Barack Obama assumed office under incredibly difficult circumstances; there is no denying that. However, the president has failed to keep his lofty promises, and therefore has failed the American people. Without a doubt, Barack Obama is great guy, that fact is indisputable. He’s a family man, an excellent orator, and a “cool guy”. But the gravity of the present situation does not call for a “cool” guy you would want to hang out with, nor empty rhetoric. This time around, we need a true leader who knows you cannot lead from behind. We need Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney is uniquely qualified for president of the United States. He attended Harvard, and after graduating, he founded Bain Capital with several partners. His father was a wealthy politician, but Mitt did not want to rely on his father’s wealth or handouts. He believed then, and now, in hard work, not entitlements, and independence, not dependence on government. Under his guidance, Bain Capital became incredibly successful, and the company turned around struggling household names like Staples and Dominos. Following his successful career at Bain, Romney stepped down to pursue the office of governor in his home state of Massachusetts. Despite being one of the most liberal states in the union, Mitt Romney, a Republican committed to bi-partisanship, won the election. Massachusetts excelled under his leadership, but perhaps the 2002 Olympic Games were his greatest achievement. Mitt Romney has largely been credited with saving the Salt Lake City games, and making them a national rallying point following 9/11.

Often times, I look at his career/record next to that of the President and wonder why there is even a question as to who should lead our country. In a time of international and economic turmoil, we need a true leader who has actually worked in business and who understands America’s place in the world. Under Obama’s leadership (or lack thereof), we have witnessed Iran gain nuclear capability, a gap between ourselves and Israel, the slaughter of countless Syrians, growing Chinese influence, and the murder of Americans in Libya. The current administration shows weakness and vulnerability, making our nation and its people vulnerable as well. For decades, America was the leader of the free world, emerging as the sole global superpower following the end of the Cold War. During the past four years, President Obama went on an “apology tour”. I can guarantee this: Romney will not apologize for American exceptionalism and global power, he will celebrate it.

Comical as it seems, the Obama campaign continues to take shots at Romney because of his wealth and success. This is the land of opportunity, and our President has the audacity to politicize and admonish success? As Paul Ryan reminded him during his RNC speech, “success is a good thing Mr. President”. This is not Soviet Russia where wealth is redistributed. Under socialism, the rich become poorer, but in addition, the poor also become poorer.

This election, Americans are faced with a choice that will affect not only their lives, but their children’s and grandchildren’s as well. It is a decision between two very different ideas about what this country was and what it should become. These trying times call for a true leader willing to make tough decisions and be honest with the American people. That man is Mitt Romney.