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BLITZER’S BLOG: Romney repudiates using Rev. Wright in ads
By Wolf Blitzer, CNN
Washington (CNN) - It didn’t take very long for Mitt Romney and his campaign to run away from a strategic political proposal to use the Rev. Jeremiah Wright in new ads to trash President Barack Obama.
I was not surprised.
Four years ago, John McCain similarly refused to use that kind of sleazy trash in his campaign against then-Democratic candidate Obama.
You can agree or disagree with Romney and McCain on the major issues of the day, but I can assure you - as someone who has known both of them for years - they are gentlemen.
Romney, like McCain the last time around, is certainly prepared to fight the president on his economic or national security record. The Republican candidate is certainly ready to challenge the president on sensitive social issues, such as gay marriage and abortion rights for women. That is all appropriate.
But Romney is not going to align himself with the issue of Wright or the president’s birthplace. He will run away from those issues as fast as he can.
That’s the right thing to do, and it has the added advantage of being smart politics.
Romney’s own political strategists sense such a nasty strategy would be counterproductive. They say it would likely alienate those undecided moderate and independent voters in the 10 or 12 swing states that will choose the next president.
Many of them may strongly disagree with the president on his economic record, but the polls show those same independents still like the president. He is, the polls show, “likable.”
In this new and uncharted world of super PACs and unlimited sums going into negative attack ads, I suspect there will be an element of gutter politics coming from the far right and the far left as well. They will attempt to smear the two presidential candidates. It will get ugly.
But I’m also confident that Obama and Romney will aggressively disassociate themselves from those smears and focus instead of the most important issues of the day.
RELATED STORY: Billionaire denounces potential Rev. Wright ad
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Post by: Filed under: 2012 election • Barack Obama • Jeremiah Wright • Mitt Romney • Wolf Blitzer |
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Romney has no morale standing. he doesn't know what he believes.
He will say anything to anyone under any circumstances, just for the win.
He does not have the character nor the gut to be president.
Why hide the tax returns, because if I gave my church even 50 grand I would want people to know that I'm that generous with my wealth,,,something up,,,,Ex.Gov.Wilson that spoke with Ryan,,,was accused of not paying wages to his hired help and also lying about his taxes,,he was fined,,,And a interesting fact,,,they are investigating Romney/Bain on taxes,and if they find out Romney lied,he gets kicked out of being the president,if Romney were to win and get booted out,,THAT LEAVES RYAN,,,,,,,SMELLS LIKE A SET UP TO ME
Romney brought on enough rope to hang himself. He always manage stuff his foot in his mouth. I don't know how he was raised. He doesn't reflect the value his father embrance.
Innocent people suffer enough in this financial crisis whipped in the past 20 years. The last one you want in the White house is one who only interest in millionnair and billionnaire, and scoop up every little loople to avoid tax, tug money in Swiss and Cayman.
American may be hyped up, we are not stupid. Romney, don't under estimate collective wisdom of American people.
Freedom Fighter,Thanks for the reply to my post. Maybe you are right about Carter being worse than Bush. I think the economy for most of the Bush Presidency was quite good. It went down after the Democrats gneiad control of the House and the Senate. The main reason I listed Bush as worse than Carter is when Bush entered office the United States was probably the most powerful country on earth. It is not now. It lags behind Russia and China in most key areas, especially militarily. I think you may be right about this being deliberate. It seems George Soros may have had a hand in this. It seems he can be found with his hands in many things that are contrary to American interests. He should be treated the same as any foreign enemy.If McCain would have opposed the bailout, I really think he would have won the election and he could have pointed out that most Republican Congressmen were actually against the bail out. Had he have opposed the bail out and pointed out that more Republican Congressmen, especially in the House, were against the bail out than in favor of it the Republicans probably would have lost fewer seats.Thanks for correcting me on the 52%instead of 54%. I think the point I was trying to make was valid. Given the atrocious performance of George W. Bush, the Democratic candidate should have gotten 80% of the popular vote.
Romney, Palin Bachman have been smearing Obama for years, where were you then? Your bias is showing!
If Wolf would start reporting on the Times Best Seller "The Amatuer" everyone would know about this already. Wish he would do his job and report on this book as if it was written about a Repub...Please...quit hiding the obvious...
Romney doesn't have his own voice, he keeps borrowing others. He pick everythign from Bush playbook, compounded with Ryan budget, cook up a perfect storm. Romney insists on taking America back to 2007, Bush on Steroid. NO DEAL !!!
"This election is a 'Paper Chase' and Obama is just about any piece of paper to be trampled!"
Romney use his wealth, his buddy business to flood the election by cash, trump & trash American votors. American is not that stupid. Collectively, they know what banks and big business have done to them, to their housing dream, to their job future. No other story will distract the public. We are not that stupid.
Ha, go see your doctor.
Is Mr. Trumps comments the original "Trumped up accusation"?
I suggest to all US voters, to review the past 80 years or so of US history and see which political party has done the most for us, the working stiffs. It is not the Republicans! It is not the wealthy ! They are why Unions were created, to counter their abuses of adult MEN and WOMEN and CHILD workers. Yes, they create jobs, in India, China, Mexico, etc, etc. Good grief America, wake up! Can you fix major problems others have created for you? And do so easily and cheaply and quickly? NO, of course not. And neither can President Obama. Even Romney acknowledges Obama did not create this mess (nor does he cite a single policy he claims Obama has made it worse with). The Dems are not the best they can be. I think they need new leadership. But, overall, they beat all others, by a bunch – for us and the US. .
romney behave like a teenager. Never serious about getting the fact, and never call out those fake false lie. If he becomes president, he will have every one of his donar run this country. Good grief
I am a Canadian who worked for the federal gov't for 24 years. I paid hefty union dues (about $830/year) but their bargaining power got us fair raises, sick leave, compassionate leave and, they represented employees who were treated unfairly by management or found themselves in trouble. Without unions, people might still be working 80 hrs. per week at minimum wage and under terrible conditions. I can certainly understand why the folks in Wisconsin wanted to oust Walker-too bad they didn't succeed. It is strange to me that the GOP is constantly talking about government's interference in people's lives, the need to shrink the size of gov't etc. but then think it is ok to take people's collective bargaining rights away. I guess they want gov't to but out when it suits them ( e.g. social services and medicare)
Why do you bother to give Donald Trump airtime. He has become irrelavebt, reduntant and quite frankly an embarassment to America. Pls.Donald keep pushing Mitt Rommey as it can only help Pres. Obama. This condasending waste of skin just spent 15 minutes on CNN insulting the host and the network. Do the right thing and ignore him.
Well said. Trump thinks his wealth allows him to say anything to anybody. Sadly, because of his wealth, people (even Wolf Blitzer) are willing to tolerate his crap. Wolf said Trump has been a friend of his for years. Really? My friends sure don't talk to me the way Trump talked to Wolf. Trump clearly has a very personal dislike of Pres. Obama and will stop at nothing to try to keep him from being re-elected. Ironically, it is Trump who ended up looking like an idiot, not the President.
I love Rev Wright! I want to see him, on every twit, youtube everywhere all the time, like Orwellian. I want to see his sermons on flat screen TVs in airports, banks- Walmart TV displays, every bar restaurant everywhere all the time 24X7- always. Play his sermon's around the clock, on all radio station, TV ( special Reverend Wright channel )- Blasting in loudspeakers at school – everywhere all the time Reverend Wright! The more the better! Please crank up the volume also-
Obama's chickennnssssssssss, Coming home tooooo ROOST- (waving my hand in the air). 🙂
Looks like Romney might have gotten over-exposed already. I see he's laying low for a while, trying to stay out of the news (and out of trouble, maybe).
He hasn't actually been named the nominee yet, you know.
Romney is our only choice.
yes, Romney is the only chance to take America to hell. Do you have a Swiss account, you may be spared.
In Oklahoma we were able to convince the doctors supporters that the caucus voting was going to take place on the other side of the hall. Once they were all over there, we closed the doors and locked them out that way we could vote for Romney delegates, and it was a success! We were also able to do this in Arizona as well. He has alot more supporters and he had alot more people vote for him than Romney. He gets on the average of 5,000 people at his speeches and we only get about 500. as long as there is still a media blackout and we can keep his supporters out of the state caucus and delegate nomination process we will have no problem at the national convention. ROMNEY 2012!
Good Grief, God save America. One consolation, look to North and immigrate.
mitt will do like his ancestors if the going gets tuff head for the border,you,ll never see his clan fight for freedom
He certainly ran a classy campaign against his GOP rivals in the primaries this time around now didn't he. Ho ho he he ha ha
Good for Mitt! And good for Wolf for writing a article for CNN that is not anti-Republican. I'm a moderate, but am rooting for Romney!
If you are in the middle class, or below, I cannot get why on earth you would vote for romney?? It seems like you have fallen prey to the fox news / Obama hate machine, made up of a few very, very rich people who want to keep American's dumb and poor – so they can always get cheap labor and high praises. If you are a Christian, the GOP is so far away from the nazarene's teachings that it is unbelievable. GOP = greedy, oligarchy-based, politicians.
Find out your facts about Romney beyond the websites, radio and tv programs you are controlled by.
Your implication is that GOP supporters cannot think for themselves. I think that is both arrogant and ignorant. What has BO done to help the middle class? Is it the record deficits that have stifled the economy? Is it the record foreclosures? Maybe you need to get your information at sites other than MSNBC?
Maybe because we're not envious of the wealthy, and there are far more issues than money.
CNN is the new Fox News, it has went through a complete change in the past year. Anderson Cooper, Blitzer, Gergen Borger and others are promoting Romney. I have given up trying to get the real and honest news from CNN.
everyone is talking about religion, and how he's such a great guy and how your going to vote for him bc he's a family man and a great person, despite their failure to take us out of the recession, or failure to do a lot of other things nationally and economically its just obscene . People this isn't a popularity contest, i don't care what religion he is or how much of a family man he is, if he can't do things right in the seat then he shouldn't be sitting there. Im anti-obama but doesn't mean pro-romney either, people should be voting on the candidates ability to help this country rise, instead of voting for them because they looking good on tv, answering questions about reality stars, picking march madness winners. How about voting for the future president on the the fact that he will works on our country instead of their reputation. Shit is ridiculous. Separate church and state, and personal lives and state, lets be smart Americans instead of naive ones.
Obama studied constitutional law at the highest level. His skills as a politician are off the charts. He is smart, calm, funny, and down to earth. He can balance telling jokes and dealing with terrorists with brilliance. The fact that he takes interest in the NCAA tourney adds great credibility to his reputation amongst young people. he is a world class leader and has inspired democracy around the world. As a statesman, he is charismatic, honest and dignified. He is progressive and yet deeply respectful of others views. He models incredible family values, and real patriotism. Give him four more years and a congress who wants to serve its country, and you will see an America that is the envy of the world.
It seems you are drinking the BO kool aid. BO is more of a politician than a President. He has proven to be the great divider with his "tax the rich" rhetoric. The numbers dont add up. If they did pass the "tax the rich" as BO wants it wouldnt pay for even one year of the deficits of his administration. He is the great divider in the hopes of getting some political gain.
You mention he has studied Constitutional Law at the highest levels. His signature legislation is about to be struck down by the SCOTUS as unconstitutional. How brilliant is that? He has spent millions of taxpayer dollars to implement Obamacare that will be wasted when it is struck down. I think that qualifies as unethical. I havent even started to mention the wonderful things he has done for the economy. You are obviously too biased to be objective.
@ Matt:
I could not have said it better myself! What is so surprising is that the views about the President differ so much. Especially the “GOP/TP” voters want “him to fail” at all costs. This is so surprising, because the President works so hard to make live better for THEM. Something the GOP has never done and will never do. Can it really be that half the people believe in vulture capitalism, bullying, tax evasion and cuts for the rich, insulting international partners, supporting an obstructionist Congress and Senate, looking down on intelligent and educated people, wanting the environment destroyed for quick profits of a few, bestowing whatever religious believes they have on others in disregard of their freedom, being afraid of everything that is new, modern and meant to solve problems…???
I sure hope not!
if you want too blame someone for this economy blame yourself for 2010.how in the world anyone voted these do nothing gop i'll never understand.they ran on jobs and all i hear around the country is anti- abortion bills voter id and anti-gay legislation none of which will produce 1 job.
It is interesting that today, on the sunday shows, the media does NOT want to discuss Romneys religion, but feel it ok doing it with Obama. I find that strange. They don't want to demonize Romney and his religion.
The media drives the discussions about the election and the people need to know that. Is it truly big corporations or the news media that elects the President.
I know one thing – I'm pulling all my accounts from TD Bank after they tried to push a racist ad on Mitt Romney's behalf against Obama. If Romney can't make it on his platforms FOR the middle class – which he has NONE – then he should just keep his big mouth (read: his Super PAC) shut.
Mitt, if you are a true LDS leader you would not be afraid to speak your faith ! Let the People sort it out.
Let them disrtoy eachother. Know who isn't mud slinging? RON PAUL
This is to Bill .. the middle class wouldn't have what we have, if it weren't for the help of the Unions .. ask my husband. We wouldn't have the home we live in now, if my husband hadn't worked in a Union sponsored work place. He was the president of their Union for a few years. We are grateful that he could retire, and not have to worry about the money. You have no idea what you're saying, when you say they raised your income taxes to pay for the Unions .. the Unions are run by the dues paid by each person that works in that work place. The state or federal income taxes have absolutely NOTHING to do with the Unions. The Unions made the middle class. That's a fact .. look at the past, and you will see for yourself .. how people had to work before .. and after the Unions were formed, by the workers themselves, by the way.
The beauty of this manuever by the Romney campaign is they get to bring up the Rev. Wright "issue" without formaly using it as an attack ad. They know that everyone knows what the point is, they don't have to say anything. Then they can move on to repudiate it. It's a win-win. Bottom line, it's still dirty politics. If the Romney campaign was really taking the moral high ground here, you would have never even heard about it.
Excellent point! I really do hate the GOP's style of politics. But, it's the only way they can survive like they do. They have absolutely no character (except mcCain) or integrity. The democrats are forced to fight fire with fire – but I hate that too. I desperately hope that there will be major reform with regards campaign policies in future. The republicans won't have it though.
Matt, at first I was shocked at some of your replies to other posters. I could not believe someone could be so brainwashed and oblivious at the same time. But then it hit me, you are a political blogger DNC operative. This is the strength of your party. That is, to attack and repudiate at every turn the reality that is today's social and economic reality. Either that or you are Wolf himself or another CNN anchor. This is not 4 years ago. The hope and change campaign will not be successful. The economy is horrible. The real unemployment rate north of 20 percent and you talk about Obama's charisma.
While I am glad that Gov Romney is (somewhat tepidly) trying to disassociate his campaign from this attack angle, I can't give him too much credit for it or say that it was "classy" of him. Gov Romney has shown us that he is willing to do or say anything to become president, even to the extent of compromising his alleged principles and reversing his stance on key issues when it serves his political purposes. Repudiating the Rev Wright attack angle is smart politics and works in Gov Romney's favor; he'll get credit from me for courage and class when he stands up (against his base, or anyone else for that matter) in favor of something that might not be politically advantageous, even if I disagree with the position.
For a good example on this, refer to Obama standing up in support of gay marriage, or several of the things John McCain did in his 2008 and (particularly) his 2000 campaigns.
It begs the question...why havent the public held BO accountable for going to this church for many years? He obviously supported the point of view or he would have moved to another church. He left the church because he wanted the political gain.
Mr. Romney might be very good at Politics .. but, that won't make him a good leader, a good President .. it just makes him good at Politics.
how again does romney being mormon make him a poor candidate for presidency? For those people calling out on his religous beliefs think about what a failing country would mean for the mormons, the majority of mormons are U.S and they all pay up 10 percent to there church, if this country tanks then so does mormonism, so wouldn't be in the mormons best interest to get this country back up and running smoothly just like everyone else wants? Also if your freaking out about him mormonizing the country remember the president has power that's kept in balance. What drastic changes could he make with out anyones approval?
Honestly, I hope Romney and the GOP go after Obama about somthing like this. It will then force Romney to discuss his Mormon beliefs. I can't wait till that cat comes out of the bag
Romney has already lost the election.
The polls say differently.
if any of you believe mitt romney had no idea about the ad of rev wright, then you all still believe in santa clause. that bastard would have gone with the ad if the Times had not release their plans. mitt romney is the biggest lier there is. the man was recorded on the hannity radio show talking about rev wright. also for those who are against pres obama let me tell you a couple of things first this man fought for your unemployment benefits when the replublicans wanted to cut them off. second the president killed the man who caused 911 the pres bush had no intention of ever bring him to justice. if romney become president you better believe jobs will be gone overseas, your medicaid and medicare will be gone as well as other benefits low incom families rely on to care for their children and family. it doesn't take a genius to figure out which man is going to work for you. OBAMA 012
I get the feeling you would apologize for BO no matter what he did. It seems you are more concerned with a political victory instead of what is best for the country.
It's political theater as usual. This is a performance people. Reminding people about Rev Wright? Check. Reminding them that Obama attended an African-American Church? Check. Keeping people from thinking this message is Romney's fault? Check.
Just remember, politics is a science about shaping people's opinions. There's tons of research on what buttons to push to move public opinions on a topic or candidate, and they can calculate to within a few percent how much a message will change poll numbers. The side that can do this the best wins, and truth is not a requirement.
Are you referring to how they are playing with the unemployment numbers?
Romney's grandparents were polygamous Mormons who fled the United States with their children owing to the federal government's prosecution of polygamy
Romney is indeed smart . Remember that he evaded the draft during the Vietnam era by living in a mansion in France
Romney's "great" grandfather was a polygamist in Mexico until 1898. They were forced out of the states, persecuted for their religion. Read the extermination order by Gov. Boggs of Missouri in 1838. It declared war against the religion and gave permission to kill Mormons. Literally. They had to flee.
But hey, Obama's father was a polygamist... married both to a woman in America and in Africa.
how noble of him.
I take that as sarcasm.
Bill, #69, ha ha ha. Running a country, and all the cnaebit level departments, especially the really important ones, is far more complicated and a whole nuther animal, than a political campaign.The _team_ I was talking about was not necessarily his campaign team, but all his appointments for his administration, from his chief-of-staff on down, and the cnaebit level appointments, and all their people they are going to put in position.There are hundreds of people that a new president has to put into place, and those people are then in charge of hiring/appointment many more who are still outside of the civil-service positions.In other words, who are going to be his Cheneys, Rices, etc?And , Obama is _not_ that smart. He's got charisma, and a good campaign manager and _campaign_ staff, but smarts, in terms of intellect and knowledge, no.And Hillary is not all that bad-looking or fat for a woman her age. She's better looking than most single women her age that I know. Most single women in the church who are her age are fatter.I'm really really torn. I'm a die-hard conservative, and I'm seriously tempted to vote democrat in the general election, just so Republicans don't get the blame for the mess we're going to have in the next 4 years.Wouldn't be ironic if many democrats voted republican for same reasoning?Hmmm, would it be too morbid to hope that Romney is McCain's running mate, they win the general election, and then McCain soon throws one of his temper-trantrums and pops a blood-vessel in his brain?
For me, the support for Obama is mgetiatid by his health-care plan being by choice, not mandatory for everyone. I don't like socialized medicine, and that is exactly what Clinton proposes. One need only look to England to see old people being denied care or being put at the end of the waiting line (and I speak from first-hand knowledge)because of their age to see gaping flaws in Socialized Medicine. As far as abortion, it is not the lynchpin for me in chosing where to cast my vote. My personal opinion on the morality aside, it is only one part of a broad platform, and I wish the decision was still considered a private medical issue between a woman and her doctor, not huge herring it is today.
Romney is the most secretive candidate we haven't seen in our life time.
He refused to reveal his tax returns to demonstrate he is one of us, patrioatic Americans.
He hide, he lie, he ignore. ... the MOST ARROGANT man in the country looking for the highest job of the land.
Fellow American should deny such arrogant man. He show no respect, only interested in pleasing billionnaire donars.
Is GOP that incompetent?
The right wing of this country have become so rotten that they are willing to ruin this country. They have no shame. They believe there is no room for people of color in this country.
and don't forget the gays .............. we don't deserve equality either.
John,,,I will never understand why gays support Republicans. Gays will NEVER be accepted in the Republican party.
I wont force my morality on you if you dont force your immorality on me.
where is your factual evidence to back up your argument? If anything the left is calling for an increase of spending with mandates and programs and perpetuate the debt that we cannot afford. These are facts. You have made a very ignorant statement.
Maybe because Romney has more class than Obama will EVER have.
Romney's in the upper upper class of rich people. Think the top 1%. As presidential republican or democratic candidates go, no one, has ever been as rich as Romney. He is in a class by himself.
Hello–what about John Kerry-he is about the same Net Worth as Romney. I believe he married well rather than working for a living. Anyone check out the Kennedy fortune?
Only the Dems can forget "minor" details like that.
Mary
Hello–what about John Kerry-he is about the same Net Worth as Romney. I believe he married well .
Mary
Are u for real??? I'm sure Obama has never joined in on gang activity and held down and cut a gay person's hair. For real.
Not hard to do...Obama has none.
I understand the 'gentlemen' approach of not bringing it up,, but you also have to realize that Obama has over a billion dollars strictly for ads in which many will look to dig up the best dirt possible on yourself as they already have.
The Obama campaign is even stretching things without getting the facts like the ad this week they ran on Romney that they had to retract.
Nothing about this campaign coming from the left will be 'gentleman' like,, so i don't see the harm in bringing up anything fact related against Obama to combat that.
Why would Mitt all of a sudden stop slinging mud now Wolf? What are you talking about? What possible logic led you to this conclusion? Who's whispering in your ear?
Are you saying it is ok to use mormonism against Mitt Rommny? Many evangelicals and catholics and many conservative christians would run away from Rommny's camp. Mitt don't have anything to gain out of these. Hewould loose alot. He is just giving the Obama campaign some meat in the bone.
By placing a repuclinparty member in office this countrie will fell and go back in to a defeciet downfall the republins think the only way to fix this countrie is by raising taxes on middleclass and small business,when we should be taxing those that make$ 250,000 or more he also whants to take away medicare for the oldery that need help with many health issuesand more.the republicans only think about the rich and dont care about middle class or small businuess owners.the republican party cant run this countrie and fix it.
The slick part of this is he doesn't need to endorse it or run an ad for this to work for him. We all saw the Rev. Wright ads and videos on Youtube last time around. By coming out and saying "Don't run these ads," Romney has convinced voters he's a good guy on this subject, but seriously, just saying the name again has got the press talking about it, us thinking about it, and people running to Youtube to refresh their anti-Obama memories. It's a classic move of being classless while looking classy. They don't need to run the ad now. The media and our memories are running it for them, while they look "classy." A well-played political move there, I have to admit.
There is no reason for Romney to lower himself as would, maybe, some of the Obama followers regarding religion. Romney is not a "hit below the belt" type of man....he has scruples and is very moral and a good family man. I am sure that Obama is the same, so lets leave religion and religious ministers out of this. It is bad enough that Rev Wright spoke so harshly about our country and to me he spoke not as a minister but, as a traitor to our country!
classy not really, Would he really won't to talk about the cult he is a member of?
He doesn't need to use Wright, just use Obama.
Wolf is becoming Sean Hannity of CNN.
MAC,#158,If it wasne2€™t why does it hurt your feelings so much that Obama is named as the e2€œmost liabrel senator in 2007?e2€9d If you didne2€™t consider liabrelism a negative, why arene2€™t you the one trotting out proof of Obamae2€™s leftist credentials?I really don't care if he really is the most liabrel senator in the Senate. That's not the point. The point is that he ISN'T the most liabrel in the Senate. That would probably be Russ Feingold. The point is that you guys are attempting to smear Obama with a label that you guys have owned. You throw this label around to anyone who is a threat to you. And I'm merely pointing out how silly it is to do so.
According to the writer, about 8 mliilon former Hilary supporters actually voted for McCain, based on the exit polls.I don't think it was that many, but it was not a negligible number. Also, Kevin DuJan is fairly well connected in Democrat circles. I wouldn't discount this. Although if say, Hillary os running against Sarah Palin I don't really see Clintonistas supporting Palin.What we have here is the rise of the Reagan Democrats, I think.
McCain ran a "clean" campaign, refusing to bring up Rev. Jeremian Wright and the complete lack of vetting of Obama, and look where it got us. Four years of the worst president in history, along with a sinking economy, a sinking US dollar, lessening of the US Constitution, and a growing government run by unelected and unaccountable czars.
Check your facts.
You can Thank the GOP For the financial mess of the country. You have been poisoned.
It's amazing that you fight for the people who want to rob you (unless of course, you made it into the club). Come on! Fight for the middle class – for the American dream – for the true gospel message. Don't serve the 1%!
Hey you're right...that's why we're trying to get out of these Bush tax cut's, the Iraq war, republican congressional stagnation, assaults on constitutional laws protecting citizens right to vote (i.e. 1965 voting rights bill) and financial institutional transperancy to protect your investments (i.e. 2008-12 meltdown) OBAMA 2012
Hum it seems that Mitt romney had in his hands the documents detailed plan to be financed by Joe Ricketts when he made the remarks made in February on Sean Hannity’s radio show that Mr. Obama wanted to make America “a less Christian nation.
For Christians this election is an interesting challenge... do you vote for a Christian, or vote for a cult member? Isn't the greater sin voting for the cult member? You do know what Mormon teachings say about Christians, right? It is an interesting dilemma – I'm Catholic (an original Christian, thank you), I consider Evangelicals and Mormons to be cult followings, so I find it amusing to see them try to like one another. And I'd warn fellow Catholics to peel back the onion, you will find the Evangelicals don't like us Catholics much more than they like Mormons.
As it says in the Bible...'render to God's His and render to Caesar's his.' This is not God's world his as Christ said My Kingdom is not of this world. We really miss the point of Christ message but He said most would miss His message and twist it.
I don't understand the ranliylg for Hillary while condemning Obama (I don't support either, never have, never will, never could), as to the "Saul Alinsky" dismissal of Obama while Hillary Clinton is likely as dedicated to the Alinsky methods and goals as Obama is. They are both Marxists, clearly, though Hillary plays her Marxism far closer to the vest than does Obama, it does not mean that they represent alternatives in that regard. Though any of us non-Marxists would gladly welcome converts from Marxism as to support for Palin or any other Conservative. I'm just wondering here if the fascination for Hillary is relatively the same as the fascination for Obama among those who support either/or: cult of personality.
Romney MAY run away from the idea, but his attack dogs, claiming protection under Citizens United certainly will not. This will easily become Swift Boat II. However, it's likely it will fail when it runs up against The Citizens United against the war on women, the stupidity of the GOP, and the continual LIES!
Being a gentleman means you probably were taught to open the door for a woman. It never meant closing the doors to the women! Actions speak much louder than words, and Romney's actions show his words have no meaning, and you certainly can't count of them to be his words tomorrow. Remember, he supported the Detroit bailout...after he didn't support it.
Interesting conflict – use Rev Wright and try to dredge up old arguments, but risk confirming that Obama is a Christian and Romney is not. So, as an Evangelical, you can vote for a Christian or for a heathen, or I guess a heathen in either case if you are extremist. So why vote if you are an Evangelical? Won't God punish you in either case?
Judge not lest ye be judge...when did you become able to read God's mind sir?
wouldn't bringing up rev. wright remind all of those swing voters that obama is actually not muslim?
if they superpacs are going to be running this election anyway, why would any politician throw mud when he can have other's do it for him?
Personally, i'm WAY more interested in what the debates will look like. Should make for some good tv.
If Romney had spent years going to the church of a racist hate monger, one wonders if Wolf would have viewed discussion of that as "sleazy trash" that the Democrats should not mention for the sake of decency.
Everyone has missed the point. Its nothing about being a gentleman which I doubt that Romney is, its opening the door to a debate on religion and as a Mormon, Romney cannot risk that subject being red meat.
Mitt Romney is trying to innoculate himself from the inevitable attacks on the Mormon church. Just curious. Does anyone in the media have the courage to do a full expose of the LDS? Because the average American knows very little about the church. it would be nice to know what we are voting for.
After all that Obama bashing and birther junk he's hoping people will forget, and try to take the high ground.
Smart move by Romney. It paints Romney to look like a good man. He does not have to open a can of worms about Monmon faith and his church.
Is Rev. Jeremiah Wright white or black? Can't make it out in the photos. Never heard of him until Obama.
What was the controversy with him? Is he a white pastor militant on white issues? Or is he a black pastor militant on black issues? Or is he a white pastor militant on black issues? Or (very unlikely) a black pastor militant on white issues?
Comment awaiting moderation, this must be a pro Romney blog. Can't say anything negative about the negative GOP
Romney won't, but pro-Romney PAC's will! So Romney can disavow all negative ads while reaping the benefits of negaitve ads. Thank the Supreme Court for that.
finally Romney does something correct. Will he flip flop though? That is the question Wolf should ask. This is a pressing issue, Wolf. Present his past record of flip flopping and ask him repeatedly if he will flip flop on this, depending on how the political winds are blowing. HA
Romney does not want people to research Mormonism.
It's a cult.
Romney won't use Rev. Wright because too many of his own religious skeletons in the closet. He doesn't want to go there and who can blame him. His grandfather hates the United States because it wouldn't allow him to have four wives.
Not all attack ads are evil or even bad, if they impart pertinent information. It's when they stoop to falsehoods, half-truths, and mere character assassination without substance that they become a problem. They're bad when they play on emotion and subliminal messaging rather than a fair conveyance of information. Both candidates and their super PACs need to keep that in mind when producing attack ads.
http://triciaerickson.tumblr.com/
Check out this link to an ex-Mormon who explains the "religion"
After 4 years of lies and distortions about President Obama it is going to be fun to see the truth about Mitt Romney's "religion" come out.
Wonder if you will have Sean Hannity tonight - stating Romney should make sure that all monies donated by that PAC be given back........that would only be "Fair and Balanced" now wouldn't it...
Romney needs to call President Bush by his name instead of calling the predecessor no repect for the office of The President Of The United Stated
DKL,#157,Margaret, whether soeonme is a hawk or not is beside the point. Everybody wants the war in Iraq to end. The question is on what terms. I want victory. Obama wants defeat.Heh, you couldn't take victory when it was handed to you in 2003. You had to stick around and mess things up. No, you don't want victory. You want occupation. If things improve, you'll argue that we should stay just so that things don't get bad again. If things do not improve, you'll argue that we should stay because things are bad and we should try to improve them. You don't seem to realize that WE are the problem in Iraq. WE are the reason for the violence. If we leave, the violence leaves with us. But see, war supporters know this. They know that the violence goes wherever we go. So why bring the violence here? It doesn't make sense to bring the violence home. Let's take the violence to others. So, in the words of Thomas Friedman, you go around in Iraq, and later in Iran, because you can. Suck on this. you will say to them. Break that bubble of theirs. Because you can. Not because we should. Not because it is prudent, or a wise foreign policy, but because we want to flex those muscles of ours. After all, a weapon unused is a useless weapon. Silly ideology I tell you.
Romney has a serious problem in human relationship. He seems at odd with his own party (may be he joined a wrong party), he does everything possible to AVOID any association or implication with BUSH. But, his support of tax holiday for millionnaires, his advisors overwhelmingly comes from Bush Administration ( one reported 70%). How could Romney expect people don't see him thru Bush's eye?
it is essentially BUSH 3.0
Sorry Wolf, While i hope you are right on this one, doubtful. Just recently he failed to step up when someone said the President should be charged with treason.
Mitt gets the best of both worlds. His buddies put the idea of this campaign out there, thereby saying it without having to pay for the ads. Then, Mitt gets to act appalled and take the high road. These Super PACs are getting pretty slick.
That looks like an ad for Mitt Romney there, Wolf.......hmmm....
Wolf pretends to forget that Romney had used the Jeremiah Wright attack against Obama in February 2012 on Fox News.
I'm glad Romney did the right thing here, politically, although it doesn't erase my interest in Obama's friendships. Many of his questionable ties deserve a closer look at as these were not casual "associations" he had throughout the years. I think it's fair game. In Spanish, there's an old saying, "Tell me who you walk with, and I'll tell you who you are". I get that it doesn't make him guilty of any one thing, but it does cause pause. As far as likability, I like Big Mac's but I know they're not good for me....I dislike many "healthier" foods, but I choose them because their much more beneficial. In other words, I won't vote for someone purely based on likability.
Romney did know about this. He is a liar! In front of the camera Romney will say anything. THis is offensive to the American people! President Obama has never been a racist. The GOP are evil and it is astonishing to see how some whites have become so lowlife and disgusting. IT is a time to be extraordinarily proud to be BLACK!
Romney and his super PAC are playing you all like silly putty. You just said exactly what they wanted. They had no intention of doing this ad, but to put it out there served two purposes. One, it gets people thinking about Wright without Romney dirtying his nose and then he pretends with his fake plastic self that he repudiates it. He played you all good and made Wolf's day, he just endorsed him on CNN! You did not vote for him before and never will. Romney just as he destroyed his re-pubs competition is trying the same here. But guess what how do you defeat a bully, you bully him back. Bring it on, you will just make us want to vote even more and trust me, you will see a tidal-wave in the African-American community like 2008 was just a 3 feet wave.
Hey MIller, most of us didn't care for Bush's friends either. For example, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, to mention two complete and ignorant idiots. Also Bush was an alcoholic failed business person, but I am sure you thought the world of him. Who cares who are friends with Obama IN THE PAST. Get over it. Be an untypical Republican and give a crap about the issues of the day, such as job creation and deficit reduction rather than more tax breaks for the whiny millionaires. Get a grip, Miller
Don't be naive. Romney won't, but pro-Romney PACs will! Romney can disavow all negative ads while PACs can do the dirty work. You can thank the Supreme Court for its decision that "Corporations are people".
It's a stupid ad to run anyway – who would it be for? The Far Right. They are unlikely to vote for Obama anyway. I'm pleased to hear Romney is not stooping. We need a campaign more focused on the issues from both sides. I would like to hear more specifics of what Romney would do for the economy. I'm not convinced he has a plan.
Well, they may say they're not going to use it, but that won't necessarily stop the Super PACs (with whom they are not supposed to coordinate strategy) from doing so.
That's just a smart move by Romney. He doesn't want to open that can of worms!
Come on. Just admit that all the fear mongering about the "death of Israel" was pictoilal garbage and get on with the next assault. I know you have to spin this as Obama somehow switching positions but it just ain't so. All your Khalidi baiting didn't help during the election so you can drop it now. This post makes it seem as if you had postulated a slightly less pro-Israeli policy rather than a wholesale sell out of the Jewish state. Mea Culpa anyone?
Rmoney couldn't comment on Rev. Wright without discussing his Mormon faith.
boom goes the dynamite
Sorry for the double post, but I frogot to include something in my comment about the church's stance on abortion. The saddest part of the official handbook statement on abortion is the statement that a member considering abortion should pray and that a possible answer to that prayer is God telling that person to abort their baby. I do not believe God would ever tell someone to abort their baby. The very idea that one should pray whether or not to abort their baby is deeply disturbing and so contrary to the God I know.
Question:
If Romney is elected, will he take the oath on the Book of Mormon?
Exactly.
Considering that Obama's friends tried to bribe Wright, then Obama told him in a secret meeting that he, "tells the truth," I think the Wright thing is fair game as it should've been in 2008. Especially considering the fuss being made over Romney's highschool days.
I guess the alleged meeting couldn't have been that secret since you're quoting alleged comments from the meeting. You obviously don't understand anything at all about black churches, and the integral part they have played in our AMerican culture. First of all, we don't all agree with, or preach along the line of Jeremiah Wright. Secondly, being a member of church doesn't mean that you agree with everything the pastor says. The pulpit should never become a political platform, and when it does this is the kind of BS that results. Furthermore, the sermon from which the sound-bites were produced is freely available in it's entirety, and you should hear the whole thing before passing a judgement. Lastly, the US Constitution grants Pastor Wright the freedom to express his views in that church, and even in public with the appropriate permits having been filed. It is very narrow minded of you to suggest that Obama is responsible for the thoughts, views, and opinions of another grown man with whom doesn't agree. Did you hold Sen McCain responsible for the comment Pastor John Hagee made when Pastor Hagee referred to the Catholic church as "Satan's whore."? Sen McCain denounced Pastor Hagee's endorsement, but do you feel that should have been fair game for the other team?
They say that you can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps, so yes they should use it. I would also like to see more investigation about Obamas use of cocaine, which he has self admitted to, because how do we know that he has stopped using, we don't, and no one should ever take him at his word.
Wouldn't it be great to elect some that not only sounds smart but does things smart?
Rev Wright – A racist as ever there was one born. Using his association with Obama is dead wrong. Romney needs to stay on target with the real failing of his administration. Not some wack job he once knew – trust me Obama has distant hisself from Rev Wright. If there is one thing you can say about Obama – he isn't stupid.
Romney is a gentleman financial crook, not to be dragged into a petty blue collar argument.
you are sooooo RIGHT !!
Look Jim, I know it makes you feel good calling Romney a crook, but to just throw out accusations without specifics or proof is really pathetic. Please list in detail who Romney stole from, how much he stole and why he wasn't prosecuted. Theft is illegal. If Romney is a thief, I'd like to know. If he's not a thief, then cut the crap.
As for Romney being a "financial Crook", A lot of people are giving Obama a lot of flak about the Wall Street Bailouts. I personally believe that though the bailouts were evil, they were an evil necessity. However, let's just ignore the necessity or the "too big to fail" scenario. Let's just assume Obama was truly "in bed" with Wall Street. Well, Mitt Romney was worse than being "in bed" with Wall Street. MITT ROMNEY WAS (and still is) WALL STREET!
This election Milliners and Billionaires are pouring the money, same time both parties talking about unemployment rate and deficit this election is real weird
Vic, I couldn't resist.
Milliners are hat makers ;).
I think I know what you mean
I thought that candidates were not supposed to exert control over PACs. Doesn't Romney's rejection of the "Wright ad" imply control and violate the PAC rules?
No,. It implies a "thank you" do those that do the dirty work which he can't do himself. He'll denounce it publicly, but will quiety appreciate any votes that it gets him.
No, it does not. Romney can't MAKE them stop running the ad...he can just publicly state that he doesn't endorse it or condone it. Someone would have to be pretty obtuse to keep running an ad that the person you're trying to help doesn't want his name associated with you....
No, he was simply disavowing any involvement, and more importantly, any agreement with the ads. That is called distancing himself from the ads and the group that was going to run the ads. He had no control over the ads or the decision to run the ads.
look, this is a guy who is more intrested in giving tax breaks for millionaires for their 12 Elevators for their 12 cars for their 12 homes than having woman have their afforable health care for their cervical cancer. What a piece of work. He dont give a damn about nobody except the Rich, Richer & Ultra Richie Rich Romneys of the Country. That statement is a total smokescreen. He wants to apear as normal. Not a chance, Make no mistake about it, this Election is the Unios & the midlle class against MR Personality & the Extremly well off.
This is an election between welfare and self reliance. Stand on your own two feet or sit on your butt waiting for your handout.
Dave, please do not dump the middle class in with the unions. The unions are as big a part of the problem as the millionaires. My state (Illinois) has been run into the ground by the unions and we were stuck with an income tax increase to support the unions.
Dave, the top 10% of wage earners (the rich) pay 71% of the taxes in this country! How much do you want them to pay?
Why is it that rich people are demonized for living the American dream? Pull your pants up and live the dream for yourself instead of bad mouthing those who are working hard and building businesses that supply products that make life better for everyone. Quit inhaling Obama's talking points and use your own head to filter the BS.
Very well said. Thanks Ryan.
Sherpa,I think that it is pretty ovboius that almost all of us would prefer a president who would do what we would do at our finest. That would tend to be someone who helps the good guys, beats back the bad guys, and balances the checkbook. No-one wants a corrupt politician anymore (Clinton cured us). As regards an idealist, only so long as his ideals match ours.
Romney know nothing about integrity. He jumped from moderate to severe conservative to off the cliff.
This man has no gut, no spine, no honor. say whatever, do whatever, sleep wherever just to win.
47% of American don't pay tax, to Romney, he told you and me "hell with you!"
What do we say to Romney? you have our middle fingers up tall.