Romney, whose stint as CEO of the Salt Lake Games helped catapult a political career that may include a 2008 presidential bid, ripped into Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts before relating an inspirational story from 2002 medalist speed skater Derek Parra.

Parra told Romney his most memorable moment of the Salt Lake City Games was not his victories, but carrying the American flag recovered from the World Trade Center disaster into the Opening Ceremony as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang the national anthem. As the song ended, a gust of wind lifted the corner of the flag Parra held.

"Derek said it was as if it came from the countless men and women who had paid the ultimate price for America's freedoms," Romney said. "A breath from above that stirred the hearts of those of us below, who will always remember them."

Utah delegates said they thought Romney made a good impression in the nationally broadcast speech.

"I thought he did a great job," said Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens. "He looks presidential."

When Romney zinged Kerry with a reference to wife Teresa Heinz Kerry's ketchup fortune - "This nation can't afford presidential leadership that comes in 57 varieties," said Romney - Utah delegate Ron Casper of St. George jumped to his feet and applauded enthusiastically.

"I liked that line because it was new," said Casper.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, who ran an unsuccessful 2000 presidential bid, said the speech showcased Romney's attributes for higher office.

"I thought it was great, and I hope Mitt considers running for president because he has the charisma and personality for it."