Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney delivered the commencement speech at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., this past weekend. It was seen as an appeal to religious conservatives in the Republican Party who had opposed him earlier in the primary season.
Here is the full text of Romneys prepared remarks, from his website:
For the graduates, this moment marks a clear ending and a clear beginning. The task set before you four years ago is now completed in full. To the class of 2012: Well done, and congratulations.
Mitt Romney gives Liberty University commencement speech May 12, 2012. (Jae C. Hong/AP) Some of you may have taken a little longer than four years to complete your studies. One graduate has said that he completed his degree in only two terms: Clintons and Bushs.
In some ways, it is fitting that I share this distinction with Truett Cathy. The Romney campaign comes to a sudden stop when we spot a Chick-fil-A. Your chicken sandwiches were our comfort food through the primary season, and there were days that we needed a lot of comforting. So, Truett, thank you and congratulations on your well-deserved honor today.
There are some people here who are even more pleased than the graduates. Those would be the parents. Their years of prayers, devotion, and investment have added up to this joyful achievement. And with credit to Congressman Dick Armey: The American Dream is not owning your own home, it is getting your kids out of the home you own.
Lately, Ive found myself thinking about life in four-year stretches. And lets just say that not everybody has achieved as much in these last four years as you have.
Thats a theme for another day. But two observations. First, even though job opportunities are scarce in this economy, it is not for nothing that you have spent this time preparing. Jerry Falwell, Senior, long ago observed that, You do not determine a mans greatness by his talent or wealth, as the world does, but rather by what it takes to discourage him. America needs your skill and talent. If we take the right course, we will see a resurgence in the American economy that will surprise the world, and that will open new doors of opportunity for those who are prepared as you are.
Of course, what the next four years might hold for me is yet to be determined. But I will say that things are looking up, and I take your kind hospitality today as a sign of good things to come.
I consider it a great life honor to address you today. Your generosity of spirit humbles me. The welcoming spirit of Liberty is a tribute to the gracious Christian example of your founder.
Go here to see the original: