Romney Shows GOP the Path Back to the Majority |
In the aftermath of the 2008 landslide, the Republican party appears to have fractured - split over where the party has to go to return to the majority. The theories range from the predictable: dumping one branch or another of conservatism to attract votes, to the far more exotic: some have suggested Republicans adopt an approach similar to that used to revive the Tory party in England.
Tags: 2012 Election, Mitt Romney
Romney on Glenn Beck |
From GlennBeck.com
Windows Media Audio
Real Audio
Tags: Audio, Documents, Glenn Beck, Mitt Romney, TextGLENN: Gosh, I think it was a year and a half ago I said, gang, the only thing that’s going to matter when this election rolls around is the economy. I know everybody thought I was absolutely out of my mind crazy nuts when I said we are in big trouble and we could be facing another Great Depression. I don’t know what we’re facing now but we are facing dire, dire things in front of us. Every play has to be played exactly right. You know, when I say that, I want you to know that it’s going to be a great time in the future to be an American just like it was on September 12th. September 11th you didn’t want to go through, and in ‘99 I was telling you Osama Bin Laden was coming and there would be bodies in buildings in the streets of New York in 1999 and nobody wanted to hear it then, and there were. And let me give you the same kind of warning there’s going to be real trouble ahead, but the next day comes and we’re America again. And I said this to you a year and a half ago that the only thing that they were going to be arguing about in the end is going to be the economy and that’s why I said Mitt Romney was the guy to lead us. He was just with John McCain in Cleveland. We go to Mitt Romney now and I want to get some handle, Mitt, on have you ever seen a candidate like Barack Obama be more clear that he is a Marxist and people not listen.
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: Rally, Glenn, it’s interesting. I haven’t been around forever and I’m 60 now and in my lifetime I do not recall a presidential candidate who had a more antijob program than does Barack Obama. He plans on paying people off by giving them a check, you know, sending a check to everybody, a $1,000 check. But I think the American people would far rather have a job than a one-time $1,000 check. And his plan kills job. John McCain’s plan will actually create jobs. Barack Obama’s would take a recession and turn it into a deep prolonged recession, or worse. And, you know, I just think Barack Obama at this time is exactly the wrong course for America.
GLENN: Did you hear the — did you hear what he said in 2001? Finally the tape has been released and surprisingly not by the mainstream media, what Barack Obama has said about the Constitution? Have you read the transcripts or heard the tape?
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: Yeah, I did. I heard that he again is, you know, sad that the Supreme Court wouldn’t deal with redistribution of wealth and it’s a very different economic approach than the one that’s created America as the most powerful economy and the most powerful country in the world. You know, right now, of course, no one’s thinking about redistributing the wealth because wealth is disappearing, and redistributing wealth, that was the policy that, well, that some in Europe and other places in the world adopted and it led to economic failure.
GLENN: Okay. He is saying that he’s got — Barack Obama’s saying that he’s got this jobs creation program. As a businessman, I mean, I’m a small businessman. You’ve been a large businessman your whole life. Tell me the frothing at the mouth that people, just chomping at the bit to get that $3,000 that Barack Obama will give you for every new job created here in America. That’s his job growth plan. Tell me how great that is for business.
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: Well, I’m afraid that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the economic risk you take in hiring additional employees, and people take that risk if they see a bright future. And if they’re looking at higher taxes for their corporation, higher taxes for them individually, if they’re looking at fees or penalties for not having a healthcare plan that Barack Obama finds acceptable and if also they are looking at new efforts to unionize small business through this card check program Barack Obama’s in favor of, they’re simply not going to be thinking about growing jobs here. I listened this morning to a CEO of a major employer. I won’t mention his name but a very large employer. He employs over 100,000 people. And he said, look, you know, Barack Obama’s policies will cause us to build plants in places other than the U.S., and it is a job-killing program. We’ve got to support a job program like John McCain’s. John McCain is talking about cutting taxes on corporations, it immediately sounds horrible to people because of the perversion that we’ve allowed to happen, you know, with our press and everything else, where corporations are evil, where rich people are evil. Explain, if you will, to you know the average person that is struggling, busting their butt. Why a corporation getting a giant tax cut, why that makes a difference in creating jobs here in America as opposed to other countries.
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: Well, the simple fact is that corporations can decide where they are going to reside, where they are going to do their business. And they can be here, they can be in Ireland, they can be in Canada, they can be anywhere they want in the world and right now America and Japan have the two highest corporate tax rates in the world and so as businesses think about locating a new facility or even moving their corporate headquarters, they are free to go wherever they want. They are not like U.S. citizens that don’t have citizenship in a place like Hong Kong or China or Japan. They can go wherever they want. And so if you have high taxes, high corporate taxes, you cause businesses to go somewhere else. It’s as simple as that. In Ireland, for instance, the European Union, they said, you know what, we’re going to have the lowest tax rates. And sure enough businesses flocked to Ireland. They created scores of new jobs. People had high paying jobs. It was good for the people and it was good for the government as well because they got taxes from all the people paying income taxes. The answer is always create growth, create jobs. A job is so much more of an economic benefit than is a check from government.
GLENN: Mitt, let me talk to you not about politics and no about either of the politicians. Let’s just say we’re having this conversation the day after and whoever’s won, whoever won, okay?
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: Yeah.
GLENN: I said earlier this morning I believe this is the most important — and I will say this the day after the election, no matter who won. This is the most important time possibly in American history. The problems that face us, the decisions that we have to make, the time to know who we truly are and what we truly believe in, the values of America, we must reconnect with them because this is quite possibly the most important time in our country’s history. Do you believe I’m overstating that?
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: No, I actually think you’re right, Glenn. You know, in my campaign stump speech I used to say almost that, which is this is an extraordinarily critical time for our country. We face challenges from without. We face a new stronger China, we face Russia using energy to propel their new power and we face global jihad. So we face three fronts, if you will, from a national security standpoint. And then our economy is facing some tough competitive challenges. And if we become a second tier nation economically, we will have a hard time defending our freedoms. This really is a “Make it or break it” time for America.
GLENN: I know we have to let you go, you have other things scheduled but we’d love to have you back sometime this week if we could. I’d like to talk to you a little bit about the importance that Russia and Venezuela and Iran and what — everybody is looking at oil saying, oil, this is great, it’s going down. They are talking now it could go down to $46 a barrel, which would be great at the pump, but it is a colossal danger because these countries that we depend on for oil are now becoming extraordinarily unstable economically. Could we spend some time with you maybe later this week if we can get the schedules together?
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: I’m out campaigning for John McCain but we’ll keep in touch.
GLENN: Okay, thank you very much.
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: Thanks, Glenn.
First Poll of 2012 Season Confirms Romney as Frontrunner |
We’re down to just a handful of days until American voters will pick between Barack Obama and John McCain for the position of our next President. But with an Obama landslide looking increasingly likely, many Republicans are already turning their focus toward 2012, and who will be selected to lead a Republican Revival.
A three-decade old rule in party says that the runner-up in a primary contest should be the nominee in the next open election. Reagan was second in ‘76 and won in ‘80, Bush was second in ‘80 and won in ‘88, Dole was second in ‘88 and won in ‘96, and McCain was second in ‘00 and won in ‘08. Note that Pat Buchananwas second in ‘96, but choose not to run in 2000. There are some who believed, or perhaps hoped, that 2008 would break that tradition and allow Sarah Palin to become the Republican nominee in four years, but that isn’t happening. A new Newsweek poll - likely the first of the 2012 season - puts Sarah Palin in third place, behind Mike Huckabee. At the front of the pack? None other than Gov. Mitt Romney, who is able to claim a 9% lead in a three-way race.
Newsweek 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination
Mitt Romney 35%
Mike Huckabee 26%
Sarah Palin 20%
A nine-point lead isn’t enough to let us kick back for the next three years, but its a good starting point. I’ll have more out later about this, and what the Republican Party needs to do over the next two years to win in 2012.
Tags: 2012, Mitt Romney, Republican Primary
Don’t Read Too Far Into Romney’s Recent Interview |
Note:Before I begin posting, I’d like to introduce myself to all the readers here at Committed to Romney. My name is Matthew Kilburn, and in addition to managing my own website, I’ve been a regular commenter both here (as ActBlog) as well as on other sites. I’ve also been a Romney supporter since 2007, and look forward to playing a role here during the next election cycle.
David’s latest post about Romney’s interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is sure to raise a few eyebrows, but I have to caution my fellow Mittheads against reading too far into anything Romney said, for several reasons. First, we are still 48 months from the 2012 election, 24 months from the midterms, and still two weeks away from election day 2008. For Romney to announce plans now - even that he was considering a future run - would be foolish, at the least. As a leading figure within the Republican party, it is Romney’s job to act, publicly, as though the next four years will pass under a John McCain Presidency. To even hint at the possibility of a run in 2012, Mitt would have to acknowledge the likelihood of an Obama win, something that could be perceived as ambition trumping loyalty - a near-suicidal act in party politics.
Also, lets assume for a minute that Romney were to announce, or even hint at, a run in four years. What else could he possibly do this early in the game? The position the country will be in in four years is unknown, as are the main issues of the campaign. What the Congress looks like, how popular Obama will be, and what kinds of challenges the country will be confronted with are, and will remain, a mystery until much closer to election day. Even if he put together a campaign staff tomorrow, Mitt would have nothing to run on except an ambition to be President, and, while ambition is certainly necessary to hold political office, it often turns off those who might otherwise support you. True or not, Americans like to think of their leaders as holding office for noble motives, not personal benefit.
Finally, the wording of the interview doesn’t suggest disinterest in running again, in which case I might be tempted to believe it, but more a belief that the “window” won’t be open again. Romney never said that he wasn’t interested in running again, but that he believes the opportunity to become your party’s nominee comes only once. Of course, as John McCain has shown, that isn’t even close to the truth. In fact, the GOP has a history of nominating candidates on their second (or even third) try, and that is something you’ll be hearing more about from me in the coming weeks. Clearly, Romney intends to remain in politics, and, if in two years the opportunity to run is there, I have no doubt that Romney will.
Tags: 2012 Election, Mitt Romney
Romney Angles For 2012? |
From The New Republic
Mike, I wonder how that Romney counterfactual, gloomy for conservatives, improves Mitt’s chances in 2012? Ever since he lost the GOP primary, Romney’s practically redefined the word “obsequious” vis-a-vis McCain. But he seems to feel there’s an opening now to gently suggest that a Romney ‘08 campaign wouldn’t have been such a Hindenburg. This week he took his first, timid step towards criticizing Team McCain, telling Joe Scarborough that “holding Sarah Palin to just three interviews and microscopically focusing on each interview I think has been a mistake.”
One Massachusetts strategist suggested this comment was actually an evil ploy to lure McCain into letting Palin give more interviews, thereby sealing her reputation as an idiot for a forthcoming Romney-Palin showdown in 2012. Say it ain’t so, Mitt! I didn’t think you had such trickery in you!
–Eve Fairbanks
I don’t know whether to be flattered or angry lol. Romney is smart enough to know what kind of deportment he should have right now. As for Palin in 2012 vs. him…Um, pardon me while I pee my pants due to laughing so hard.
Tags: 2012, Elections, Mitt Romney, Presidential Election, Republican NominationAs Rush Limbaugh says, “For those of you in Rio Linda” the definition for Deportment is as follows:
de·port·ment /dɪˈpɔrtmənt, -ˈpoʊrt-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[di-pawrt-muhnt, -pohrt-]
–noun
1. demeanor; conduct; behavior
Would Romney Be Doing Better? (Said with the most indignant face possible)October 11th, 2008 | 3 Comments | Posted in Economics, Executive Leadership, Experience, Leadership, Mitt Romney, Presidential Election, Republican Nomination
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From The New Republic.
Would Romney Be Doing Better?
The economy is collapsing and the GOP is stuck with a candidate who doesn’t know jack about economics. But what if Mitt Romney had won that hard-fought Florida primary and grabbed the nomination? Romney’s whole business career was about turning around distressed companies. Plus, he’s far less identified with George W. Bush than is McCain. And unlike McCain he might not have had to give up on Michigan, where his father was governor. (What state pray tell is McCain holding that Mitt couldn’t?)
I know there are plenty of strikes against the guy. But it’s an interesting counterfactual to consider–one that makes a lot more sense now that foreign policy has all but disappeared from the conversation.
P.S. Good point from commenter timteeter:
Or for that matter if McCain had sucked it up and made Romney his VP.
You might’ve had far less base enthusiasm at convention time, but delivering a strong economic message right now could’ve been far easier.
–Michael Crowley
Sorry for swearing here all, but, “NO SHIT SHERLOCK”. I think all of us here knew that a long freaking time ago.
Tags: Economics, Executive Leadership, Experience, Leadership, Mitt Romney, Presidential Election, Republican Nomination
A couple funnies, just for old times sake…September 9th, 2008 | 4 Comments | Posted in 2008 Primaries, Fred Thompson, Humor, Mitt Romney, Nostalgia, Republicans, Video
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Remember all the joking around about Fred Thompson? Here’s a skit from SNL about it.
Remember when Romney’s son Matt played a joke on him? Here’s that video…
From Governor RomneyAugust 29th, 2008 | 78 Comments | Posted in John McCain, Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, VP, Veepstakes, Vice President
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ROMNEY STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN
BOSTON. . . Governor Romney today issued the following statement on John McCain’s selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate:
“Governor Palin’s story is one that all Americans will find inspiring. She’s a Washington outsider with a commitment to the conservative principles that will make our nation stronger. I look forward to campaigning for Senator McCain, Governor Palin and Republicans all across the country.”
Tags: John McCain, Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Veepstakes, Vice President, VP
Drudge Gets It, But Then Again Sometimes He Doesn’t…August 29th, 2008 | 78 Comments | Posted in Announcement, Barack Obama, Drudge, John McCain, Matt Drudge, Mitt Romney, VP, Veepstakes
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Remember those Obama/Bayh Bumper Stickers, now Pawlenty getting all this publicity. Now I don’t know who in the world McCain is picking for VP nor have I ever espoused telepathic abilities in that area, but this fawning over what Drudge thinks I think is going a bit over the top. Sure he’s right on a lot of stories, but there are just as many that he gets wrong. So, lets just stay calm everyone. If Romney gets it WONDERFUL, but if he doesn’t…he doesn’t. This speculation is just that. We’ll know when we’re supposed to know.
Just a bit of commentary for what it’s worth.
Tags: Announcement, Barack Obama, Drudge, John McCain, Matt Drudge, Mitt Romney, Veepstakes, VP
Not PawlentyAugust 29th, 2008 | 9 Comments | Posted in Announcement, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, VP, Veepstakes, Vice President
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Per Jonathan Martin @ Politico.
Here’s the headline:
BREAKING: Pawlenty won’t be in Dayton today, says “was honored to be considered”
Head on over there and read the story…
Staying hopeful…
Tags: Announcement, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Veepstakes, Vice President, VP
I Heart MittAugust 27th, 2008 | 119 Comments | Posted in John McCain, Mitt, Mitt Romney, Multimedia, Rally, Republicans, Romney, Video
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I just love this man, listen to him speak. He’s just fantastic. I’m so glad that I’ve been a part of this whole campaign experience since before he announced he’d run for President. I’ve had the absolute time of my life. Oh, and by the way I’m heading to Missouri for Sunday’s Rally in O’Fallon Missouri 
Obama’s Bro Livin’ in PovertyAugust 20th, 2008 | 6 Comments | Posted in Barack Hussein Obama, Barack Obama, Character, Democrats, Family, Family Values, George Hussein Onyango Obama, Integrity, Loyalty, Mitt Romney, Obama, Polygamy, Presidential Politics, Republicans
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George Hussein Onyango Obama
UK’s Telegraph reports that Barack Obama’s brother is living in Poverty…
From the article:
Mr Obama, 26, the youngest of the presidential candidate’s half-brothers, spoke for the first time about his life, which could not be more different than that of the Democratic contender.
“No-one knows who I am,” he told the magazine, before claiming: “I live here on less than a dollar a month.”
and
He told the magazine: “I live like a recluse, no-one knows I exist.”
Embarrassed by his penury, he said that he does not does not mention his famous half-brother in conversation.
“If anyone says something about my surname, I say we are not related. I am ashamed,” he said.
and
For ten years George Obama lived rough. However he now hopes to try to sort his life out by starting a course at a local technical college.
He has only met his famous older brother twice - once when he was just five and the last time in 2006 when Senator Obama was on a tour of East Africa and visited Nairobi.
The Illinois senator mentions his brother in his autobiography, describing him in just one passing paragraph as a “beautiful boy with a rounded head”.
Of their second meeting, George Obama said: “It was very brief, we spoke for just a few minutes. It was like meeting a complete stranger.”
and
“Huruma is a tough place, last January during the elections there was rioting and six people were hacked to death. The police don’t even arrest you they just shoot you.
“I have seen two of my friends killed. I have scars from defending myself with my fists. I am good with my fists.”
Commentary:
It’s incredibly amazing and hypocritical of some in the media that went after Mitt Romney’s Grandfather’s polygamy when we have a presumptive nominee of a major party who’s father was a polygamist and has multitudes of children living in poverty in Africa. Why isn’t Barack taking care of his own destitute family members???
