The timing of Mitt Romney’s VMI speech couldn’t be better, as people are taking a second look at him, as the media has no choice but to let him speak instead of prematurely writing campaign obits.

What a difference a week makes.

This might be the line many undecided voters were waiting to hear:

I am running for President because I believe the leader of the free world has a duty, to our citizens, and to our friends everywhere, to use America’s great influence—wisely, with solemnity and without false pride, but also firmly and actively—to shape events in ways that secure our interests, further our values, prevent conflict, and make the world better—not perfect, but better.

I’d hope the former Obama voters from The Hope and the Change were listening.

Foreign policy is an exhausting, frustrating topic. And the Middle East — oy. With some realism, Romney reminded us of our role in the world and moral responsibilities to support those who long for freedom. And while he was tough on Iran, he also got in front of the spin to come: “The first purpose of a strong military is to prevent war.”

Romney’s speech could have been subtitled: “Obama’s Failed Leadership.” But he delivered it more in sadness than anger, with a vision forward.