Romney’s vow: Jobs will be my job No. 1

Rips O as small ‘change’

TAMPA — Mitt Romney threw hope and change back in President Obama’s face last night, selling himself to voters as the only leader who can fix the economy.

As he accepted the Republican nomination for president, Romney again and again contrasted Obama’s promises with the disappointments of a stalled economy.

Before Romney took the stage, actor Clint Eastwood made a surprise appearance and fired up the crowd with a gruff and grumbling speech that took several shots at Obama.

“I think if you just step aside . . . Mr. Romney can kind of take over,” Eastwood said to an empty chair representing Obama.

Soon after, Romney promised to focus on the most important issues to Americans — starting with jobs.

“President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family,” he said.

“Hope and change had a powerful appeal,” Romney went on.

“But tonight, I’d ask a simple question: If you felt that excitement when you voted for Barack Obama, shouldn’t you feel that way now that he’s President Obama? You know there’s something wrong with the kind of job he’s done as president when the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him.

“I wish President Obama had succeeded because I want America to succeed. But his promises gave way to disappointment and division,” he told a crowd that included Republican leaders in Congress who stalled much of Obama’s agenda, while failing to stop ObamaCare. “This isn’t something we have to accept.”

“What America needs is jobs. Lots of jobs,” Romney said.

Introducing himself to a nation at a time when polls still show subpar personal approval ratings, Romney spoke of his family and of his efforts to spread “God’s love” through faith. “Unconditional love is a gift that Ann and I have tried to pass on to our sons and now to our grandchildren,” he said. “If every child could drift to sleep feeling wrapped in the love of their family — and God’s love — this world would be a far more gentle and better place.”

The leadup to Romney’s acceptance speech included testimonials