tuesday having secured 698 of the necessary delegates, according to Associated Press projections, putting him on pace toward crossing the threshold in late May or early June.
Tonight's primaries may also signal the last gasp for Gingrich, as well, who had pinned his hopes of continuing his campaign on winning Delaware. But the ex-speaker offered no hint as to his future plans in brief remarks.
"I think it's a very substantial mistake for Gov. Romney to give a general election speech tonight in New Hampshire," Gingrich told reporters Tuesday. "He is not the nominee. I think it's a little insulting to people in these states." But he did indicate at a North Carolina event that "over the next few days, we're going to look realistically at where we're at."
Romney spent the evening focusing not on his remaining primary challenges, and instead trained his sights instead on the task of unseating Obama this fall.
Mitt Romney speaks to supporters in Manchester, N.H. following wins in five more GOP presidential primaries.
"This has already been a long campaign, but many Americans are just now beginning to focus on the choice before the country. In the days ahead, I look forward to spending time with many of you personally. I want to hear what’s on your mind, hear about your concerns, and learn about your families," he said, promising to tell voters more about himself.
For Romney, that re-introduction is a delicate and important task. The most recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found that more Americans -- 36 percent -- had a negative impression of Romney than the 33 percent who said they viewed the former Massachusetts governor positively.
On tests of whether he or Obama is seen as more easygoing and likable, or more in touch with the middle class, the president badly outpaces Romney.
Mindful of that, Romney kept his speech keyed in closely on pocketbook issues, warning of "diversions and distractions" from the central issue of the economy.
"It's still about the economy, and we're not stupid," Romney said, referencing the famous political maxim first employed by Bill Clinton's presidential campaign in 1992.
Obama's re-election team has been eager to reuse fodder from the primary season against the former Massachusetts governor in the context of the general election, underscoring the urgency for Romney to put the GOP contest to bed.
"Mitt Romney has spent the past year out on the campaign trail tearing down the president with a negative message that even Republicans who have endorsed him have criticized," said Ben LaBolt, Obama's campaign spokesman. "This marks the end of that monologue. Now he must put his record and his agenda next to the president’s."
GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich speaks to supporters in Concord, N.C. saying he will evaluate his position in the race over the next few days.
Although Santorum dropped out two weeks ago, he’s among the conservatives who are yet to have thrown their support to Romney. NBC News learned Tuesday that the two men will meet on May 4 at a to-be-determined destination, though the meeting wasn't expected to produce an immediate endorsement.
That Romney had not yet won an endorsement before the primary in the state that Santorum had represented in Congress suggests that the rift between conservatives and the presumptive nominee has not yet fully healed.
Gingrich's persistence poses a minor challenge to that effort to unify the party, though the former speaker hints that he may soon address his future as a candidate.
Paul is also promising to forge ahead with his own campaign, perhaps through the late May primary in his native Texas. But Romney might have won the delegates he needs by that point.
NBC's Andrew Rafferty contributed to this report.
Leave a Comment:
You ever look at the age group at this guys rally's?
There all old and white with a stupid lead me into hell kinda grin.
Mitt I hate you and your dead head paid for followers
You hating Mitt isn't the problem, Registered Republican voters hate him just as much
The opposite of old and white with stupid grin is ....you fill in the rest of the sentence......O bl mm er is appealing to a very confused group.
what a racist comment.
Obama's Approval Plunges Below Worst-Ever President Carter
http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/Obama-Carter-Gallup-approval/2011/11/29/id/419436?s=al&promo_code=D9C0-1
You info is out of date and I am going to collapse all your comments as they are of no value. Please get the help you need before it is too late.
We should not be surprised if the awed masses fall in line once more as they did in 2008.....Many of our people are easily swayed.
newsmax now? what next? Karl rove's personal blog? Credible means believable. your sources are laughable.
What a great speech....Mitt covered all the bases....
Except that he was factually wrong on almost every point.
Otherwise he was great.
factually wrong because he wants to see America back where it belongs on top of the world.
JustMee-during Romney's speech John McCain was singing Boy George-you're gonna miss me-you're gonna miss me. Mitt Romney- the candidate that will make Republicans miss John McCain.
Peggy the Moocher after November 6: OMG, I thought this day would never come. I will have to pay my mortgage. I will have to pay for my own gas.
So many Stupid people today! So many miss informed! Remember Stupid Is, Is Stupid does! Wake up America, you are being Lied to by the Radical Right Wing Terrorists, and 1%.
Romney's song!
Some reason it won'y post.
As an Independent it is easy to see clearly.
Mittens is a Moderate portending to be conservative. If he wins he is going straight to the middle, maybe even slightly left.
And the congress and tea party will stall, only difference he will keep the rich tax cuts and such.
Romney's economic policies are EXACTLY THE SAME AS BUSH.
Almost the same but in some respects much worse.
Mittens wants to reduce taxes on the rich even further.
but they are not the same as obama's.
so if Romney wins we still have a chance.
if obama wins we are doomed.
Romney thinks he can balance the budget by increasing spending and reducing income taxes.
Now that's some one who will lead us right off a cliff, except he and his buddies won't fall with the rest of us.
the "proof" is his own words. it's tax cuts that got us here. his plan is to cut taxes for the rich just like BUSH. Buy a chevy and a company in china gets richer. it's the global economy as Reagan and Bush sr. dreamed of it. The 1% dose not think America is worth paying for. they invested the tax cuts in china instead of here. And the great part is you helped them. keep voting republican and we will leave the lights on for you. IN HELL lmao
hate and debate dont always have to go together. as an independent, I am reminded by some of these comments why I am so. But it seems like, now more than ever, Republicans are intent on being politicians, not leaders. They play the game, instead of putting the country first. And when their frontrunner (romney), says things like, "We need the early confirmation to have the appropriate time to focus our attack on the person and the failed policies", all i want is for people to notice his, and the party's focus. This country needs leadership. So Romney, be a leader and stop being a politician. If you have it in you, then let it shine. Also, to the educated one who equated socialism and nazism...check your calender! Times change buddy. Go have a look at Denmark, Sweeden, or our pretty successful neighbor who's dollar is cruising past ours. Its all about taking care of the people, and that means health, education, solid infrastructure, and clean, energy.
The real sad part is America has given up being a great country and has taken to electing total idiots to office. Everyone claims nobody elese is running this is the best of the bad. We had better find someone that can turn things around or we will be in real trouble very soon. Much worse than right now. None of the above is the only vote that will help this year.
"a better America begins tonight"
NO MORE OBAMA.
just curious, why no more obama?
Jo-you just don't get it. The better America would not be for you. It is for the very rich and corporations, only. They will trickle down on the rest of us-that's all we deserve or understand. According to mitt.
So may words and no plan!!!!!! Romney will try to fix things by doing what got us in trouble int he first place and republicans are so happy to buy the baloney AGAIN. this is not the America i grew up in.
well i can tell by the amount of paid trolls on here that obama and his minions realize that the end of their failed presidency is near.
i know 4 year olds who calls people mean names when they are upset. are you 4 years old?
honestjo-just becauses someone puts together more than one idea in a post doesn't mean they're a paid troll. It just means they're not you.
2012 Violent Welfare Riots Looting
spread across America
Obama wanted America to be more like
Europe. Well now it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtIBe1v6Mgg&feature=related
jo-get your alien autopsy out with these other youtube sources. You are really blissfully ignorant. Youtube is like Mitt's conservatism - it's fake.
http://conservativebyte.com/2012/04/michael-savage-how-obama-fixed-2012-election/" title="Permalink to Michael Savage: How Obama fixed 2012 election">How Obama
Has Fixed 2012 Election
http://conservativebyte.com/2012/04/michael-savage-how-obama-fixed-2012-election/
honestjo-michael savage/weiner now. I can't wait for glenn beck. Google michael savage/weiner. you're so far out there your own delusions will soon have you screaming commie at the mirror.
Isn’t it ironic? The food stamp program, part of the Department of
Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps
ever.
Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture,
asks us to "please do not feed the animals" because the animals may
grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves.
Does Obama ever get his priorities straight?
President Obama has saved the United States from a Great Depression.
Thank You Sir!
Obama - Biden 2012 The only choice for America.
honest jo- love the comment! Nail in the head!
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, he can feed himself for a life time.
Aren't we 'entitled' to that fish? Not 'to fish'. In the 'old days' people had to actually WORK for what they wanted...poor dears.
just like the rest of the republicans...always picking on the opposition. never putting forth their own ideas. typical.
Obama Diverts $500M to IRS to
Implement Obamacare
Read more on Newsmax.com: Obama Diverts $500M to IRS to Implement Obamacare
Poor Joe, still living in the ole basement.
oh my! again. picking on the other side. any original ideas buddy?
We only pick on the nut jobs that don't have any concept of reality.
jo-don't forget the FEMA camps or the black helicopters. Have you seen the youtube video exposing Romney as an alien?
We all know that William Ayers, the self-avowed communist, who tried to bomb the Pentagon, was one of Barry Hussein Barack Soetoro's best buddies for twenty years (just one of his numerous 'questionable' chums). So, if Mitt Romney wanted to make this up-coming election one that he could conceivably win by a landslide, he should choose William Ayers as his VP running mate!! I mean, look what his influence did for Barry! Also, I wonder if Mr. Romney was ever a community organizer (whatever that is)? That would help too if he could get the word out that, he too, was a community organizer. Who could argue with the qualifications of a community organizer? I see Hope and Change on the horizon!
False, but not surprisingly so.
GOP has really bought into the concept of the BIG LIE. They get better at it every day.
False?
U are stuck with Romney now. He was against money for students (Ryan budget) before he was for it with continued low interest loans (with Rubio on stage). He was against equal pay for women (failed Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's law) until he's for it. He is for vaginal ultrasound/probes until he is against them, ect. ect. ect. John McCain is singing Boy George-you're gonna miss me-you're gonna miss me.
yes Mr Harley, false.
Amazing. Clearly we are the frogs that are being brought to a boil. Our choices go from worse to bad.
Not everyone will agree with everything Ron Paul is pushing, but at least the man has a PLAN for all aspects of the country. You can read it on his website. He is up front showing how he might try and help us all out of this big government, big mess. Obama has been overstepping his bounds and trying to go AROUND the checks and balances of the system that our forefathers put in place to Protect us from people like him. Saying to foreign leaders that in two more years he will have no limitations! NOW, I don't know about you, but I would much prefer to vote for someone who has an actual PLAN in place not someone with empty pie-crust promise, or someone who has already proven he has no interest in following the rules already in place because they aren't convenient. Hitler in Germany didn't' take over in one day, one week or one night...he just kept taking freedoms little by little offering things that the people "needed" to make their lives better. HE WAS ELECTED into office by a 98% popular vote. Boiling frogs.
The headlines are stupid...what a victory...isn't he the only republican candidate? Sweeps 5 states!! Big deal, you have no competition and you're so full of yourself.
So true. President Sweeps all of the states too.
Funny how conservatives say government should get out of the way and let the market work and then, say you need to vote for them so they can create jobs and get the economy moving again. Dems like to say the government has a role to play in the economy but then can't seem to do anything about it once they get in.
Yes after Regan and two Bush's I'll bet you sit down at the ol Country Club telling them how you are so rich.....We are where we are today because of G.Bush Jr. Tell us about the Weapons of Mass Confusion and how we saved the World from Iraq. Spout out some stories about Halliburton and Cheney and Rice. Please inform all of us of the policies Bush and his Merry Band of Thieves helped make our economy stable. Now lets talk about partisanship and how we can't get anything done in this Country because of the wide divide. Good luck with your Democrats and Republicans arguments.
America is so entrenched in stupidity, Pee Wee Herman could have won.
No, because Pee Wee acts like a Progressive when he's in a movie theater.
Dan I thought he acted like Sen. Ensign
Romney committed voter fraud
Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney has survived the heated GOP nominating contest so far without attracting significant attention to what may become a general election issue: allegations that he committed voter fraud in 2010. In January 2010 the former Massachusetts governor proudly cast a ballot for Republican Scott Brown in the special election to replace the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. He didn’t own property in the state at the time, and had registered to vote listing his son’s unfinished basement as his residence. Massachusetts law defines a residence for voter registration purposes as “where a person dwells and which is the center of his domestic, social, and civil life.” Anyone found guilty of committing voter fraud faces up to five years behind bars and a fine of $10,000.
The issue was first raised last year, after long-shot GOP candidate Fred Karger traveled to Romney’s former community of Belmont and interviewed members of his former church — who informed Karger that the Romneys had moved — and their former realtor, who told him, “Oh, they moved to California.” Additionally, Karger claimed that Ann Romney told him that the couple lived in California.
i wonder why is isnt a surprise to me romneyin nov
Obama 2012 = Blame, Demean, and Divert.
Don't forget about the "lost" votes in the GOP primary in Wisconsin.
Hey ETCH-A-SKETCH! Who gave you this GREAT HONOR? We, the 99% American People ALREADY KNOW who gave you this SELF-PROFESSED GREAT HONOR, it was your corrupt Republican corporates BUYING YOU VOTES! We know you for what you are! NOTHING MORE THAN A CORRUPT CORPORATE POLITICAL PUPPET! We, the 99% American People, will do what MLK SAID & DID, "We shall overcome!"
Vote STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC, the lives you save WILL be YOURS & your CHILDREN!!
Obama seizes
control over all food, farms, livestock, farm equipment, fertilizer and food
production across America
http://www.naturalnews.com/035301_Obama_executive_orders_food_supply.htmlIt's%20really%20interesting." title=""Email this article to a friend" ">
(NaturalNews)
"We told ya so" just doesn't quite cut it anymore. As the American
sheeple slept, selfishly refusing to take a stand against tyranny, the Obama
administration has been plotting what can only be called a total government
takeover of America .
On March 16, 2012, President Obama issued an executive order entitled,
"NATIONAL DEFENSE RESOURCES PREPAREDNESS." (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order...
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
Editor of NaturalNews.com
(See all
articles...)