GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney warns Friday that President Obama will use his second term to pack the Supreme Court with liberals that will take away Constitutional freedoms and limit the rights of gun owners.
In an address to the National Rifle Association, meeting in St. Louis, the presumptive Republican nominee also raises concerns that Obama would extend his recent attacks on the Supreme Court to “our freedoms–our economic freedom, our religious freedom, and our personal freedom.”
In excerpts of his speech provided to Secrets, Romney uses his afternoon address to broadly layout out his vision for his fall campaign, one built on the classic Reaganesque promise to limit the government’s influence in everyday life.
Key portions of the address raise warning flags that the president has secret plans to use his second term to unleash a wave of attacks on traditional freedoms, such as gun ownership. He notes Obama’s ominous comments to Russian leaders last month that he will have the “flexibility” in a second term to do what he wants. “I’m not exactly sure what he meant by that, but looking at his first three years, I have a good idea,” say the excerpts.
He speaks at 2:20 EST.
On gun control, Romney’s says that the administration has tried back door efforts to attack gun ownership. He cites the bungled Justice “fast and furious” scheme as an example. “We need a president who will enforce current laws, not create new ones that only serve to burden lawful gun owners. President Obama has not; I will. We need a president who will stand up for the rights of hunters, sportsmen, and those seeking to protect their homes and their families. President Obama has not; I will. And if we are going to safeguard our Second Amendment, it is time to elect a president who will defend the rights President Obama ignores or minimizes. I will.”
On the Supreme Court, Romney raps Obama for trying to “browbeat” it over Obamacare. “In a second term, he would remake it. Our freedoms would be in the hands of an Obama Court, not just for four years, but for the next 40. That must not happen.”
And on his general view of the Constitution, Romney says, “The framework of law created by the Declaration and the Constitution is the source of our greatness. It has generated unparalleled opportunity and prosperity. Our Founders understood this, which is why they created a system of government that is limited.”
“This president is moving us away from our Founders’ vision. Instead of limited government, he is leading us toward limited freedom and limited opportunity.”
“This November, we face a defining decision. I am offering a real choice and a new beginning. I am running for president because I have the experience and the vision to lead us in a different direction. We know what Barack Obama’s vision of America is – we’ve all lived it the last three years. Mine is very different.”
“My course restores and protects our freedoms. As president, the Constitution would be my guide, and the Declaration of Independence my compass.”
