OK - so Romney has spoken, what do you think? Updated . . . Fox News
Romney was on Hannity tonight - what did you think of what he said?
· Mitt stated that people need to look for the strong points that they can agree with Senator McCain
· He stated that both Hillary and Obama are inexperienced as well as similar to Chiwawas when it comes to John “Big Dog” McCain
Mitt also highlighted quite effectively McCain strengths . . . do you believe that Mitt will get the nod for VP?
Romney Says He Would Agree to Be McCain VP Running Mate
by FOXNews.com
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mitt Romney told FOX News on Tuesday that he would do anything to help John McCain become president, even serving as his vice presidential running mate.
The former Republican presidential candidate and Massachusetts governor said he’s sure the presumptive GOP nominee has a long list of “terrific people” to choose from as a vice presidential candidate, but he wouldn’t reject an offer.
“I think any Republican leader in this country would be honored to be asked to serve as the vice presidential nominee, myself included. Of course, this is a nation which needs strong leadership, and if the nominee of our party asked you to serve with him anyone would be honored to receive that call, and to accept it, of course,” Romney said in his first televised interview since dropping out of the presidential race.
Romney, who did not name anyone in particular who may fit the vice presidential bill, said he expects McCain and his group of advisers will choose his running mate based on several factors.
“He’s going to have a process for doing that which will begin by saying which person or people has the skills to actually become president, which could strengthen the administration and strengthen our nation at a critical time, and perhaps who could help in some political ways, who could help in some key states or with key constituencies,” he said.
Romney became the favorite of the conservative base during the campaign and still has 251 delegates in his pocket. He shocked supporters by dropping out during the Conservative Political Action Conference that came two days after Feb. 5, Super Tuesday.
Romney told the activists that it would be better for the party not to have a drawn-out fight that could jeopardize a victory in November. He urged conservatives to get behind McCain, and said McCain’s national security credentials would be an asset for the country. A week later he formally endorsed his former rival.
“There really are no hard feelings” between him and the Arizona senator over the tough and sometimes bitter direction the campaign took, Romney said. Each of them fought for the positions they thought were best for the nation.
Romney added that he would be happy to discuss with McCain any issues one-by-one with McCain if the candidate sought his advice on appealing to conservatives.
But he is not going to dispense any advice off the cuff, he said, because “I’m not going to try to guide the guy who won. … Let’s not forget, he won the primaries, he won the caucuses, he became the nominee so the positions which he has are ones which have been successful in the final analysis.”
Romney said after he withdrew from the race, he took a break and visited with his grandchildren. He also spent time reflecting on his “experiences of a lifetime,” but he hasn’t “given a lot of thought” to a future presidential bid.
“That’s like asking a woman after she’s just delivered the baby, ‘Do you want to get pregnant again?’” he laughed. “Let’s let some time pass.”
The former candidate said is now working on a schedule that will include fund-raisers and events for congressman, senators and governors who supported his candidacy as well as fulfilling other requests made of him.
“I will do whatever Senator McCain asks for me to do in his campaign to help out in any way that I can. I want to make sure that we have conservative leadership guiding our country. … Now is the time for us to come together and support his candidacy.”Romney said he hopes Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee because he thinks the distinction between McCain and Obama would be easier to make than the one between McCain and Hillary Clinton.
“With Senator Clinton, there’s some confusion in perception that somehow being there while her husband was president made her a foreign policy, national security experienced person. She’s not. She doesn’t have any more experience really of a significant nature than Barack Obama does,” Romney said.
He added that when it comes to a general election, it will be evident to voters that Obama “is in no significant way qualified to lead the country in a time of war, to lead the country out of an economic challenge. This is not a person who can stand up to Senator McCain.”
Romney said while Clinton promotes experience, she is vulnerable. “My dad used to say, ‘There’s nothing as vulnerable as entrenched success,’” he said. “And now you look at the delegates, looks like she’s going to have to fight at this point.”em>
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/11/romney-says-he-would-agree-to-be-mccain-vp-running-mate/
March 11th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
As Mitt sometime says “Oh there’s no question” I’ll say this, Oh there’s no question, Mitt Romney should have been our nominee. He did awesome, I think he’s sincere in saying he supports Sen. McCain he cares about our country and the party.
His criticism of Obama was spot on too!
March 11th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Mitt Romney is the ONLY candidate who can strengthen the McCain Campaign and have any chance of winning against the Democrats. McCain’s strength on national security issues and Romney’s strengths on the economy plus his excellent communication skills will create an unbeatable M&M ticket. McCain need not be intimidated by the “perfectness” of Mitt Romney - they both have strong opinions but in the end have the ability and the courage to make decisions that will be best for America.
We must continue to send the message to the RNC and McCain Campaign - often until they get the message - NO MITT _ NO MONEY. Another reason for an M&M campaign - Mitt and Money = strength for McCain.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Mitt did a great job on the interview. John McCain will be perceived very small-minded and petty should he choose not to invite Mitt to be on his ticket. Honestly, who else is better qualified than Mitt per to Fred Barnes? Mitt was very gracious toward John McCain throughout the entire interview. Mitt has class. Darn it, I’m missing him already.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I forgot to say that I thought the interview was well structured and delivered by Sean and as always, wonderful, genuine, diplomatic and substantive responses by Mitt. How anyone can support any other candidate but him amazes me. How proud we would be if he was in the White House - and God knows we need some “proud”
March 11th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Chihuahuas I believe. Of course, Romney WILL get the nod for VP.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Nope, not going to happen.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Hey Rusty: And your qualifications for such a prediction are?___________________
Listen up - read more, study “facts” and know that united we stand, divided we fall and together we can make a difference in this election.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Mitt is going to be the VP!!!! I missed Mitt, it was great to see him back tonight! Back and as smart, mature, and presidential as ever! America lost when Mitt went out…still hard to stomach the 3 choices left. But, an M&M ticket will pull the party together.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Seeing Mitt tonight was like seeing one of the great loves of your life and not knowing what their reaction would be toward you, and then to realize that they still care, and want to be back in your life. This may sound corny, but it was great to see Mitt.
There is three things that will guarantee Mitt the VP spot, Rove, money and McCain knows that he can’t get conservative support without Mitt.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
What qualifications are required for a prediction? What are you qualifications? Did you go to prediction school? Is it alright for me to have an opinion? Is it?
March 11th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I question whether it’s a smart move by Romney. Would he be a great VP? No Question about it. Could he change the nature of the VP pjob? He would be Super-VP!!
Suppose though that a McCain/Romney ticket goes down in flames to a media-hyped Obama/Clinton ticket. Is Romney so tainted at that point that he’s no longer in standing to run in 2012?
What are the chances of such an event? Consider that thru February 5th (Super Tuesday). Democrats out voted republicans 25 million to 13 million. After that date the numbers are irrelevant because there was only one race to decide. An Obama/Clinton ticket would bring all of them out and more. And this pattern was fairly uniform across most of the states, and all the big ones thru 2/5/08. What happens to Romney’s political future if the only states they get in 2008 are AZ, UT and ID?
This is McCains last shot regardless. If he loses this, it’s out to pasture for him. But Romney has years to go, and a crushing defeat may taint his future prospects so badly that 2012 is then out of the question. Yeah, I know, I’m just Mr. Pessimism. But so far we have droves of lemmingCrats voting for two inexperienced nothings seperately. If you put two inexperienced nothing’s together (a very scary thought indeed), I think the media will push that combo so hard that no real opposition message will get through.
OK, unload on me.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I am still waiting to read up on the “facts” Please educate me.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
will not vote for Mccain, regardless the VP. McCain is trouble just waiting to happen like Bush.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:11 am
I voted for Mitt Romney here in Missouri. I would prefer him to be our next President
but I know we could also accept him as Vice President……..
March 12th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Great post Renna. No Mitt, no money. The Governor looked great and sounded so convincing. Never at a loss for words. Always gives good answers. McCain will be on H & C on Thursday for the entire hour. Let’s see what he got to say.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Rusty:
I think Renna was just asking about why you think Mitt would not get the nod. I am curious too. You don’t need to be an expert to have an opinion.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:36 am
I believe that he on a very short list for the position. I think he is not McCain’s own favorite, but is being advised by experts to go with Romney if he wants to win.
My evidence?
1. Mitt quickly got out of the race when it was clear he couldn’t win, rather than staying in to shore up his conservative credentials a la Huckabee, at the expense of McCain.
2. He promptly endorsed McCain and gave him his delegates.
3. He took a month off to let coverage of the rough campaigning between the two die down and to wait for Huck to get his *ss out of the race.
4. He got his website up and running again.
5. His son Josh showed interest in running for office, but quickly pulled out, giving no clear reason why.
6. Mitt gave a lengthy interview to Sean Hannity in which he expressed interest in the office. If he knew that he wasn’t being considered, he would have avoided the question, or said he had other projects in the works and did not have an interest in the position.
7. I believe next we will hear from McCain himself on Hannity Thursday that Mitt is on that list.
I think the biggest problem with Mitt being picked as VP are disenfranchised Huck supporters who may not vote because their candidate was overlooked in favor of “That Mormon”.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Well, it brought me to tears seeing Mitt back in the spotlight just for a short time. Mitt continues to emit some kind of “vibe”- perhaps, just because I am a Mitten!
Too Bad, Evangelicals will need to hold their nose and vote for McCain if Mitt happens to be the VP… it will do disgrace for America if they refuse to vote for them just because… you know…
The Day of Judgment is COMING for Evangelicals! How Exciting! I will vote Republican in November, anyway. There is no way, it’s unthinkable of having either Obama or Hillary as the next President… NO WAY!
GO MITT!
March 12th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Look, I’m going to be frank and predict (uh oh) lol. Hillary and especially Barack, have huge ego’s. Neither one of them will be a ticket - they WILL take it to the convention while McCain gives Romney the nod as the VP. McCain presses the war with STATISTICS that show the surge has indeed WORKED while Romney presses the economy. They split up and go all over the country.
McCain and Romney will start raising about or as much money as the Democrats and Romney will spend his money here and there. Democrats will look horrible amongst voters and our M and M’s will look like the knights in shining armor (well, at least Our Man Mitt).
This leads to…. January 20, 2009 - John Roberts inaugurating John McCain as the 44th President Of The United States Of America.
I guess I’m Mr.Optimistic but that’s the way I feel and if I’m wrong, so be it. What happens happens and when it happens we Republicans have to ensure that we gain control of Congress.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Oh, I forgot! Happy Birthday WILLARD!
March 12th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Seeing and hearing Romney again was incredible. Mitt’s articulate, sincere responses during Hannity’s interview are a refreshing reminder of how knowledgeable, seasoned, and likeable Romney is. What a great guy!
I’m glad Mitt has had time to rest a little and spend time with his grandchildren. Behind the scenes, he’s been laying out plans to actively campaign for Republicans and will help McCain in any way possible. He bears no rancor toward McCain. Mitt Romney is a man of great character and is an example of how defeated nominees should “circle the wagons” after a vigorous primary process.
M & M would be mmm-mmmmm, good!
March 12th, 2008 at 2:39 am
We need to remain calm and not get our hopes up. We are still dealing with McCain here. Also the liberal media still does not want Romney. I am hoping and praying that it happens….. but I will vote McCain no matter what. However, I won’t give money or work for the campaign without Mitt on the ticket. I was a regular contributor to the Romney Campaign and did fund raising for him too. The economy is a big deal and we are in hot water …keep praying!
March 12th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Look, I hope Mitt does get asked. I just wish people would lighten up. I don’t have to defend myself. For the record, I was joking. So, pardon me for trying to keep it light.
March 12th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Let’s see if McCain is a gambling man.
McCain / Romney = White House
McCain / ??? = The Biggest Loser, and back to Arizona he goes.
I am with all of you, No MITT, No Money………
March 12th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Oh, I don’t know if McCain /??? = Loser. The Democrats are doing quite well losing the campaign for themselves. Did you catch where Hillary admitted that McCain had them both beat on National Security the other day?
However, I do feel having Romney on the ticket would boast McCain’s chances. It would certainly boast my opinion of him. It would prove once and for all that he isn’t so petty as to pass up the opportunity of looking beyond his personal feelings for the greater good. I would feel so much better about him being in the Oval Office if he did.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am
David,
I know what you are saying but the more I listen to Romney, the more I feel like he is not looking out for himself. You and I know that he will make a great president, but that is not how it is playing out. I can see that he wants to make a difference but not only as the President. He is willing to take a risk to accomplish that. Plus, there is no guarantee that he will be selected in 2012 if he holds out and we need him now. It is important that if he is given the chance, then he seize the moment even if it is not ideal. Plus, I trust that he prays about his decision and knows how to follow promptings(a little LDS theme here
March 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Mitt is walking the walk, since he talked the talk by endorsing McCain. By his willingness to accept the VP he is saying he wants to unite the party and serve. That’s a no brainer for anyone who has followed Mitt closely. We’ve been pushing for a McCain-Romney ticket since the suspension. http://www.unitethegop.com
March 12th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
It would be lot easier for Romney to running for President in the future if he is the VP. Because it would be nasty tough battle against Huckabee.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Mike,
Huckabee who? Yawn…
March 13th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Since when was Mitt in this for himself? Look at the reason he pulled out, “For the good of the Country and party”. I have realized how foolish I have been in sitting on the same few bills that have annoyed me the past few months. I admit I didn’t learn about the atrocities he did with McCain/Fiengold and other stupid bills(McCain/Kennedy being the exception as I live in a border state) until he looked like he would be the nominee. Mitt is right. McCain’s (along with the drive-by liberal media as Rush likes to say) Strategy worked. Mitts didn’t because you can’t ignore that McCain won. Its a pity but he did. If McCain does pick Mitt as VP I will probably get more into this race again. If not I will casually explain to people why McCain is the better choice though I don’t like him very much.
I hope he will pick Mitt as VP. Mitt is needed by this country NOW. We want Mitt as VP.
March 13th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I am so with you, Sarah. I feel a sense of resignation and submissiveness from Mitt on the Hannity show. He showed respect on how things has turned out, refrained from bad mouthing McCain or focusing on his personal feelings when questioned about how he treated him in WV. I sense no malice or rancor, only a gentle willingness to do what he can. He is the man!
March 15th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Awesome posts! Rusty, Your alright! I just hope Mitt gets asked, otherwise I will feel terrible. Christine, Mitt is a very self less man, he isn’t looking out for himself in anyway that would cause The United States of America to become weaker in the least. Mitt is something else!! I am with both Sarah and Christine. Rusty you could be correct, that John McCain will not ask Mitt to join the team as VP, I just hope your wrong, I know you hope so too. I cannot at this point, have a really strong opinion about that, but I do hope Mitt does become the VP. It would be hard for Mitt Romney to be his VP, but he does have The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to give him strength and continue with his journey. The church cannot give him political advice, but he will receive something better from the church,and that would be the prayers and spiritual support, and strength of the faithful. The faithful………. meaning not only those from His church but from other faithful believers of Jesus Christ our Savior. Lets not be impatient with each other, we are all in this thing together, and no one really can see into the future, we just have to hope and pray that the Lords will will be done.
March 15th, 2008 at 12:39 am
If this turns out nicely going toward November lots of people will be buying M&M’s and that company will get fatter and so will the American People. Those candies will rarely pass my lips but Mitt and McCain will, and they could fatten our wallets. We gotta hope so!!