Halperin's Take

Using no text and no Teleprompter, Romney appeared comfortable and conversational in his first major address on the economy. He walked a fine line in touting/bragging about his experience with Staples, Bain and the Olympics. Instead of getting bogged down in policy weeds, Romney used clear language to draw specific contrasts with Obama. If he displays this kind of command on the economy in the general election—including debates—as the GOP nominee, he could beat Obama in 2012.