Many Iowans feel “threatened by a president who sees America differently that I do,’’ former senator Rick Santorum said earlier this week.
Yet, none of the rivals so tightly integrate patriotism into their message.
Lately, Romney has also taken to talking up certain tunes.
“I happen to love the patriotic songs of America,’’ Romney said yesterday morning at J’s Homestyle Cooking in Cedar Falls.
He then launched into several verses of “America the Beautiful.’’ He does not belt it out as Herman Cain would have. It’s read as poetry. And it’s tailored to provide opportunities for the candidate to connect.
“Oh beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,’’ he intoned, swinging into the third verse. “Our soldiers. Any veterans in this room here today? Thank you for your service. Thank you.’’
Throughout Iowa yesterday, Romney attracted overflow crowds, illustrating both the momentum he is carrying into the caucuses on Tuesday and the fact that he has made fewer visits to the state and has voters eager to hear him.
“He’s trying to instill back in the American people individualism, patriotism,’’ said Clarence Slife, a 71-year-old retired Navy veteran. “To me, it’s lacking in the current administration.’’
