Good God, does Mitt Romney like Massachusetts. I mean, it's a nice state and everything, but
come on.
Remember, this is the same guy who's repeatedly poked fun at MA while courting out-of-state Republicans as he preps for the 2008 presidential primaries. (Romney's
Republican in Massachusetts = Cattle Rancher at Vegetarian Convention has an obvious subtext, namely, that we're a bunch of kooky freaks.) Obviously, Romney wants to get a few more things done here before he goes national, with healthcare reform topping the list, and sweet-talking the legislature just might help him do it. But man, did he lay it on thick last night. Some highlights:
"...I want to acknowledge some of my good friends in this chamber. President Travaglini and Speaker DiMasi: I have real respect for these leaders, as well as personal affection...I also want to thank the many Democratic leaders and members who have put politics aside to do the people's work."
"Massachusetts is not just another state. It never has been. Our forebears paid for our nation's freedom with their blood. Our soldiers preserve it to this day. We're America's center of learning, technology and innovation. We are patriotic and compassionate."
"As we have always done, Massachusetts will rise to the challenge. We will look first to the strength and character of our people We will sacrifice complacency to invest of ourselves in our fellow citizens, providing them with better education, better healthcare, and enduring principles of success."
And these quotes don't fully capture the panting earnestness of Romney's delivery last night.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party has already threatened to shadow Romney with "truth squads" when he starts campaigning for the presidency full time, to challenge his account of his accomplishments here in Massachusetts. Really, though, all the Mass. Dems need to do is send a tape of Romney's last state-of-the-state to every registered Republican they can find. If we needed any more proof that Romney's
convictions depend on his audience, we got it yesterday.