Romney at CPAC: We must be the Alternative course

‪Mitt Romney took shots at Barack Obama's policies, but also warned conservatives, speaking to a packed house at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington today. Romney criticized Obama's economic policy on traditionally conservative lines, warning that health care, education, and national service plans would lead to "universal government," and also took aim at one Obama statement. The president was "misguided and naïve" for telling Al-Arabiya that America had in the past "dictated" to other countries. But Romney, seeking to emerge as a key figure in a divided party, also insisted on offering positive alternatives, and warned conservatives off negativity. "In the last eight years, we saw how a president’s political adversaries could be consumed by anger, and even hatred. That is not the spirit that brings us together. We want our country to succeed, no matter who’s in power. We want America to be prosperous and secure, regardless of who gets the credit. At our best, that has always been the mark of the conservative movement – in good times and bad, the interests of this great nation come first.
..." I’m often asked these days what Republicans and conservatives have to do to recover. And I’ll bet my answer is the same as yours. Our first concern isn’t a political recovery – it’s the recovery of our country".
"America voted for change. America did not vote for a boat-load of new government spending programs that would guarantee higher taxes and high deficits as far as the eye can see and that would threaten our currency, our economy, and our future. We must be the alternative course. We can’t be that if all we say is no. Our plans must be clear, compelling, and first to the table. Our plans must have at least one common thread—they must make America stronger. Better education strengthens our kids; better healthcare strengthens our citizens; and bringing our budget into balance strengthens our economy and preserves our future. Today, as much as ever, conservative principles are absolutely essential to keeping America strong and prosperous and free".