ABC "Good Morning America" - Transcript

Interview

MS. ROBERTS: And now, for the view from the McCain campaign, just moments ago I spoke with former presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Ohio.

(To Mr. Romney.) Governor Romney, thank you very much for joining us this morning.

About a quarter of Americans have already voted, and there are roughly 7 (percent), 8 percent of voters left who say they are still undecided. What can John McCain say to them in the next 24 hours?

MR. ROMNEY: Well, I think those voters and a lot of others are going to say who is it that'll actually strengthen our economy and keep us safe, who has the experience and the judgment to do that.

You know, I spent my life in the business world. I'm convinced that if Barack Obama were put in place as president that his place would cost us millions of jobs. And the reason is raising taxes on small business, charging fees to small business related to health insurance, as well as not using our coal and our energy from additional drilling and nuclear power, these things will cost jobs. And, of course, imposing unions on small business, all that'll cost millions of jobs.

I think that's going to be the issue people take with them to the polls.

MS. ROBERTS: As you said, you're well-versed in the business world, have been very successful, Has John McCain talked about the economy enough? Has he handled the economy the right way?

MR. ROMNEY: Yeah, he has. You know, he was focused on helping homeowners; his plan keeps people in their homes that were threatened with foreclosure.

And then he said, look, he's going to keep taxes at the current rate for small businesses and then lower taxes for middle-income Americans to help boost and stimulate the economy. And then he's got a very substantial investment program to develop alternative sources of energy, as well as coal, nuclear, natural gas.

This is really the path forward for a stronger economy.

MS. ROBERTS: You were on Senator McCain's short list for VP. He is very happy with Sarah Palin, Governor Palin, and she has really energized the Republican base.

But we hear you talk so eloquently about business, and that is your background. That is your success. What would have been different, had you been on the ticket, especially with the economy as it is right now?

MR. ROMNEY: Well, I think all I can imagine is that Sarah Palin has been highly effective. I think that's the key point here. And she was the right choice for John McCain. He picked someone with the same philosophy he has and someone who has executive experience, both in town government and running a state.

And she's -- of course, as you pointed out, she's really fired up our troops. Everywhere I go, the enthusiasm for her perhaps tops anybody. She gets huge crowds; people are volunteering to help that ticket. So I think it was a choice that, net-net, has helped John McCain.

MS. ROBERTS: You have been just traveling all across the country on his behalf. Give us a sense of the mood out there and the mood within the campaign.

MR. ROMNEY: You know, I'd expected to find people a little discouraged. They're excited; they're making calls, they're knocking on doors. This is a team that expects to win, and frankly, I think the million or so people that are going to be with Barack Obama in Chicago on Tuesday night are going to be in for a long, cold night.

MS. ROBERTS: Governor Mitt Romney, thank you. I know you have busy day, a lot to do. We thank you for spending some time with us.

MR. ROMNEY: Thanks, Robin.

MS. ROBERTS: Take care.

MR. ROMNEY: Thank you.

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