Anything Goes

Social and economic issues got a passing mention, but the bulk of Romney's attention went to the need to beat "violent jihadists" by increasing military spending and troop numbers. "If we make sure that we're a strong nation in our economy, in our homes and in our military, we will become an even stronger nation," he said at the end of a speech in which he used the words "strong" or "strengthen" dozens of times.

After the speech, CNN's Dana Bash asked him to square his tough-on-immigration stance with his repeatedly allowing "contractors to be at your house who clearly have illegal immigrants working for them."

"I have certainly never proposed that homeowners have a responsibility," he wiggled.

Somebody asked whether Romney's assertion that "freedom requires religion" meant that a nonbeliever "can't be a free person."

"Of course not," he folded.

Another reporter, citing Romney's praise for "sacrifice" in his speech, asked which "specific sacrifices" he favors.

"Work hard in school, do our very best," Romney answered.

"Those are things people do in peacetime," the questioner pointed out. "What would you ask for in this time of war?"

"Next question," Romney replied.