Gingrich: Romney embraces Reagan legacy

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TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife, Callista, told the Republican National Convention Thursday Mitt Romney will "renew the American spirit."

Speaking in Tampa, Fla., after a video honoring former President Ronald Reagan, the Gingriches compared the Reagan legacy with President Obama's administration and said the Republican ticket of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will restore America at home and abroad.

"We're delighted that tonight we come together to once again renew the American spirit and put real leadership back in the White House this November," Newt Gingrich said.

Electing Romney and Ryan "will decisively move America to a better future," Callista Gingrich said. "Remembering President Reagan reminds us that the choices we make matter, and this year is as important as the choice we made in 1980."

Reagan had three goals while he was in the White House: to restore the economy, to revive the American spirit, and to defeat totalitarianism and spread democracy throughout the world, Newt Gingrich said.

"By remaining true to his convictions, through his belief in the American people and with tremendous optimism, President Reagan achieved these goals," Callista Gingrich said.

Newt Gingrich called it "striking" how President Jimmy Carter and Obama "both took our nation down a path that in four years weakened America's confidence in itself and our hope for a better future."

Both presidents "weakened the respect for America abroad," increased government programs and "failed to produce results," Callista Gingrich said.

"Governor Romney will return America to work, and to the principles that are at the core of President Reagan's legacy," she said. "This year the American people will once again have an important choice to make."

Newt Gingrich called on all Americans to commit to the tradition of Reagan and unite.

"Now each of us must commit ourselves in the tradition of Ronald Reagan to come together," he said. "President Reagan said, 'There is no substitute for victory.' And this November, we cannot settle for anything less."