Mitt Romney tried to win over thousands of far-right voters who could sweep him into the White House by appealing directly to 6,000 graduates at Liberty University today in Lynchburg, Va.

The likely Republican presidential candidate a Mormon delivered a deeply spiritual, respectful commencement speech at the staunchly conservative school founded on Baptist values.

Culture what you believe, what you value, how you live matters, Romney said, according to the Washington Post. As fundamental as these principles are, they may become topics of democratic debate from time to time. So it is today with the enduring institution of marriage. Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman.

Romneys appearance at Liberty was a calculated move.

Until todays speech, he tried to keep his focus on the economy to avoid hot-button social issues that featured prominently in election campaigning this week.

More from GlobalPost: Romney attempts to shift focus back on economy

First, President Barack Obama came out in support of gay marriage.

Then, Romney had to deflect criticism he bullied a supposedly gay classmate in high school.

Furthermore, many students expressed dismay when the school announced his appearance.

According to Reuters, Liberty teaches that Mormonism is a cult and had to remove a Facebook page littered with hundreds of angry comments about Romney.

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Mitt Romney speaks to students about spirituality