View from Florida: Debates, energetic rallies boost Romney's momentum

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As Floridians cast their votes today, the momentum for presidential candidate Mitt Romney has changed significantly. Beginning with Romney's dynamic debate performance last Thursday, Romney has been welcomed by large crowds at campaign rallies.

I attended an Orlando rally Friday night with my son, John. John is a student at Mount Dora High School and enjoys politics. The Orlando rally was held at the Lanco Paint Company, located in an industrial area near Orlando International Airport. As we arrived, we noticed four TV satellite trucks parked by the loading dock, including C-SPAN and MSNBC. The rally was held inside a large paint warehouse.

Prior to Romney’s arrival, the 400-plus audience members were engaged in taking photos and waving signs for the Republican candidate. The audience included a variety of people — professionals, families and senior citizens. As I looked around the audience I found a “Kids for Mitt” group on a platform waving signs. I have attended several campaign rallies for past presidential candidates, but I have never seen so many families. We stood by a family with a baby wearing a shirt that said "Babies for Mitt."

The rally brought back memories of watching the championship hockey game at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The crowd at the rally was as excited as the fans at the hockey game. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Puerto Rico Gov. Luis FortuÑo mentioned Mitt’s success with the Olympic Games. Two observers nearby commented on the high energy and enthusiasm in the audience. My son was surprised to see adults in suits and ties screaming and waving signs in support of Romney. The media also seemed taken by the highly energized rally.

McCain, the opening speaker, entertained the audience with some political humor. He said that the day after the election four years ago he slept like a baby: He would sleep for two hours and then wake up and cry, sleep for two hours and wake up and cry.

The former presidential candidate went on in all seriousness to praise Romney's strong debate performance, saying, "Very rarely at these things do you see a knockout. You saw one last night. You saw Mitt Romney at his best." Even so, McCain called for an end to the debates, saying there were too many.

Romney had two great debates in Florida. My favorite comment from the candidate came from an interviewer after the second debate. When asked about his performance, Romney replied, “I’m no shrinking violet.”