“I have seen American determination in people like Debbi Sommers. She runs a furniture rental business for conventions in Las Vegas. When 9/11 hit, and again, when the recession tanked the conventions business, she didn't give up, close down, or lay off her people. She taught them not just to rent furniture, but also to manufacture it.”

Mitt Romney is a former U.S. senator and Republican presidential candidate. He served as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and later as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President George W. Bush. Known for his pragmatic approach to governance and his emphasis on fiscal responsibility, he has spoken widely on leadership, public policy, and the importance of character in public service.