Mitt Romney focuses on family, not gay marriage, in draft of Liberty speech

By Matt Viser

May 11, 2012

2 minutes to read

WASHINGTON – Mitt Romney focuses on his own family – and not the volatile of gay marriage – in early excerpts of the commencement address he plans to deliver Saturday at the conservative Liberty University.

“I’m not sure quite why, but lately I’ve found myself thinking about life in four-year stretches,’’ he plans to tell graduates at the Virginia campus, according to several excerpts released by the Romney campaign this morning. “And let’s just say that not everybody has filled these past four years with as much achievement as you have.’’

Romney advisers who had seen a draft of the speech said Thursday that presumptive Republican presidential nominee was unlikely to dwell on the gay marriage debate, a topic that rose in prominence this week after President Obama announced he had changed positions and now supports same-sex marriage.

Romney reiterated that he opposes allowing gays and lesbians to marry, saying history dictates that the term “marriage’’ should be reserved for heterosexual couples. He supports domestic partnership benefits and hospital visitation rights for gay couples, however.

He instead will deliver a new speech focused more on the personal – mindful that he’s addressing a graduating class – than the policy or political.

But some Republicans and social conservative leaders are hopeful Romney will use the occasion to signal that he’s willing to pick this fight.

The early excerpts don’t include any references to gay marriage, but do include references Romney will make to his own family life.

“Maybe you’ve heard that Ann and I have a pretty large family, and I’m sure glad I like having grandchildren, because every time I turn around, there’s more of them,’’ Romney plans to say. “Two more arrived last week, twin boys David and William, which brings us to 18 grandchildren we have welcomed into the world.’’

Romney says he once asked his father to list his greatest accomplishment.

“Without a moment’s pause, his answer was, ‘Raising you four kids,’’’ Romney says.

“I have never once regretted missing any experience or opportunity in business in order to be with my wife and five sons,’’ Romney plans to say. “Regrets usually come the other way around, from missing moments with your children that don’t come again. The same holds true for time with your parents as the years fall away. Among the things in life that can be put off, being there when it matters most isn’t one of them.’’

Romney also focuses in the excerpts on the down economy, and how that is impacting recent graduates.

“Although opportunities seem scarce in this economy, it is not for nothing that you have spent this time preparing,’’ say the excerpts of Romney remarks.

“America needs your talent and your energy, all the more now that our country’s in a tough spot,’’ he says. “For you and so many young Americans, our current troubles can be discouraging. You are ready for jobs that were supposed to be ready for you. Millions wait on the day when there are jobs for everyone willing to work, and opportunities to match your hopes and your goals. But don’t lose heart, because that day is coming.’’