The non-review: Romney’s ‘No Apologies’

He also believes that Americans will rise to the challenge, without government, or perhaps despite government. The Obama administration sees the current troubles as proof of national decline, and wants ever greater Federal control to manage America’s disappearance from history. Romney sees them as an imperative reason to get government under control and reassert vital elements of the American character: strength, innovation, faith in the power of freedom, and willingness to sacrifice for the future.

That is the theme of “No Apology.” It will also be the theme of Gov. Romney’s presidential campaign in 2012—provided that there is a Romney presidential campaign. Not even Romney’s closest advisers know what he is going to do. But they do know that writing the book was a necessary catharsis for Romney—a chance to think about his life, his beliefs, and his place on the national stage.

Yes, I am biased. But “No Apology” is an important book, and the author is a good man with powerful ideas and a clear sense of purpose. He intends to play a part of some kind on the national stage. If he should decide to run for President, he will be very formidable.

Jim Talent represented Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives (1993-2001) and the U.S. Senate (2002-2007). He serves as the honorary chair of the American Freedom and Enterprise Foundation—FreedomSoultions.org.