Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke for 35 minutes to the crowd at the 20th annual Lincoln Day celebration at the Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights Thursday.

Romney focused on enhancing American innovation, creating jobs and attacking President Obama.

“Great things are happening in this country,” Romney said. “Americans are creating a new era of innovation. We’re beginning to not be limited by our government and using our freedom of choice in this nation. We need to allow the American people to create their own dreams.”

Romney cited two books while talking about the American initiative, “Men to Match My Mountains” by Irving Stone and “At Home: A Short History of Private Life” by Bill Bryson. Both books tell tales of Americans finding peace.

“I was pleasantly surprised to hear Mr. Romney cite the work of Bill Bryson,” said Joyce Russ, an attendee. “My family moved from Buffalo, N.Y. to Portland, Ore. We went clear across the country because of my father’s pursuit of a dream. I love this mindset.”

“The president is trying to get us to believe that government is a savior for ourselves, when in reality, Americans are our own hope on this Earth,” said Romney.

Romney then focused more on President Obama. He said that Obama didn’t quite understand what actually makes America work.

“Our president has never worked in a private sector or regular enterprise,” he said. “He doesn’t understand incentives. He is not the reason that our economy is improving; he is the reason that it’s taking too long to do so. What’s happening in Washington breaks my heart.”

Romney then cited his own previous work experience, telling of his 25 years in the private sector. Romney stated that in order to create jobs that you must have had a job.

“Those in attendance tonight, you guys know how to be conservative,” he said. “I live conservatism.”

“This man speaks from the heart, he understands what it means to be a true Republican,” said James McGowan, one of the guests at the dinner.

Romney then accused Obama of loaning money to companies that have funded the president’s own personal campaign. He told of how the president gave Solyndra a $500 million loan. Romney said that the government needs to stop the excess spending and that he wants to put America back to work.

“The president said at the beginning of his presidency that if he cannot turn the economy around in three years, then he will not win a second term,” Romney said. “We’re here to collect on that proposition.”

Romney added that China is taking money from America.

“During day one of my presidency I will designate China a manipulate actor and put forth tariffs to stop the madness,” Romney said.

Romney closed his remarks by stressing the positivity and patriotism that Americans show in their daily lives.

“We need a truthful leader with integrity and one who will extend the hope of the American dream,” Romney said. “I intend to do so if elected.”

Contact Anthony White at [email protected].