The view inside Romney HQ

Last night, hundreds of people from around the world gathered at the Boston Convention and Expo Center to see if their choice for President, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, would be the next President of the United State. His hopeful supporters waited for hours to get into the center. Even Donald Trump was there to show his support for Governor Romney. The mood was calm but happy, A sort of “We got this” feeling was in the air.

As I talked to supporters, they seemed happy but also a little nervous. “I’m not sure who will (win), but I hope its Romney,” said Lisa Gibbs from Birmingham, Alabama.

As the votes came in, Romney held a small. early lead. But President Obama kept it tight right and was right on Romney’s tail. People outside started to get more excited and people started answering my questions as if Romney had already won. “We came from Baltimore early this morning to watch history be made here,” said Joe Tristani.

Though Romney had a small lead, he lost it very quickly and became neck and neck with Obama. There was a new sort of tension in the air with people starting to realize that Romney might not be the next President. His supporters went back to saying “if” he wins. I asked supporters what they thought the most important issue in America is and how Romney would help solve it if elected. Nancy Young of Massachusetts said, “We hope to get rid of Obamacare and get the healthcare plan back on track.” Others like Janet Fogerti thought that the economy was the biggest issue.  “I think the biggest issue is the economy but also national security,” she said. 

At 11:30 p.m., most of the national TV news outlets had projected Ohio would be won by Obama, which would mean he won re-election. Governor Romney's campaign wasn't ready to concede defeat — they wanted to see more results come in from Ohio first. But as the night went on, Obama won more states and it was clear Romney would not be the winner.

At 12:55 a.m., Romney took the stage at the convention center to deliver his concession speech. His speech was gracious. He thanked his family and staff, as well as his supporters and his running mate, Paul Ryan. “Next to Ann,” Romney said, “Paul is the best choice I’ve ever made.”

Romney also said he wanted the country to pull together and get to work fixing the nation's problems. "The nation, as you know, is at a critical point," Romney said. "At a time like this, we can't risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people's work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion.

He then gave advice on how Americans, as working people, can help fix the economy. "This election is over, but our principles endure," Romney said. "I believe that the principles upon which this nation was founded are the only sure guide to a resurgent economy and to a new greatness."

When he finished his speech, his family, as well as Ryan and Ryan's family, came together on the stage to thank their supporters.

—Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg

Photo: Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg outside Mitt Romney's campaign night event in Boston. (Courtesy Coleman Hirschberg)

Editor's note: Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg had to leave the Romney event early because he got sick as the night wore on. As a result, he wasn't able to speak to Romney supporters after Romney delivered his concession speech.