Governor Christie - Speech Excerpts
ALLEN: Well, before pounding Louisiana, Isaac, of course, played havoc with the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Well, today they finally got things well under way and tonight New Jersey governor Chris Christie had the plum speaking slot; he gave the keynote address. He is, of course, a rising political star. Some Republicans last year urged Christie to seek the nomination. That's how uninspired many were by Mitt Romney. Well, today it was Christie's job to inspire the base about Romney, to sell the nominee and his vision. And here are some highlights.</s>GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE, (R) NEW JERSEY: I believe we have become paralyzed, paralyzed for a desire to be loved. Now our Founding Fathers had the wisdom to know that social acceptance and popularity were fleeting and that this country's principles needed to be rooted in strengths than the passions and the emotions of the times. But our leaders today have decided that it's more important to be popular, to say and do what;s easy, and say "yes" rather than say "no" when "no" is what is required. [ applause ] In recent years, we as a country have too often chosen the same path. It's been easy for our leaders to say, "Not us, not now," in taking on the really tough issues. And, unfortunately, we have stood silently by and let them get away with it. But tonight I say enough. Tonight, tonight I say together, let's make a much different choice. Tonight, we are speaking up for ourselves and stepping up. Tonight, we're beginning to do what is right and what is necessary to make America great again. Let me be clear with the American people tonight. Here's what we believe as Republicans and what they believe as Democrats. We believe in telling hardworking families the truth about our country's fiscal realities, telling them what they already know -- the math of federal spending does not add up. They believe that the American people don't want to hear the truth about the extent of our fiscal difficulties. They believe the American people need to be coddled by big government. They believe the American people are content to live the lie with them. They are wrong. We believe in telling our seniors the truth about our overburdened entitlements. They believe seniors will always put themselves ahead of their grandchildren. And here's what they do -- they prey on their vulnerabilities and scare them with misinformation for the single cynical purpose of winning the next election. Here's their plan. Whistle a happy tune while driving us off the fiscal cliff, as long as they are behind the wheel of power when we fall. Now, we believe that the majority of teachers in America know our system must be reformed to put students first so that America can can compete. They believe the educational establishment will always put themselves ahead of children, that self-interest will always trump common sense. They believe in pitting unions against teachers, educators against parents, lobbyists against children. They believe in teachers unions. We believe in teachers. We have a nominee who will tell us the truth and will lead with conviction and now he has a running mate that will do the same. We have governor Mitt Romney and Congressman Paul Ryan and we need to make them the next President and Vice President of the United States. See, you see, because I know Mitt Romney. I know Mitt Romney and Mitt Romney will tell us the hard truths we need to hear to put us back on a path to growth and create good paying private sector jobs again in America. Mitt Romney will tell us the hard truths we need to hear to end the torrent of debth that is compromising our future and burying our economy. Mitt Romney will tell us the hard truths we need to hear to end the debacle of putting the world's greatest healthcare system in the hands of federal bureaucrats and putting those bureaucrats between an American citizen and her doctor. I believe in America and her history and there's only one thing missing now. Leadership. It takes leadership that you don't get from reaing a poll. You see, Mr. President, real leaders don't follow polls. Real leaders change polls. It's now time to stand up. Let's stand up. Everybody, stand up. Stand up because there's no time left to waste. If you're willing to stand up with me for America's future, I will stand up with you. If you're willing to fight with me for Mitt Romney, I will fight with you. If you're willing to hear the truth, the hear the truth about the hard road ahead and the rewards for America, that truth will bear. I'm here to begin with you this new era of truth-telling tonight. We choose the path that is always defined our nation's history. Tonight, we finally and firmly answer the call that so many genera generations have had the courage to answer before us. Tonight, we stand up for Mitt Romney as the next President of the United States and together -- and together, everybody, together we will stand up once again for American greatness for our children and grandchildren. God bless you and God bless America. [ applause ]</s>ALLEN: New Jersey governor Chris Christie there rallying the troops, giving the Convention's keynote address a short while ago. CNN's primetime coverage of the Republican National Convention continues Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan is getting ready for his big closeup. Well, stay right there with us for our special coverage of Hurricane Isaac. It continues right after this break.