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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.
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so many experts, so little knowledge. The parisan bickering and steadfast "i'm right you're wrong" perpetuates inaction......problem is, solutions are in the middle and neither group will concede anything. GOP has made this job one. There is so much power given to each party in power, that this no longer surprises anyone. Big problem is, none of the issues that really matter to 99% of america are ignored while the BS and mindless posturing carries the day.
So is Ron Paul ever going to drop out, or is he going to stay in and run as an Independent and play the spoiler giving Obama the win? If he stays, he could pull ALOT of votes. At any rate, i think Obama wins outrite.
Mitt Romney will drop out before Ron Paul does. Ron Paul will take this all the way to the convention. It's not about him. It's about freedom, and it's about time.
Go Ron Paul!!
Good for him then.
I surely don't know what rock most of you have been under the last few years. Obama is destroying our Country in a hand basket...We need a change alright and it sure isn't giving him another 4 years to do more harm. Romney is a good man and is up for the job. Obama didn't know a thing and sold a bill of goods with the gift of gab. Romney has a record behind him that proves he can bring back jobs and set the economy straight. You that don't believe
need to grow up. Your guy had a chance and lets face it he screwed up!!!!
How Karen? I think it is good news that under this administration more corporations than ever are seriously considering exiting China and onshoring their jobs again. Haven't heard that in a long time, have you? Must not be much to those horrible business destroying regulations the GOP is always throwing out there. Romney, on the other hand, will send as much business as possible offshore if it means lining his pockets.
The California Republican Primary is coming up on June 5, 2012. I will be voting Ron Paul, most definitely. The only candidate that I consider to be half way honest. At least his record has been consistent, and he has voted as per his stated beliefs. RON PAUL 2012!
Ron Paul is a nasty dirty old man that is out of touch with the world. While he tries to come across as all "cutesy" and charming to the media with his antiquated expressions and twang, the man is an evil old curmudgeon. Anyone that says he wouldnt sit down in a meeting with a homosexual ( I imagine fully clothed and in a professional manner) but that would negotiate with Akmadidmydad has got to have a screw loose.
Back to the old age home for you Paul. Buh Bye. You take care now you old fart! Dont let the door hit ya in the ass now.
John, get back to your trailer. Who told you to go to the public library and use one of their computers? Maybe if you are a good little boy obama will give you some more free stuff with my tax money.
John, you sound angry that so many people recognize that Ron Paul is a great man and would be a great president.
Get over it.
Not even the Republicans I know care. All they do for months now is say they are scewed and that this election was lost before any Republicans filed.
Vote Obama ....
Get free goodies ....
BBA -
I didn't get anything free -- what'd you get?
I didn't either. Heck, I even lost that 400 dollar making work work credit. I wonder what the upper 1% gave back?
What a surprise Romoney wins in Connecticut! You can't live in CT unless your wealthy - it's a State rule.
RON PAUL HAS BEEN TAKING A LOT OF THE DELEGATES.
RON PAUL IS THE CANIDATE TO BE RECKONED WITH!
SHAME ON MSN, RON PAUL IS A MEANINGFUL OPPOSITION...
THE MAINSTREAM IS THE SHAMESTREAM MEDIA
****RON PAUL 2012****
****RON PUAL 2012****
Iran and the Tailban are also voting for Ron Paul in 2012
The number of delegates Ron Paul has "taken" is ridiculously small. Ron Paul is no more to be reckoned with in this primary process than is the Tooth Fairy. If Ron Paul constitutes meaningful opposition, than so does the ghost of Mickey Mouse. Shouting "mainstream media" just doesn't have that magical effect on reality that the Paul, Gingrich, Santorum, Bachman, Palin, and Perry supporters so desperately hope it does. Sorry - time to reconnect with reality while you still can.
Ron Paul is 50 years too late...um Im sorry 75 years too late!
Given the travesties committed against Iraq, and Afghanistan, that would be understandable. Imagine them wanting to live in peace without US imperialism invading their sovereign lands.
Go Ron Paul!!
I say Ron Paul is a far better choice then Romney. Obviously hes better than Newt by a long shot as well. Ron Paul might have a few "Radical" ideas but he is far better than any of the other candidate.
Ron Paul has my vote all the way.
"Despite facing no meaningful primary opposition, the president is likely to secure the delegates he needs to become the Democratic nominee versus Romney this fall."
People, relearn English! "Despite" does not mean what you think it means! News flash - your grammar checker won't catch that one! And by the way - why didn't your "obviousness-checker" turn sixteen shades of bright red and sound a 120-decible alarm when you wrote this piece of drivel?
Thank you Rugeirn.
You have expressed beautifully what I thought when I read that sentence. (It's not the only one from the First Read crowd either. I think they are famous for opening their mouths a lot without engaging their brain.) Your name doesn't seem American; perhaps that is why you know the English language.
We all know the knucklehead Romney will get his party's nomination but he certainly had to buy it, oops I mean work for it.
Anyone that would vote for Romney is akin the selling their soul to the devil. The man is pure evil and what better way for the antichrist to enter than via Romney. I mean the guy is the devil incarnate. A mormon ( not a real religion), bought and dispatched companies like they were commodities including the people in them ( heartless). He walks and talks like he isnt human. Very awkward, although I though the trickster would be more eloquent.
Obama has God on his side and the faithful among us will vote for Obama. If you lay your bed with the devil then vote for Romney. God bless you soul.
Obama 2012. Blessed be!
Will you share your drugs or should the Government just Tax them
God hates you John. God hates freedom takers (cough, obama).
Again, what freedom has the president denied you? The freedom not to be responsible and insure yourself if you can afford to? That is all about personal responsibility to me.
Sheila: Stop being a flaming liberal. That is what you want. I however, believe myself, and everyone else can either not have insurance or pay it if you can. Stop being a blind sheep.
Less government = A better society.
Does that make him President?
By all means vote republican if you want to see the middle class fade further and further into oblivion.
So let me get this straight. I am suppsed to be upset about howRomney spends his money but b okay with hw Obama spends mine? Liberalism it's not an ideaolgy it is a destination...where idiots go to feel superior.
Hey OBAMA, it's over...start packing! I was one one of a middle class WHITE voters that helped you get elected by voting for you in 2008. I was STUPID enough to fall for your HOPE and CHANGE BS. Not again!! Count ALL the middle class white votes GONE!! "We the People" do NOT make the same mistake TWICE!! Shall I call Two Men And A Truck for you now??....LMFAO
Hey tomkat, I'm White Middle Class and I'm definitely voting for President Obama. He will will over that useless tool Romney... Instead of him moving out of the White House why don't you move out of MY Country..And leave your trailer behind!
Hoiw could these stupid braindead idiots vote for this pathetic flip flopping criminal.
Why should Nut Gingerhead or Ron (Puke) Paul concede until lyin Willardo the Mexican Mormon Moron tax evader and bankrupter proves he can win. Drain all of Willardo's funds. Get to the brokered convention. See which right wing nut can win.
Lyin Willardo may be the worst one of all. This guy has yet to provide his tax returns for the last 5 years. It should show how much he has evaded in taxes and how much unreported income he has stashed away in Cayman Island and Swiss bank accounts. He is your typical right wing thief.
There have been many rumors going around that little lyin Willardo was seen in a baby carriage in Tijuana. with a bottle of Corona Light in one hand and an Etch A Sketch in the other. The side of his carriage had the name "Little Lyin Willardo" on it. So when we see the long form of his birth certificate and it says Willardo on it and not Willard, we will know something is wrong.
Isn't it funny, that his new buddy Fox Top Trump never asked lyin Willardo for a copy of it?
What a joke. Less and less of the stupid right wing nuts come out to back lyin Willardo, the Mexican Mormon Moron tax evader and bankrupter and they rave about it. As most people know, the evangelicals consider the mormons an evil anti-christ cult. The mormons have been converting dead jewish people, without their knowledge to become mormons to enhance their religion. They baptise them when they are dead. These sick aholes were caught when they tried to convert Anne Frank to be a mormon. The Church of the Latter Day Saints has now ordered these mormon priests to cease this immediately.
These repuke dunces best bet is to bring back Herman (9Kampf) Cain, the dress slitherer. He can draft Jerry Sandusky for V.P. Who cares what they have done in the past, they are against abortion, that is all that counts.
CAIN/SANDUSKY 2012. The true repuke family values candidates.
You are exiting too early Tomkat. More and more businesses want to bring their bases back to the US under this administration. It is a direct counter to the exodus caused by republican policy of tax breaks wherever you locate.
Did someone forget to tell the voters that the head of the GOP said republicans are 100% behind Romney?
B Dune -
100%? - yeah those endorsements were so enthusiastic...
Now we will all get to see more of you get angry when Mitt starts his clumsy moves back to the center and goes back on all of those "severely conservative" promises he made. Problem with this is that moderates will recognize a panderer when they see one and tell him to take a hike. Everyone knows Mitt's game.
GOP brand is toxic nationally. If he wants to win, he'll have to separate himself from it enough to attract moderates. GOP base won't like that. Moderates won't buy it. And he is losing crucial voting blocs by the day.
Tough sledding ahead for Mitt. Should be fun to watch.
Did Rush SAY THAT??
Mittens, will all you can now, cause in november you will win nothing. Way to much lying and flip flopping. He's the best GOPer money can buy. Mr 1%...
Obama/Biden: 2012
I agree Pres. Obama has failed in some capacity but Romney is no good.
Keep Obama's freebees flowing like the great Mississippi River ....
We love those freebees ....
Vote Obama for more freebees ....
why not ....over the years the GOP has voted for and supported these so called "freebies"!
btw - can you explain to us why these "freebies" weren't all ended during 2001-2007 by the GOP controlled house and senate?
bigben: Like the Republicans don't give "freebies" to the wealthy?
Ron Paul is the far better candidate for the Republican Party. Romney has no idea what a working class American does everyday and Newt Gingrich is a joke.
Ron Paul has my vote.
not surprising that a poster with the handle "whitey" would be for Ron Paul.....
The Secret Service & military dragging whores back to their rooms while on presidential watch is a perfect example of the respect this president has. He lacks leadership skills, he hired a tax cheat to run the treasury, he hired a moron attorney general and literally nobody knows his background. 4 more years of this jackass will put us over the brink.
Obama is on his campaign trail now with his secret service ....
Girls get ready ....
to sonmanvb obama only made the economy worse 4 years, Romney knows how the economy works and will be able to aply that to his role as president. If there are any good points against that i would like to hear them
What a total idiot. The stock market is near all time highs. Evferyone I know who has a 401K is doing great, and would never vote for a lyin Mexican Mormon Moron tax evader, bankrupter and Etch A Sketch champion who will ruin our economy . You should listen to the other lying repuke criminals, Nut Gingerhead and the Pope's boy Sanitarium who both agree that lyin Willardo is the worst person to ever run for the presidency, can't be trusted and will destroy out country.
Once a braindead dunce like you would vote for this criminal.
You must be the son of Archie Bunker.
Yeah. Only off by about 2000 points or so..... ROFL.
Anyone who votes for Uncle Barry and his dog Joe Fido is a traitor. RON PAUL 2012
Polls right now show Romney in the lead of course, because thats what the mainstream media wants. Fact of the matter is, Remember Iowa and Minnesota and who knows how many more that the media says Romney won? Well Actually it was Ron Paul that won those when the votes were accurately counted, bet you didnt see that all over the mudstream media. We the people will WIN. "The constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government" -Patrick Henery-
You will of course provide the links to the polls that show Romney in the lead?
Thank you!
He will. It's called "Greg Edwards' Excel Spreadsheet."
Just about every poll shows Obama leading. I think the overall average is 3-4%. Not huge. But still a lead.