WGBH radio - Romney is looking more and more "presidential"

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2005/08/30/romney_warns_of_flagging_education_system_in_speech_at_raytheon/

Romney warns of flagging education system in speech at Raytheon
By Theo Emery, Associated Press Writer | August 30, 2005

ANDOVER, Mass. --

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The "townhall meeting" with employees at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems unit, which integrates the military systems it makes for the U.S. government, had many trappings of a campaign event. Many employees at the factory are from New Hampshire, which holds the nation's first presidential primary. Romney, who's acknowledged that he's considering a presidential run, brushed on foreign policy topics, among them terrorism and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as domestic issues, such as the nation's oil dependence and global competitiveness.

"Right now, as we think about what it takes to have a free society and a free nation, what it takes in order for America to lead the world, it takes an extraordinary amount of enterprise and people and technology and education. We face extraordinary challenges in America," he said. He hinted at an education package he plans to unveil in the fall, saying that he will propose pay incentives for math and science teachers. He also answered questions from the audience, who quizzed him about homeland security and the high price of fuel.

Before the speech, Raytheon officials distributed small American flags to their co-workers, who lined the factory's corridors, flags in hand or tucked into their pockets, to greet Romney as he arrived. In the cavernous room, where the defense company tests equipment, the podium was flanked with camouflaged-pointed Humvees on each side, and a missile launcher behind. In the rear of the room, a Raytheon radar truck towered over the crowd. "What's going on?" one employee asked as he arrived in the room. "Smile to the camera," another said in response.

After he finished speaking, Romney hustled to the rear of the room and greeted each audience members as they filed out, shaking hands and patting some on the back, as big-band march music blared over the loudspeakers. Asked afterward about his president-like appearance, he laughed and said, "I hope I looked gubernatorial."