Romney Urges China to Grant Olympic Visa to Cheek
All of a sudden the wire services have real news about Mitt Romney again. It’s starting to remind me of the lead up to the primary season. Not that active yet, but Mitt’s working on it.
~~John Cronin~~
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080807/ap_on_sp_ol/oly_romney_cheek_visa_1
BOSTON - Mitt Romney has asked Chinese officials to restore the visa of Olympic speedskater Joey Cheek so he can attend the Beijing Games.
Cheek’s visa was pulled Wednesday, hours before he was to leave for Beijing.
Cheek, a gold medalist in the 2006 Winter Games, wasn’t going to China to compete, but to support 70 athletes trying to call attention to the genocide in Darfur. The athletes are hoping to convince governments such as China’s to exert pressure on the Sudanese leadership.
Romney, a former Republican presidential contender and 2002 Winter Olympics chief, dictated a letter to his staff Thursday during a layover on his own trip to China.
He’s asking Chinese President Hu Jintou and Premier Wen Jiabao to restore the visa in consideration of his support for Beijing’s Olympics bid and the “numerous courtesies” he says he extended Chinese officials in Salt Lake City
August 7th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I’m not positive where I come down on China having the Olympics, but since they do have them, I guess we can hope for is NO terrorism, but as much human rights embarassments as possible for the government. Speaking out on behalf of Cheek is both the decent thing to do, and something that underlines Mitt Romney–go go go!
August 7th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
This could get interesting. Does anyone know how long Mitt’ll be in China? This might present an even more interesting setting for McCain to either pick Mitt or more likely kick off the dance that ends in that happening. Mitt always makes it interesting - tho the Chinese handed him the opportuniy. Mitt being Mitt, he seized it and will run with it!
August 7th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Copp, I believe I read that Mitt will be in China through August 20.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
JA, just curious how you know that he will be there for so long. That surprises me in view of the intensity of the campaign, and the approaching conventions.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
StevenInBrooklyn, It was in one of the multitude of veepstakes articles I read within the last couple weeks, but I can’t remember which one. I tried to google it, but no luck. I’m not sure if it is accurate information, as that would be an awfully long time for him to be over there.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Well, I cannot really remember how long the Olympics last, but 2 weeks sounds about right to me to be gone for them… It seems like when they were here, that is about how long they went on… How about it brainiacs??? How long do they last??? K
August 8th, 2008 at 1:36 am
Pretty sure they last two weeks
August 8th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Always a leader! Let’s pray for safety for all our people.
August 8th, 2008 at 8:36 am
The Opening Ceremony airs on NBC tonight at 6:30 (central standard time). Hope we get to see Mitt and Ann there!
August 8th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Ten days.
August 8th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Opening today 8/8/08, although there were some soccer games yesterday. Last day of events 8/24/08 for the Olympics. That’s over two weeks. Let’s hope Mitt get’s plenty of TV time.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Simon, I’m with you - hoping that Romney gets plent of TV time.
Although it’s Friday, opening day of the Olympics, and in spite of trying to slip through a weekend news cycle, looks like dapper little John Edwards has stolen the show.
What a tragedy.
August 8th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Yes, I heard today it’s over 2 weeks. Wondering what Romney and Bush are talking about behind closed doors?
August 10th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Anyone seen or heard anything of Mitt at Olympics, yet? Saw Lieberman with McCain yesterday. He’s the dem choice, surprised? That is, if our gop wants to abandon all that Republicans stand for. Well see.
August 10th, 2008 at 6:16 am
We haven’t caught one single, solitary glimpse of Mitt at the Olympics. How disappointing! I sat through the entire Opening Ceremony (which was fantastic but looong) in hopes of seeing him and Ann, but no luck. Hopefully, he’ll get some airtime. My kids are under strict orders to holler for Mom if they see Mitt on TV!
It has been nice seeing President and Mrs. Bush, though. Say what you will about the President, I am going to miss him when he’s out of office. He is a decent, honorable man who takes his responsibility to protect our country very seriously, and I have felt safe with him in the White House. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about McCain or Obama.
August 10th, 2008 at 7:01 am
JA,
I sat thru the whole thing to watch for Mitt and to see the American Team. Like you, I’m saying to myself, why no shots of Mitt in the stands?
The ceremony was off the charts, we have to give credit where credit is due and the Chinese did a wonderful job.
August 10th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Well, the nom de jour is Leiberman. That’s almost as bad a ticket as McCain/Huckabee. At least Huckabee has a small r next to his name. I don’t like the solid middle. You can’t straddle the line forever. Your either hot or cold. Which is McCain? Convention will be very intersting, if McCain picks Leiberman. Personally, I like Joe Leiberman. But if I wanted him for vice president, I would have voted for him when he ran with Gore.
August 10th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I hope if McCain is foolish enough to pick Lieberman, it will cause a GOP revolt and he’ll lose the nomination (don’t know if that’s possible, but hey, I can dream, can’t I?)
Tim Pawlenty has sure been keeping himself in the spotlight this past week, giving speeches and making appearances. Does that guy actually spend any time in MN? The other day I heard someone refer to him as “Huck Lite”. Ugh…
August 10th, 2008 at 11:37 am
With high hopes tempered by the realities of NBC’s not-so-secret political leanings, I hoped that Mitt would get a little TV coverage at the Opening Ceremonies. In the weeks leading up to the Beijing opener, when NO announcement came from McCain, my logic kept pounding my brain with “Why would a liberal MSM entity (NBC) give Romney any kudos on a world stage (Olympics) in a setting where Mitt is an absolute mega-hero?” Had he been named the McCain’s VP nominee, NBC would have been FORCED to at least show Romney waving an American flag somewhere in the stands…
My gut feeling is that Mitt and Ann are involved behind-the-scenes helping the Bachman family. As we’ve all learned, Todd Bachman , the father-in-law of Hugh McCutcheon (head coach of national USA volleyball team, former BYU volleyball player and coach) was fatally stabbed to death on Saturday (Friday here in the states). His wife, Barbara, survived eight hours of surgery yesterday and is in critical, but stable condition. A Chinese guide was also attacked. (Daughter Elisabeth – wife of McCutcheon - was a 2004 volleyball Olympian.)
As a family member is being murdered, how does one dial 9-1-1 in Chinese?! Does one’s cell phone even work in China?! Emergency surgery in a foreign hospital where one doesn’t understand the language, notifying family members/ USA volleyball team of the attack, increased security concerns, where to keep Mr. Bachman’s body until arrangements to get back to the states are made, the on-going critical care of Mrs. Bachman, McCutcheon’s coaching decisions - leading to not being with his team’s first game with Venezuela and what he will subsequently do, media attention, and WHO is responsible to pay for all the expenses suddenly smashed on the Bachman family? So many details to handle in traumatic circumstances thousands of miles from home where one doesn’t speak the language… Knowing what we do about the Romneys, I believe Mitt and Ann are lending support and aid to the Bachman family.
I’ve thought about the safety of the Romneys in Beijing. We know Mitt has some staff with him – (letter to Chinese government regarding revoked visa of Joey Cheek). I hope he has some beefy security guards with him, as well.
On a side note, I watched some of the men’s volleyball game against Venezuela last night. Our team was played aggressively – they are supporting McCutcheon completely in this tragedy and DO NOT want him to relinquish his coaching position. They were victorious in five sets against the tough Venezuelan team. See http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/beijing/volleyball/2008-08-10-usa-venezuela_N.htm
Let’s keep the Bachman/McCutcheon families in our prayers and pray for the safety of all in Beijing.
Go USA!
August 11th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Romney sighting at Olympics!
At swimmer Michael Phelps’ second olympic competition: “President Bush was back at the Water Cube for the second day in a row, with wife Laura on one side, daughter Barbara on the other. Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife were sitting in front of them, and Bill Gates was right behind.
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/swimming/news?slug=ap-swm-swimming&prov=ap&type=lgns
August 11th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Ok, It’s Monday. Who’s the veep name of the week?
We’ve been through: Palin, Pawlentry, Jindal, Ridge, Leiberman, Huckabee…Romney is the only constant. Who is it this week?
August 11th, 2008 at 6:34 am
I just heard on Fox, Ridge or Pawlenty. Ridge would help with Pa. Let’s see what else is said.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:51 am
2thepoint: Thanks for the info, finally a Mitt and Ann siting.
My thoughts about NO COVERAGE of them is AT least out of respect of all that he did for this country during the Winter Olympics. It seems that would be courteous, if nothing else.
On another note, We Need Romney now! Four years from now, could be what happened to Clinton, so many things can happen. Oh well, so many jealous of the fact he is an outsider. Who is he to come forward and fix what none of the good ole boy network has not been able to fix? What position will he have? McCain has said there is a place for him. Ridge and Pawlenty do not excite me. The one that stood strongest on the economy was only Mitt!!!!!
August 11th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Isn’t Ridge “neutral” on Roe v. Wade? That isn’t make or break for me, it it’s end-of-the-road for a Republican nominee..
August 11th, 2008 at 7:45 am
The link below is a picture of MITT and ANN sitting in front of the Bushes at the Olympic swimming venue. Bill gates is seated behind the Bushes.
http://www.cougarboard.com/nologin/message.html?id=3924141
August 11th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Ridge over Palwenty for me. Why? Because the evangalical ‘leadership’ is against Ridge. That’s a good enough endorsement for me.
August 11th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Thanks, Simon. Finally, we see them.
August 11th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Chris: Ridge is for abortion, isn’t he? How can that work?????
August 11th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Thanks Simon for that great picture. Feel free to send anymore you think we would all be interested in. Mitt is a wonderful man and people don’t always recognize what is good and that is unfortunate. Say your prayers that McCain will do the right thing and do what it seems so much of America is asking him to do… K
August 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Just saw this little blurb at thepage.time.com/ McCain said this today about Tom Ridge.
“Says when asked about his plans for his first 90 days in office: “Call Tom Ridge to Washington from whatever vacation he is taking and get him to work.”
Some say McCain’s remark is a subtle suggestion that Ridge won’t be his No. 2.”
August 11th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Yes, this was mentioned on some other blog earlier today. The thing is, it’s a completely meaningless statement: it could means he won’t be VP; or it could mean he will be VP, and this is disinformation.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
McCain is enjoying this and has been playing with all of us. This is his little joke. He knows who he’s picked. He’d be a total idiot not to have someone already chosen and asked. That person can’t wait until after the convention to hit the ground running. He needs as much head start as he can possibly get. Thus, I think all this name leaking is just that. Defelction. Whoever has been asked, not only knows it, but is working on whatever platform McCain has in mind. And, Obama will be announcing his pick via e-mail and text message? Geeze. I’m glad I’m not his pick. He can’t even give up the stage for two minutes.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I just hope that this blog, and others don’t have to turn into a support group for depressed people in a few weeks–not a fun thought.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Well, while Mitt’s in Beijing, the Olympics continue to unfold in all their splendor, and the media Veep talk is languid, here’s what Huckabee is saying: “I’d Rather Be On TV Than Serve in Government.”
Q. If McCain wins and offers you a position in his administration, would you consider it ?
Huckabee: No. No way.
Q. Why ?
Why would I want to do that ? What possible reason ? I’m gonna have a good life out here in the private sector. Why would I go back to telling everybody in the world how much money I make and being limited to what I can make and living in a very expensive city and barely surviving to have some obscure Cabinet post and have some 20-year-old from the White House telling me what I’m gonna do ? Thanks but no thanks. I have better things to do with my life.
Read it here:
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/2008/08/huckabee_id_rat.html
August 12th, 2008 at 3:52 am
No wonder he despised Mitt so much, Huck is so much about money. What happened to serving the country? Oh, I see, only if he can be No. 1. Well, Congress has alot to say about the No. 1 position. I’ll bet he knows he has no chance at vp, this is his way of covering his butt. Still hearing Mitt by many, geez, this wait is hard. I will admitt, we will be hurt, if it is not Mitt, but realize there may be a better plan we have no earthly control of!!!!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 5:58 am
I’ve been feeling a little bit down about Mitt’s chances, but this cheered me right up. Go to http://www.nyformitt.blogspot.com/ and read the post entitled “Ohio Speaks: Romney Favorite for VP”, then click the link at the bottom to watch the CNN video. Go Mitt!
August 12th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Thanks JA, we have been concerned as well. We will be here hopefully with Cheers at the vp announcement. If not, we should be here to support our dedicated caring Mitt loyals. I’ve seen so many wonderful articles for Mitt. He surely has represented himself positively. People see his qualities, at least the ones not blinded for whatever reason. Yup! Go Mitt!!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Another picture of Mitt with President Bush at the Olympics.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Sorry here’s the Link to Bush-Romney Olympic fans…
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/SPORTS17/808120363/1048
August 12th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Simon, great picture! Thanks for the link.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:38 am
That was a fun picture to look at. Thanks for the snooping around and posting Simon! You are impressive!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Simon - appreciate your pulling out a magnifying glass and taking on “Sherlock Holmes” duty to search the media high and low to find photos of Mitt at the Olympics. Thanks!
Paulee - I agree. Huckabee is sitting behind a FOX news desk because he made a national name for himself by inciting a lot of evangelicals against Romney. Remember his incessant “Romney can’t buy the American people” mantra? Seems he’s been breaking the 10th commandment all along. Thou shalt not covet…
JA – Aren’t the NYforMitt folks great? Thanks for passing along the article.
The election circus will spring to life again when the Olympics are over. In the meantime, let’s raise a cup of Won Ton soup to Mitt and Ann and hope they’re getting plenty of Kung Pau Shrimp and R&R in Beijing!
August 12th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Thanks, all. Fun picture, not too boring! Mitt boring??? Even Pres. Bush has a great sense of humor. Great fun and conversation here, folks. Yessssss to shrimp, love them.
2thepoint: Buying America, just plain jealousy. How sad, even though Mitt earned his money by working smart!!!! Luck is spelled work for those who think it’s all luck!!! Yep, jealousy, what’s a preacher to do?
August 12th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Boy, oh boy. Today Meagan Kelly had a great interview. All about Mitt for vp, and big about how Mccain needs him for Michigan, what a roller coaster ride! I hate them, did it only once!!!!! Or maybe NOT!
August 12th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Oh, well. I think I got banned over at race42008.com because I disagree with the idea of putting Pawlenty on the ticket, and gave my reasons why.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Oh, and it appears the reason is that I’m a 19-year-old Obama supporter who belongs at the Daily Kos.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
And tomorrow, some so-called evang. leaders are meeting with the McCain camp in Mich to tell them no mitt. They want huck on the ticket, even though he’s said it does not pay enough. What planet are they on?
August 12th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Huck’s followers have really shown the world what hateful bigots they are. Their supposed concern about abortion is a joke. If they are truly interested in saving the lives of babies, why aren’t they concentrating on Obama and his atrocious record on abortion, instead of on Mitt?
I have been absolutely shocked by the hatred these people have for Mormons. I am not Mormon, and the area of the country that I live in has very few Mormons, yet Mitt has a big base of supporters here. I don’t think his religion matters one bit to the vast majority of people, only to this small but very vocal group of Huck supporters. McCain would really earn my respect if he would tell these bigots to shove it.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Not Fred supporters. not Rudy supporters. Not Tom supporters. Huck supporters. They just don’t get it. Why is it OK to have open season on Mormons? Why are we less than our other neighbors, because we attend church at a ward or branch, rather than a mega church? Why can’t our children grow up to be president? Why are these people even given a voice? Why? Why is McCain even entertaining these few? That tells me volumes about McCain’s character. If he can be blackmailed by these bigots, imagine what others with real power will do?
August 12th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
*********WARNING!!!!*********
*********EXTREME SOUNDING OFF HERE!!!!*********
Well Chris and all, I have a few more questions for you.
Why can they not admire us for what we are and what we teach? Why can they not appreciate that we are morally clean, don’t drink alcohol or do drugs, don’t smoke? Why can they not see the virtue that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches its members? I believe in Christ and love Him for His great sacrifice in Gethsemane and on the cross. I am a Christian.
I just don’t get the double mindedness in these people. They prpofess to be Christians yet the do these mean spirited, non Christian behaviours!!
I do believe in the tenants of my church. I love my church. I doubt I love it more than other people love their faiths. Do I try to demean every other religion out there? No, I have never seen any of our people outside of someones religious conference or seminar carrying signs and looking mean and foolish. We leave them alone. I served as a missionary. If someone said they werent’ interested, we moved along. I think most missionaries do. I don’t know why other people cannot see the virtue and just leave us alone… I grow weary of hate. I really do…
Irish proverb: There is nothing to be said about ignorance, but it certainly causes alot of interesting arguments~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I was kind of fired up after I read the post about the Ohio bigots not wanting Mitt… My previous comment might be better on that post… sorry about that. I have a bad habit of commenting on the wrong post sometimes. ugh…
August 12th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Karen,
What we can do is write the editors of these newspapers and tell them what we think. I just did that.
We can also do what they say they are doing: Pray. But I’m praying this latest little trick backfires. Huckabee does not want any part in this adminstration because he does not want to take a ‘paycut’. He needs to tell his minions.