WOLFEBORO, N.H. (AP) -- In the high school where he once gave civics exams, Sen. Bob Smith embarked on the biggest test of his career -- running for president.
Surrounded by blue banners, buttons and bumper stickers, Smith chose a nautical theme to describe his vision for leadership as he announced his candidacy Thursday for the Republican nomination.The Pilgrims on the Mayflower followed their compass and founded a new nation, he said, while the Titanic crew went off course, hit an iceberg and sank.
"I am asking all of you to join me today to chart the right course for America and sail safely into the 21st century with a commitment to keep America strong and free for millions yet unborn," he said, referring to his pro-life beliefs.
"We have the charts -- the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Holy Bible. We need a captain and a crew who will read those charts and steer us past the sea of icebergs that threaten our God-given rights."
In fact, the Pilgrims' landing at Plymouth Rock was far north of the Hudson River area they were aiming for, and the Titanic's captain didn't accidentally stray from the normal course but intentionally veered south after receiving numerous warnings from other ships about ice in the water.
In a speech citing the words of personalities as diverse as Thomas Jefferson and Merle Haggard, Smith said he has the principles and passion to lead the nation.
"Political leadership is not about who gives the best speech, it's not about who has the most money, it's not about who the media thinks is the front-runner," he said. "It's about character, it's about integrity, it's about a commitment to principle. And it is about bold, courageous, passionate, committed leadership."
Smith said one of his first priorities as president would be pushing Congress to define life as beginning at fertilization.
"In the 1860s, Lincoln ended the moral outrage of slavery because he knew it was wrong. Abortion is the moral outrage of the 20th century, and I will end it because it, too, is wrong," he said. "I don't want to get in your face on abortion; I want to get in your heart."
Smith said he also would seek a thorough review of the armed services to correct problems that threaten to weaken them. The Air Force alone will face a shortage of 2,000 pilots by 2002, he said, and there is a shortage of parts for military equipment.