"WE BUILT IT"
We are a nation made great by the extraordinary aspirations of ordinary men and women who summoned the inner drive, discipline and persistent effort to achieve their dreams within a free enterprise system that enabled them to do so.
America's entrepreneurs ask not for guarantees of success, but only for the chance to try; by seeking merely the opportunity to apply our God-given talents in single-minded devotion to our goals, we have earned every right to demand that government does not impede our path.
Across the nation, Republican governors have summoned the courage to return to the principles that allow entrepreneurs to create jobs: limiting spending, reducing debt and restraining unnecessary regulation.
While they have achieved success in restoring economic vitality in their states, their efforts have been frustrated by the Obama administration, whose policies have stifled job creation and hindered economic growth.
Those policies have failed because Barack Obama believes that it is government, not individual Americans, that produces economic growth and creates jobs.
Mitt Romney knows better. The engine of prosperity is fueled by American men and women with dreams and determination to create a better future for themselves and their families. Mitt Romney wants to give them the tools and the freedom they need to do so - and to let them keep more of what they work so hard for.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Tampa Mayor says it's "going smoothly" The Tampa Bay Times reports that "Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn told reporters Monday morning that things were going smoothly so far for his city -- both from the effects of Tropical Storm Isaac and the first protests associated with the Republican National Convention." ◼ (Article here)
U.S. Debt Clock unveiled Noting the unveiling of a national debt clock mounted inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, CNN Newsroom highlights the fact that the debt "will obviously continue to balloon during the four days in Tampa." That's exactly the point Republicans want to drive home during the convention, and small wonder: the debt is now approaching $16 trillion-with a bullet. Says CNN of the debt clock's placement in the Tampa Bay Times Forum: "That's what you call seizing the narrative and getting the economic debate front and center."
Social Media at the RNC" Social media is an emerging political background," reports Fox News today in a story highlighting Republican efforts to "(level) the digital playing field." Convention Press Secretary Kyle Downey says the importance of social media "gives us four-days to focus our message and to deliver it unfiltered." Adds Fox: "According to experts, Republicans have effectively erased the social media edge" once held by Democrats.
Teenage delegate a star in Tampa Politico follows the youngest delegate who'll be casting a vote to nominate the next president of the United States -- 17-year old Evan Draim, a northern Virginia high school senior. Draim's presence, Politico says, shows that "young doesn't have to mean disengaged or liberal." (Video here)
◼ #GOP2012 About the 2012 Republican National Convention
The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum August 27-30, 2012. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, media and other guests. For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, become part of the virtual convention at ◼ www.ConventionWithoutWalls.com, visit our website www.GOPConvention2012.com and check out our official blog, Conventional Wisdom, at ◼ www.gopconvention2012.com/blog/.
