Romney, on break from debate prep, stops for lunch at Chipotle
DENVER — Much of GOP nominee Mitt Romney’s Tuesday was dominated by debate prep, but he took a break for lunch this afternoon and stopped by Chipotle.
“I usually get the burrito. I think I’ll go for the bowl today. That’s a good idea,” Romney said as he entered the restaurant. Asked whether he was ready for Wednesday’s debate, a critical moment for his presidential bid, Romney replied, “I’m getting there.”
Romney was accompanied by Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, who has been playing the role of President Obama in debate practice.
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After ordering a burrito bowl with pork, rice, black beans, guacamole and salsa, Romney greeted and took pictures with staff and fellow diners.
As he headed to his waiting SUV, a tall man who was holding a young girl asked for a picture. As Romney approached, the little girl leaned toward him, and the nominee said, “Hi there, sweetie.”
She extended her arms to him and he scooped her up, asking her name and her age.
“Are you 4?” he asked. The girl, named Imani, shook her head and extended two fingers and then a third to show she was 3.
“Three!” Romney replied. “You’re 3. Big girl!”
Her dad, Quincy, told Imani to say “Thank you and bye-bye.”
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Romney said hello to a few other people, including a woman pushing a stroller. She asked for a picture, saying she is an undecided voter but is not going to vote for Obama.
Romney plans to spend the rest of the day preparing for tomorrow night’s debate with Portman and his senior advisors.
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