Romney Shakes Up Strategy, Tones Down Rhetoric

WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Now that he's the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney is shifting from the charged rhetoric and demanding schedule of the primary campaign to a tone that's more attractive to independent voters.

Romney aides say he'll shun the "red-meat" conservative issues of abortion and immigration and instead hold more events highlighting his broader appeal. Romney emerged this week from days of closed-door fundraisers into a small university classroom in central Ohio with a shakeup in strategy from primary to general election — although not as dramatic as Republicans had feared.

Romney's appearance at Otterbein University offered a glimpse into what aides say will be a shift in tone and focus in the coming weeks as the former Massachusetts governor fights to deny President Barack Obama a second term.