Romney offers prayers, urges unity after Colorado shootings

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks about the shootings in Colorado at an event in Bow, N.H., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

/ Evan Vucci

BOW, N.H, - Mitt Romney put politics aside for the day and urged Americans to "come together" after a Colorado man killed 12 and wounded dozens more when he opened fire at a midnight showing of the Batman movie "The Dark Night Rises."

"I stand before you today not as a man running for office but as a father and grandfather, a husband, an American," Romney said, reading from prepared remarks to subdued listeners who originally thought they'd be attending a campaign rally. "This is a time for each of us to look into our hearts and remember how much we love one another and how much we love and how much we care for our great country." After a week of attacks flying back and forth between them and their camps, Romney and Obama abruptly shifted gears Friday with speeches meant to bring the country together in a moment of mourning.

"Ann and I join the President and First Lady and all Americans in offering our deepest condolences for those whose lives were shattered in a few moments, a few moments of evil in Colorado," Romney said.

Romney had been scheduled to hold a rally at a lumber wholesaler here. But after learning about the shooting from news reports Friday morning, his staff immediately began working on plans for a far more somber event that would not be focused on politics, according to an aide.

Campaign signs hitting Obama for an "upside down economy" were removed and the advance team was told not to play the usual playlist of music that welcomes audiences to every Romney event. Instead of scheduled speeches from local officials, including a state senator and sheriff, the campaign reached out to an Anglican priest from neighboring Concord and asked him to offer a prayer before Romney spoke. New Hampshire's Senator, Kelly Ayotte, who had been scheduled to introduce Romney, instead offered her own prayer for the victims, before solemnly turning the microphone over to her "friend, Mitt Romney."

Romney himself spoke for just under four minutes, at one point quoting scripture and offering a prayer that "the wounded will recover and that those who are grieving will know the nearness of God." He praised Americans for having "so much love and goodness" in their hearts, and said that the outpouring of support toward the victims and their families highlights a "greater power...in the goodness and compassion of a wounded community."

Following his remarks, Romney walked toward the exit of the venue and began shaking hands with the crowd as they filed out. It was a spur of the moment decision made by the governor himself, according to a campaign aide. Janice Moser, who came from upstate New Hampshire to hear Romney speak, appreciated his tone and the gesture. "Being a mom, you know, it is an emotional time, knowing that my if kids just go to an entertainment event, you know, that things could happen," she told reporters following Romney's remarks. "So I just think it was very good that he did what he did. And you know, it shows he's a family man, which is great. I think this country needs someone like that."

[Jaylah54200]

I listened to the whole speech, and I didn't hear Romney say, "But just for one day. Tomorrow you can all go back to calling each other names."

[churchstate]

What ever happened to the separation of Church and State!!! If Romney's speech (religious teachings) today to the American public is what we can expect from Romney in the future as the President of the United States and the leader of the country (who will frequently address the public) - who lacks boundaries when it comes to proselytizing the teachings of his faith - Romney's behavior today reassures me he is not the man to lead this country. If he is one who cannot restrain himself from spewing the teachings of his faith, perhaps he is best suited to remain in a religious leadership position for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - The Mormons. Sometimes I cannot help but wonder if Romney received a calling/assignment from the top LDS church leaders to pursue the Presidential nomination after being assigned by the LDS church leaders to secure the Governorship of Massachusetts. I think it is no coincidence that Romney was given the assignment of LDS Bishop by top LDS church leaders after becoming the Governor of Massachusetts - as if he did not already have enough on his plate with the responsibilities as Governor. Was this so he could plant the seed of his Mormon faithful cronies circulating in the Massachusetts government system?

[Souptwins]

And yet, I remember hearing religious and scriptural references in the speeches of previous presidents following a tragedy. He quoted a verse or two from the Bible. Seemed perfectly appropriate to me given the situation. I also recall hearing many clamor about Romney trying to "hide his religion" yet when he shows it in an appropriate way, people still yell foul. Guess you'll never please everyone.

[Souptwins]

And yet, I remember hearing religious and scriptural references in the speeches of previous presidents following a tragedy. He quoted a verse or two from the Bible. Seemed perfectly appropriate to me given the situation. I also recall hearing many clamor about Romney trying to "hide his religion" yet when he shows it in an appropriate way, people still yell foul. Guess you'll never please everyone. You're also way messed up on the timeline. Romney was a Bishop in the late 80's not after being Gov. It's also a job given for only about 5 yrs. and after being relieved of duties, there's no longer any authority given that person. With nearly 30,000 bishops serving at any one time and each only serving for about 5 yrs., there are a whole lot of former bishops in the world. It's really not that high of a position.

[bingham22]

Interesting how even at a time of national mourning and grief, it's only the democrats on this forum that are being as nasty as possible...that tells a lot about a person's character...or lack thereof. Seriously people try to be a little less self-centered.

[coriolana]

he's a cultist

[chris87654]

The only thing Republicans can unite about is hating Obama and anyone who's not like themselves. Palin drove a wedge between them and they got stuck with Romney... their panties have been twisted in knots ever since then.

[blafouille]

Don't you know that Swiss bank invest in weapon factory...

[Kestrel88]

"You people" have all the information you need! Move along, peasants! Shoo! It's our turn to wear the crown now!

Watch my horse Rafalca dance in the Olympics in London! I got a $77 k tax deduction! Heh Heh! Suckers!

Eat your peas and carrots! And have some cake too! Idiots!

XXOO-- Ann Romney

[CBSDebbie]

Nice of Romney but his actions or reactions are hours behind Obama and without a doubt he was aware. Very s-l-o-w response by Romney on something that should have been instinctive.

[outridercastle]

Support assault weapons and pray for those they kill - Romney's priorities are awry.

[TekTakular]

Its messed up, but in today's world people are brought closer together by tragedies and disasters than by most other events...