Mitt Romney, the real empty chair at RNC

Clint Eastwood's speech at the Republican National Convention was the memorable event of the evening, easily upstaging what was to come later. I'm a fan of Eastwood's acting and his great directorial skills, but not of his politics. In Tampa he gave a bizarre performance wherein he rambled about conservative issues and spoke to an empty chair meant to represent President Obama. It was hard to follow, but at least it was memorable.

The same can't be said for Mitt Romney. His acceptance speech was meant to be an introduction that gave voters a better idea of just who he is. It's telling that although he has been running for president for at least six years, so many don't know who he is.

After hearing his speech, one has to wonder if Romney wasn't the real empty chair at the RNC. He talked about the greatness of America while trying to indict Obama for allegedly diminshing us. He introduced his family. What he didn't do was to offer anything of substance. The man who famously tries to be everything to everyone did it again and wound up being not much to most of us.

Romney didn't offer any bold policy ideas, nor did he tell us how he would go about solving any of the problems he ranted about. He's for American exeptionalism and flag-waving. What will he do that will benefit working Americans?

Today's Republican Party can't win on their issues. They cater to the base and try their best to lie low with moderates and speak in obtuse phrases that never delve into real policy. Romney's checkered business and tax records and his flip-flopping on important issues make it incumbent upon his candidacy that he remain vague to have a chance.

He accomplished that task and nothing more. Romney, in the end, had less substance than Eastwood's empty chair.

If you like to write about U.S. politics and Campaign 2012, enter "The American Pundit" competition. Allvoices is awarding four $250 prizes each month between now and November. These monthly winners earn eligibility for the $5,000 grand prize, to be awarded after the November election.