No JFK Speech at Regent University
May 5, 2007
Mitt Romney did not play the role of JFK today during his Commencement address at Regent University. Political "experts" kicked around the idea that this would be an ideal setting for Romney to address the concerns about his Mormon faith because he was speaking in front of a predominently Evangelical audience. JFK addressed concerns about his Catholicism decades ago. But so far, Romney has not delivered any speech dedicated to his faith.
I'm glad he didn't do it in this venue. The speech was not supposed to be about Romney. It's supposed to be about these college students and hopeful words as they tackle the future. I know there was some "controversy' because the Mormon Romney was chosen to speak at an Evangelical college. But, really so what? It's not like Michael Moore was speaking,
Romney's speech was spot on. Really, as I read through the text, it may be one of his better speeches. I call it his "deeper waters" speech. Listen to some of this eloquence.
"Over the years, I have watched a number of people live out their lives in shallow water. In the shallows, life is all about yourself - your job, your money, your rights, your needs, your ideas, your comforts. In the deeper waters, life is about others - spouse, family, friends, faith, community, country. In the deep waters, there are challenging ideas, opposing opinions, protracted battles of consequence. You are, of course, giving a great deal of thought to your career. The economic environment may be more turbulent and competitive than my generation has known. Some of you will be tempted to stay near shore, where there are no big breakers and where you will never make any waves. Others will push beyond the sandbar, pursuing new frontiers, exploring new ideas, driving to achieve, to learn, to influence, to contribute. If there ever was a time for great Americans, great and good Americans, Americans who are willing to cross into the deep waters of life, it is now. You cross into the deep waters by marrying and raising good children. There is no work more important to America's future that the work that is done within the four walls of the American home. You cross into the deep waters by driving yourself in your education and in your avocation beyond the safe and comfortable, to reach new insights, to make contributions, to serve. You cross into the deep waters by serving in your church, in your community, in the military, in government or in volunteer service. I am optimistic about the future of America because I have seen the spirit and heart of the American people."
That's good stuff. Romney has consistently talked about hope and optimism. He did it during the GOP debate and he did it again Saturday at Regent. It may be a speech that is remembered for a long time.
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