Election eve rally for Romney at GMU’s Patriot Center in Fairfax VA

On the eve of the presidential election, thousands packed the Patriot Center at George Mason University to attend one last Victory Rally for Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

Prior to the event that began at 2:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, lines of people snaked around GMU’s Fairfax campus. People were energized to take part in this event - one day before the presidential elections. Inside the packed Patriot Center, songs memorializing America rang out—some with country flair—others with a rock ‘n roll beat to get the crowd pumped.

Videos promoting Romney’s record as “a man of solutions” splashed across screens as part of the pre-program events. Supporters waved signs stating “Women for Romney,” “Moms for Mitt” and “Virginia is Romney Country.” The banner on stage announced, “Real Change on Day One.”

According to Patrick Sims of Washington, D.C., a volunteer for the Romney Ryan campaign, there were 17,000 RSVPs to the Fairfax rally with room enough for about 7,000. “It’s beyond packed,” he said,  Sims considers himself an Independent, but believes Romney is what is needed for the country’s future. “I think he is an amazing character. And if one person can do something about the economy; it’s Governor Romney,” Sims said.

Before Romney was introduced on stage, which was flanked by blue banners with the slogan “Victory Virginia,” other members of the Republican Party spoke.

After an opening prayer, Col. Patrick Murray (R) of Virginia’s 8th Congressional District announced, “One More Day,” referring to one more day before the elections. In response, the crowd chanted back over and over, “One More Day.” Murray talked how Romney and Paul Ryan will bring back that “city on a hill” called the U.S.A.

Then Chris Perkins, Republican candidate for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, spoke. As a retired Army colonel, he applauded fellow veterans and urged, “If you’re retired, I’m putting you on active duty for one more day and vote tomorrow!”

Next, Republican Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia’s 10th District came on stage. “America is broke;” he said, “and we’re 16 trillion dollars in debt and it will be 17 trillion by the end of this year. Forty cents of every dollar is borrowed from China. We have a foreign policy that’s in disarray. Human rights are declining and it’s time for a change.” He promoted Romney as an honest, ethical, decent, experienced man who works in a bipartisan way and who has run a fair campaign.

After Wolf’s speech, a video of Romney and his wife, Ann, showed scenes of their dating days, their wedding and five sons.

Then George Allen, who is running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate, took the stage and asked, “Are you all ready for America’s comeback? We’re excited to see a better future. Virginians want to see a change in the Senate and in the White House. The Senate hasn’t passed a budget in three-and-a-half years; we need to get back to basics.”

Allen introduced Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, who grew up in Fairfax County not far from GMU. “It’s time for real change in America, starting right here in Virginia,” McDonnell said. He stated that 23 million people are out of a job, and the only one who can turn it around is Romney, The governor also talked about sequestration (defense cuts); if Obama wins, it threatens 200,000 jobs, many of which are in northern Virginia.

Then Governor Romney and his wife came on stage greeted by a sea of waving “Romney” signs and long-lasting cheers; he introduced Ann as the next “First Lady.” She greeted the crowd with, “Are we going to be neighbors?”

To which the crowd chanted back, “One More Day ...”

Romney thanked everyone for the rousing welcome, comparing it to the exhilarating screams reserved for The Beatles.

“Tomorrow we begin a new tomorrow; tomorrow, we begin a better tomorrow,” Romney said. His speech included statements of how change is measured in achievements, and reflected on the current president’s record. “Obama promised so much, but delivered so little. He said he’d cut the federal deficit, but he doubled it. Now there’s 7.9 per cent unemployment, which is higher than when he took office,” Romney said. “Almost every measure he took, it hurt the economy. It’s been tough times for the middle class under this president.”

He continued, “The President thinks more government is the answer. It is not. It’s more good jobs—that’s the answer for America. Do you want real change? The President promised change, but couldn’t deliver it. I built a business, turned around another one and turned the Olympics around. I know how to change the course the nation is on.”

Romney explained that when he’s elected, he’ll bring that change on “Day One.” Part of his plan is to designate China as a manipulator; “they’ll have to play by the rules.” He’ll cut government spending, not just slow government spending. He’ll launch a sweeping review of Obama regulations. He wants to limit the scope and size of government and not limit the size and scope of dreams. “For the first time in four years, every business owner will know the president likes that [new businesses]. Obama’s plan on raising taxes will kill jobs. I care about small businesses; it’s a way to build dreams.”

Romney repeated what President Obama has said, that he (Obama) can’t change Washington from the inside, only the outside. “We’re going to give him a chance in a day or two. When I’m elected, I’ll work with Republicans and Democrats. I’ll meet with their leaders across both aisles,” said Romney, who stated that he’s learned that the best achievements are shared achievements. “I’ll represent not just one party but one nation.”

He reminded listeners that Obama calls his campaign “Forward;” but Romney calls it “Fore-warned.” “Unless we change our course, we may be facing another recession. Obama has asked people to vote ‘to take revenge.’ But I ask people to vote for love of country,” the candidate said.

Romney ended, “We’re one day away from a fresh start, a new beginning. With the right leadership, America will come roaring back!”

With that, the crowd delivered its own loud roar.

Adrian Vann of Arlington, who attended the rally, said he’s more excited now than ever. “We’re at a crossroads with the economy and the deficit. Romney’s business background is the biggest seller. Also with the Obama administration’s handling of Benghazi, I’ve lost trust in our current president. And, as an evangelical Christian, Romney shares my social issues.”

Charlotte Duvall of Haymarket said, “I love what Romney represents: freedom, free enterprise and his foreign policy stance. I love my country and I’m ready for it to be taken back.”