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Mitt Romney didn't discuss or even hint at a third presidential run when he appeared before a crowd of 2,500 Utahns on Wednesday, but he outlined the concerns that have driven his steps toward a 2016 campaign.
Wage stagnation. Intergenerational poverty. A shrinking military. A struggling education system. Climate change. A growing national debt.
The ticketed event at Abravanel Hall, billed as a night of financial advice, was organized by Diversify, a South Jordan-based investment firm. Romney eventually offered a few tidbits in that area, but after receiving a standing ovation, the 2012 Republican presidential candidate painted a picture of an America on the brink of not just one but a series of potential disasters, and offered his policy prescriptions, which would start with a change in elected leaders.
"On both sides of the aisle, we just haven't been able to take on and make progress on the major issues of the day," he said.
Romney suggested that in the course of human history, exemplary individuals have led at the right times to head off disaster, mentioning Winston Churchill as an example.
There was no indication he was putting himself into that category or thinking of his own abilities when talking about a change in leadership. But many in attendance were thinking of him.
Catherine Gettman, of Park City, hoped Romney would use the occasion to announce a third presidential run, believing his business experience would be an asset in the Oval Office.
Chris Nielson, of Provo, said he'd support Romney in large part because Romney is a Mormon. But Nielson wasn't as bullish on a 2016 bid.
"I'm just not anxious to see him get beat up again," he said.
Romney made light of his 2012 loss, and said he "learned some lessons," but that the experience didn't diminish his desire to stay involved in public policy.
He criticized President Barack Obama for not trying to cut the growth in major government programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, and for failing to rally the world behind meaningful efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
He said he believed in climate change and that humans are playing a part, one of the few lines that didn't get universal support from his audience.
He focused extensively on poverty, as he has in other recent speeches, saying that conservatives should try to help families that have been poor for generations by getting them access to education, encouraging them to get married and helping them find jobs.
"It is just a crime for these poor families that deserve better in a nation of affluence," he said.
Romney also called for an expansion of the Navy and newer jets for the Air Force, arguing that the United States needs a military that could ward off aggression from all comers, including the Chinese.
"You want to have a military that is so strong and so superior that no one in the world would ever think of testing it," he said.
During a question-and-answer session, Romney gave his critique of the president's State of the Union address, saying that he agreed with Obama's focus on the middle class and expanding international trade, but strongly criticized the president for spending little time on security threats posed by terrorists.
That Q&A session moved past the political to personal financial advice. Romney made light of people who believe that "God wants them to be rich."
"He is doing more important things than worrying about your money," Romney said.
He said if people want to succeed in their jobs, they should focus on "doing your present job well," and that diversifying investments is also key.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert also spoke at the event, touting the state's strong financial standing and hinting that when the new employment numbers come out Friday, Utah's unemployment rate would decline from an already low 3.6 percent.
Romney told the crowd that while he may have spent 40 years living in Massachusetts, he is now a Utah resident and joked that Herbert "can convince you to do anything."