Romney Hopes For Boost From Thompson Exit
NAPLES, FLA. -- Before greeting a large overflow crowd of hundreds of people outside the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Mitt Romney praised Fred Thompson as a "great senator" who brought life to the GOP debates.
"He also was one of the other — probably the only one of the field — that focused on pulling together the old Reagan coalition, if you will, the conservative coalition of social, economic and foreign policy conservatives," Romney said. "And so his leaving the race is sad for those who were big fans of his, but it probably helps my effort in terms of bringing together those Reagan coalition individuals, and it probably will be a bit of a boost for me. I sure hope so."
Romney was also asked whether Thompson, who dropped out of the presidential race this afternoon, was on the former Massachusetts governor's short list for potential running mates.
"Anybody who ran for office in this field is a very strong individual and should be considered as a VP nominee whether for me or for somebody else," Romney said. "But he's a terrific and highly capable guy and anyone would think that having Fred Thompson as a VP would be a good thing."
Romney stood on the backseat of a silver Mustang convertible and spoke through a bullhorn to the people who couldn't get into the building.
"I was supposed to come here and meet about 60 people, I was told," Romney said. " … what you're seeing here is change is coming to Washington, and we're gonna make it happen."
The fervent crowd broke into cheers.
"Wow, he's really learned something from Obama," a man in the crowd said to the woman standing next to him.
The group that had gathered inside the building was smaller but equally as enthusiastic as the one that was outside. In front of a brand new sign reading "Economic Turnaround," Romney delivered a short stump speech that focused on turning around the country's recent economic woes.