Romney to speak Monday on missile defense

(The Note).The Heritage Foundation is hosting what it describes as a "timely policy speech" by Romney on Monday at the U.S. Navy Memorial which appears to expand his indictment of Obama's foreign policy in the traditional terms of a Republican attacking a Democratic president as soft on defense.
The theme:

"Since the nation’s early days, America’s leadership in the world has depended on strong and uncompromising military strength. It is the best ally peace has ever known.

In this timely policy speech, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney warns against proposed defense cuts that will increase our vulnerability, imperil our allies and diminish the cause of freedom. In making the case for a stronger military, Romney will review current threats to American leadership and the challenges ahead."

Politico's Ben Smith and The Hill's Jeremy Jacobs note Mitt Romney's steady effort to boost his foreign policy cred, so he's not just the economy guy.

Smith:

Romney, in particular, is continuing to do what you do if you're running for president: avoid cable overexposure and build an intellectual and policy infrastructure to lean on later.

Jacobs:

We've been keeping a close eye on Romney because he can pick and choose when he wants to step into the national dialogue. And Romney has spoken up on several issues recently. Last month, he chimed in on North Korea and criticized President Obama on foreign policy. More recently, he slammed Obama for his national security speech and called Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court "troubling."

More on Romney:

.... Romney is right on track. That seems to be a constanst for Romney when he makes his various appearances. The man can talk about his ideas effortlessly and sound convincing while doing it. Moreover, Romney never makes a mistake while on camera. He looks sharp, always sounds smart, and promotes conservatism and Republican policies everywhere he goes.

Romney wasn’t even on my radar during the last election but the man grew on me after Fred Thompson dropped out. Right now, as it all stands, Mitt Romney is the only real national leader that the Republicans have. While he refuses the title, he is tireless in that endeavor nonetheless. And he will garner large support because of his efforts.