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Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney addresses delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.
By Anjeanette Damon (contact) 
Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, and vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan arrive for a sound check before the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney faced a high bar as he officially accepted his party’s nomination Thursday.
In a half hour speech, he had to appeal to the varying factions that competed in the Republican primary fight, hopefully finding a string with which to unify them. He was tasked with reaching not only his party’s base, but independent voters and those who may be siding with his opponent but aren’t real happy about it.
Oh, yeah, and then there was the likability thing. How could he find a way to personally identify with voters, or give them a way to personally identify with him?
Whether he hurdled that bar will be decided by voters, but his 35-minute speech at least made inroads on each of those points.
Romney gave a shout out to the liberty-minded supporters of his former adversary Ron Paul by paying homage to the Constitution.
He paid his respect to women voters by acknowledging the strengths of his wife, his mother and the women he surrounded himself with both in government and business.
He sought to identify with the hardships of those who have lost their homes or jobs and have had to cope with increasing financial burdens — giving those individuals credit for plowing through the difficult times.
He spoke of his parents, his children and what drove him to succeed as a young man.
And he put forward his vision for the America he hopes to lead as president.
“That America, that united America, can unleash an economy that will put Americans back to work, that will once again lead the world with innovation and productivity, and that will restore every father and mother’s confidence that their children’s future is brighter even than the past,” he said. “That America is the best within each of us.”
The effort by the Romney campaign to improve his “likability factor” began the first night of the convention.
His wife, Ann Romney, first made the case for him on the opening night.
“Listen now, this is important,” Ann Romney said. “Mitt doesn’t like to talk about how he has helped others because he sees it as a privilege, not a political talking point. And we’re no different than the millions of Americans who quietly help their neighbors, their churches and their communities.
“They don’t do it so that others will think more of them.”
Throughout the week, other speakers sprinkled their talks with anecdotes about Romney’s good deeds and personality.
That effort culminated Thursday night with a parade of friends, former parishioners and co-workers to tell stories of his compassion for their dying children, how he would help with the laundry and his decisive leadership at Bain Capital.
And in his speech, Romney sought to make that connection himself through stories of his family, soaring descriptions of his belief not just in the American dream but in individuals to achieve it and bits from his own life story.
“Those weren’t the easiest of days,” he said of when his family was young. “Too many long hours and weekends working, five young sons who seemed to have this need to re-enact a different world war every night.
“But if you ask Ann and I what we’d give, to break up just one more fight between the boys, or wake up in the morning and discover a pile of kids asleep in our room. Well, every mom and dad knows the answer to that.”
Romney’s campaign has relied heavily on others to give voters a glimpse of his personality.
“He’s a genuine guy,” said Robert Uithoven, a Republican consultant from Reno, who is not affiliated with the Romney campaign. “I’ve had an opportunity to be around Mitt Romney beyond just the campaign speeches and rallies. I was at a reception a few years ago and he was serving ice cream to the people who interned for him on his prior campaign. He couldn’t be more pleasant.
“A lot of people don’t get that kind of opportunity to see a presidential candidate that way.”
Still, part of a candidate’s job is to find a way to broadcast that likability factor that others see one-on-one to the electorate at large — a skill that has largely eluded Romney so far.
Ann Romney, left, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, chats with Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan's wife, Janna, during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.
Not all candidates have former President Bill Clinton’s gift of connecting with individuals. But in recent history, candidates elected president have successfully incorporated their personal story into their campaigns, and found a way to identify with voters.
“It’s not the end all be all, but it is really important,” said Eric Herzik, a political scientist at the University of Nevada, Reno. “And it is a big problem for Mitt Romney.”
Romney not only comes from a wealthy upbringing that stands in stark contrast with the economic suffering of many Americans right now, he also has a somewhat wooden demeanor on the stump, Herzik said.
But while the campaign has worked to personalize Romney, it is making a critical bet that voters will care more about competence than likability this year.
And, not to take anything for granted, the campaign will spend significant resources trying to persuade voters to care more about competence than likability — taking direct aim at one of President Barack Obama’s remaining strengths.
“In times when the economy is strong and confidence is high, likability is more important than when the economy is in trouble and confidence is down,” said Ryan Erwin, a Las Vegas political consultant who advises Romney’s Nevada campaign. “People have to trust their leader is beyond reproach and capable and can do the job right now. We have a president in office right now that doesn’t pass the threshold of success.”
A central theme of Romney’s campaign is to paint Obama as a man with soaring rhetoric — likable rhetoric even — but who is short on performance.
Romney took direct aim on that point with one key line in his speech, lancing Obama’s big ideas with an appeal to keep his focus on the individuals.
“President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet,” Romney said. “My promise is to help you and your family.”
Herzik countered that it’s a difficult balance for the candidate to find between competence and likability.
“People want competent leadership, but they want the common man to run the country. Oh, and you better be better than me, but don’t flaunt that you’re better than me,” he said. “So you’ve got these contradictory impulses from the voter. But if you simply view the person as competent, but don’t like them, it makes it hard to vote for that person.”
Nevada's Republican National Convention
Romney’s supporters said they’re not after someone likable to be president.
“This isn’t a personality contest,” former Gov. Bob List said. “I think people realize America is better than an individual personality. We put a personality in (the White House) and he hasn’t done it.”
Nevada delegate Kim Bacchus said Thursday’s convention culmination went a long way toward personalizing Romney. But that isn’t necessarily the goal.
“This is who he is,” she said. “Likable? I think he is admirable. Is likable a requirement? I don’t feel that I have to go out and have a beer with the president of the United States.”
If the GOP primary season was a test of what kind of Republican the rank and file favor as a candidate, clearly the business Republican won.
The Tea Party’s Michele Bachmann failed to sustain traction, as did the social conservative Rick Santorum. The old-guard political insider and ideas man Newt Gingrich never mustered much traction at all.
Although Romney’s support largely held steady even as the popularity of his individual opponents spiked, he had a hard time finding a way to directly appeal to the base of the Republican Party. He had, perhaps, an even more difficult time explaining his previously moderate positions on such issues as abortion and immigration.
In that regard, he’s likely relieved to be speaking to the general electorate.
“That’s Mitt Romney’s sweet spot,” Uithoven said of independent, undecided and voters whose support for Obama is wobbly. “It’s not taking to the base. We all know that. Mitt Romney’s sweet spot is speaking to (those general election) voters.”
Indeed, the entire theme of the Republican National Convention has been to not only focus on Romney’s business acumen, but position him as a champion of business owners.
And that’s where those who support him see his ability to connect with people.
“He connects with people on the very basic idea that he believes in them,” Erwin said. “He believes that if you are willing to work hard, invest in a good education, you can chart your own course. It’s a key reason why voters will move to him.”
Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.
Comment removed by moderator. Inappropriate
Tonight Romney showed the country how a real leader acts.
Great program
Great speech
Romney showed the country a vision of the country under new leadership.
Romney showed the country he is not the villain team Obama paints him to be.
SunJon:
G.D. America!
Rev Wright, Barack Obama's racist mentor.
I thought the Clint Eastwood bit last night was a fair representation of the Republican party as a whole...
The last vestiges of fading glory.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/081...
gmag, how is the creamed corn today?
"I m Mitt Romney, and i m all you got left."
Sums it up, you betcha..
Mitt Romney's opening remarks were good. When Romney talks about his family, Romney is good. Romney is not good when he attacks. Romney's attacks are not factual, he and Paul Ryan making inaccurate and distorted comments. Many of their comments are vague references, especially Paul Ryan in his acceptance speech Wednesday night. The 2012 Republican Convention amounted to theme on lies and misleading statement and speeches, the majority coming from current elected Republican officials.
If this was an appeal to independent voters they failed! We are much harder to persuade. One good open line is not enough to get our vote. Romney's history of inaccurate comments and changing positions cannot be erased with one line. This is an election for the Presidency of the United State. Independent votes need more than one good line to change our minds. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan and their support are waging a campaign based on lies and distortions. All with the intent to mislead voters.
As an independent voter I cannot speak for all independent voters, but I am confident the majority of undecided voters are independent voters. I made my decision to vote for President Obama based on the overall platform of the Republican Party and the presentation over the last 2-years from top Republican officials. I was especially disappointed with the Republican Convention presentation of the majority of speakers and comments by the current Republican governors and the overall message sent out to millions who normally would not be interested in politics. This Republican convention was centered on being inaccurate and misleading to the convention attendees and the millions who watched and listened around the Unite States.
As far of independent voters goes, many have decided how they would vote before this convention. Now, the undecided independent voters (the majority) will not vote for Romney after viewing this Republican convention. The only way this changes if the Democrats screw up next week. Without any screw-ups from the Democrats, the undecided voters will lean voting Democrat in November.
I think Mitt Romney is a fine man and a wonderful American. If I was millionaire with lots and lots of money in the bank (or various other places around the world) I'd vote for him!
The Republican mantra is all about the past and how wonderful things were and how they can be again. It's a different world now, we need to be a good neighbor and citizen of the world instead of the world's boss and/or cop.
I'd also vote for Mitt if I owned lots of defense- contracting stocks, as he's ready to go to war on day one with Iran and anyone else who looks at us cross-eyed.
Yes... "these" people do cling to their guns and religion and it's their right to do so... I just don't have to join them and I sincerely doubt the majority of voters this year will either.
BTW... did anyone happen to see the lone individual with the Hispanics for Mitt sign last night. No it wasn't Marco or Gov. Sandoval, but one person who probably had his "papers in order" and was admitted to the hall last night.
The Republicans are just out of touch with where I see the U.S. and the world headed and where do they get off thinking that anyone from the "other" side is un-American.
And Eastwood??? Paleeeeezeee... that was awful!!!! I love his movies and it's true, he didn't lose or gain any votes for Romney with the performance, but c'mon, that stunk to high-heaven.
Longtimevegan, I am an independent and I can't tell you how many false false premises you have because I didn't have my calculator fired up when I read your post.
Romney and Ryan are by far the best the election season brings.
Smartone, nice job of obfuscating the real points. I want a strong America and not an apology tour. I am embarrassed that I voted for Obama. Your post reeks of the desperation that is starting to be exuded by the current resident of the White House.
Obama has to go!
That statement that GM is alive and Bin Laden is dead is laughable. Yes GM is alive thanks to money the taxpayers will never see again. The Volt is being shuttered just Obamas reign of ignorance. Bin Laden is dead but that is due to the Navy Seals and the Night Stalkers. Obama just got lucky. That intelligence was gathered over many years and after the successful raid Obama sold out the SEALS and the Pakistani Dr. Who helped. Besides, the Obama regime has more leaks than a sieve.
No thanks. I am voting Romney!
Romney is simply not a good person. I dont trust him at all. Tax breaks for the rich and tax INCREASES for the middle class. Far right socially. Romney wants the goverment involved in family decisions.
Wow Nick, you are lost! If he is anything, it's a good person and not a good politician. Far right socially? Are you kidding? Have you been awake for the past 10 years?
Nick watched Romney last night and can only offer this "Romney is simply not a good person. "
Really sad
Romney makes an unequivocal statement that he would not raise taxes on the middle class.
Nick must have gone out for a wine cooler and ham sandwich but Nick actual said "and tax INCREASES for the middle class. "
No doubt Nick will hear what he wants next week from Obama - more entitlements
@Heretic,
"Longtimevegan, I am an independent and I can't tell you how many false false premises you have because I didn't have my calculator fired up when I read your post.
Romney and Ryan are by far the best the election season brings."
Sorry my friend, the reality is Romney and Ryan are campaigning using inaccurate information and clearly distorting the facts. It appears based on your post you did not see or hear the "entire" Republican convention. I did! I did so to help decide on how I would vote in this very important election for President of the United State. For the past 2-years the Republican party and elected Republican officials have distorted the truth and are misleading the voters. It's sad when a major political party conducts a national campaign for the highest office in land on lies and distortions.
My decision to vote for President Obama is based on many things, many things of facts, not distortions or lie. Many undecided voters who have done their homework and have followed the messages from both party will decide to retain President Obama based on the facts. Facts are Facts, Lies are Lies.
It appears that the formerly sane Clint Eastwood has lost his mind, hence his support for the GOP ticket. It's a sad ending to a great career as the man of few words stood on stage in front of a national audience and interviewed ... a chair. The Invisible Obama chair.
I think we can agree that it's time to take away Dirty Harry's gun. He's become a danger to society.
@ Longtimevegan -
You say "...I CANNOT SPEAK FOR all Independents,...", and you claim that YOU ARE an Inependent. THEN you present a very biased conclusion: " If this was an appeal to independent voters they failed!" You also say: "As far (sic) of independent voters goes, many have decided how they would vote before this convention." Is this comment the result of an opinion survey YOU took!?
Your rambling and (preceived) illogical comments offer very little accurate insight as to the QUALITIES that Americanse expect in a President. Without favoring either Party, I find that Mitt Romney made his case very well - and the many supportive speakers offered insights into the man, his life, his business abilities - and found resounding approval by 2,000+ Delegates at this GOP convention.
Statistically, there will many voters who will APPROVE of what was said. After all, Mitt Romney DID WIN THE GOP PRIMARY - and it took millions of people voting for him to achieve this.
I'm sure Romney won't be seen as an alternative to Obama by many people (of ANY Party). But, I believe that his PROVEN abilitiy to "turn businesses around" toward profitability - and to enable private sector job creation - is EXACTLY what America needs now.
Mitt Romney's ideas for saving America from the brink of economic bankruptcy will be fundamental to achieving the necessary financial CHANGE in direction that America needs.
So I would not be so quick to dismiss Mitt's abilities, as you seem to be doing. Among his many good qualities, as stated by many people, the most credible and important quality is probably that PEOPLE CAN TRUST HIM TO DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO.
Of course, anyone can be a skeptic, and people SHOULD evaluate what Mitt Romney says. But so far, what he says is based on his "TRACK RECORD" - and makes sense. This is because he has ALREADY DONE (for businesses) - what he proposes to do for America.
Mitt Romney is NOT a politician; he is a business man. And Obama is NOT a business man; he is obviously a politician. So who better to save our economy than someone who has not only WORKED and DONE THIS in the business world for over 30 years, but who HAS ALSO SAVED many business from economic ruin. And, as a result, became very successful himself.
Americans are not "losers" - and SHOULD "hire" the BEST man (or woman) for the job; especially if they want to see a successful conclusion. Because, the "American Dream" is, essentially, "...the pursuit of happiness...." And achievement of such happiness requires being SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE.
Heretic... check your facts..."Yes GM is alive thanks to money the taxpayers will never see again."
The "taxpayers" have already profited over $18 billion and counting from the finanical sector bailout and the government has begun exchanging it's auto sector stock at a profit, though it has a long ways to go.
I'm in agreement that I don't want government bailouts (picking winners and losers) EXCEPT in the case of absolute catastrophe, but in my opinion and the opinion of most experts, that's where we were! We had the ability to prevent another depression, probably far worse than the last one. I'm glad the government (Bush and Obama) acted to prevent total collapse of our economy.
It's what sane people do... not cling to some principles to the perile of all. Frankly, I'm generally fiscally more in line with the Republicans, but they have become a party of "absolute"... there is no compromise, no discussion on anything... you either believe EVERYTHING as they do or you're out. That's no way to run a country. Not every Republican idea is a good one and not every Democratic idea is a bad one.
@The-Socratic-Inkwell,
Thanks for the respond. You apparently are laser focus on my words. If this is your point of reference, how do you explain the lies and distortions, and the misleading statements from elected Republican officials, and the overall theme of the Republican convention (supported by Romney and especially Ryan) to voters?
My post is strictly about the truth of "your candidates" telling lies and presenting distortions to the voters. As an independent voter I am most confident many other undecided independent voters who have done their homework and have followed the messages of both parties will vote for President Obama in November.
Again, it's sad when a major political party conducts a national campaign for the highest office in land on lies and distortions.
Your looking for numbers, for facts? Do your homework! I hope your not one who relies on opinion news, talking heads, or extreme talk radio to make your decision on important issues?
Lies are lies, and Facts are Facts.
I thought Mitt gave the best speech I have ever heard him give.
That agreed I was still not moved to seriously consider him. I looked at his handling of the republican "children" (Ron Paul afficianado's) and saw a poor future for respectful opponents of the Romney presidency.
I thought Eastwood wanted the troops out of Afghanistan and Romney (chicken hawk) want war with everyone from Iran to Russia.
Jon...it is not right to compare Romney to Hitler, Hitler did believe in a marginal social safety net for "certain people." Romney and Ryan would bring back debtors prisons and the beggars on the corner with a tin cup and a box of pencils.
When you get your damn religion out of my face is when you get this independent voter's vote.
The theme of the RNC was business vs. the people. The absence of those once-respected public heroes like firefighters, policeman, teachers and nurses was glaring. If you're not a business owner in American, you're no one. In fact, you're the enemy. All business, all the time.
The other remarkable trait of this convention was the image make-over. Elites trying to convince us that they are ordinary is insulting, particularly because of the right's ongoing war on ordinary people. Their sudden embrace of the middle-class is a surprise. Their sudden concern for the welfare of women is a surprise. Their newfound compassion for Latinos is also a surprise. It all smacked of tokenism, artifice, and hypocrisy.
Mitt Romney is dog whistle Racist with ideas outdated by at least 4 decades. He spews in public hayseed and pie, and operates off camera like a well fed parasite. He is about as exciting as a ham sandwich.
He comes from an upbringing based in what many consider a Cult.
We know who Mitt Romney is. Save your breath.
Comment removed by moderator. Name Calling
Romney has a disconnect with most people unless they are in the same league as he is. It is obvious when he is speaking in front of crowds as he has been doing all summer. He "thinks" he understands them but he really doesn't. He was in his element last night so he came off pretty good and obviously so many of you are in love with him. If roses and kisses were votes, he'd be president already!! He played it well.
I'm not saying he is a bad person. His religion doesn't bother me in the least(I had the fortunate experience to work with and know quite a few Mormons when living in Vegas and ALL were very nice, warm people and would go out of their way to help you). His religion may be the only thing that makes him more relatable to people even though most don't know a damn thing about Mormonism other than the young guys in white shirts and dark ties that come knocking at your door. Nor am I saying he is not capable of being president; I actually kind of like him but it's evident at times he is uncomfortable around those who are not like him. 90% of America is NOT like him. When I worked at the law firm in Chicago, I met men like him - multimillionaires, sharp dressers, egotistical, smart, good looking. Some were very nice and down to earth, most were not. I always thought they had a coldness to them, no warmth in their eyes. The only reason why they treated me with any kind of respect was because my boss was THEIR lawyer! Romney reminds me of those clients.
Romney may be a dynamo in the boardroom and in the business world but will that carry over into the Oval Office and onto the world stage in good times and in times of crisis? Being President is more than a balance sheet and stock portfolios. I think he would be an incredible asset to be on any President's cabinet. He has the smarts in certain areas but lacks it in other areas, important areas.
Anyone basing their decision on who to vote for on convention rhetoric (repub. or democrat) should probably have their right to vote rescinded.
The only way I can respect a voter making a decision or changing their vote is if after the debates they make a conscience decision based on what they heard. Debates can expose the BS from both sides much more clearly. The conventions are nothing more than cheerleading contests.
If you hope for:
Unemployment
Home foreclosures
Depleted personal wealth and indefinitely postponed retirement
Endless deficit spending
Massive national debt and interest service payments
Massive tax increases
National insecurity
Racial divisiveness from the White House
Class warfare
Anti-Christian government activities
Justice only for Democratic party constituencies
Covert activities to undermine the Constitution, like the lethal Operation Fast and Furious
Dictatorial use of Executive Orders to bypass the people's representatives
Domestic drone use by unaccountable federal bureaucracies, soon to be armed drones to enact sentencing upon the public
Closed door scheming by the Executive Branch against the public
Migration of business and wealth out of the United States
Expansion of the poverty roles
Growing public dependency on government and cost of government wealth redistribution and dignity and ambition withering programs
Dumber kids run through the government school unions
Health Care Tyranny and government sanctioned death panels
Then your hope is with Obama's reelection.
My prediction, as in 2010, in Wisconsin and others, based upon so many people being tired of hearing liberals spew verbal trash and distortions of the truth on anyone who disagrees with them and refusing to deal with our fiscal reality, in 2012 a Republican congress, Republican senate and Republican President...and remember, elections have consequences as Obama once said. One of which will be for liberals, if they ever want one of these houses back is to change the tone by which they communicate. Speaking in a language of hatred, name calling, whack job, etc. (the language of msnbc) has us all tuning you out. I won't listen again to any of you or read any of your articles until I hear substance, not crazy far left wing trash talk posed as main stream communication.
Well Crystal, I certainly think both sides are VERY guilty of which you speak... not just the left. I don't think Pres. Obama is a Kenyan muslim sent here to destroy us as many do and I don't think Mitt Romney is the second coming of Gordon Gekko looking to loot us of all our gold and treasure either.
I do agree with you on one point, I wish... which ever side wins, that it be accompanied by sizable victories in the House and Senate for their party. I'm almost at the point where I don't care which side wins... I WANT SOMETHING DONE. I"M TIRED OF PARTISAN GRIDLOCK!!!!
CrystalBalls: "My prediction,... in 2012 a Republican congress, Republican senate and Republican President."
Be careful what you wish for. Last time the GOP had control of the House, Senate and WH, they gave us two mismanaged trillion dollar wars, a collapsed housing market and the worst economy since the Great Depression.
"Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so. The nations of the earth have transgressed every law that God has given, they have changed the ordinances and broken every covenant made with the fathers, and they are like a hungry man that dreameth that he eateth, and he awaketh and behold he is empty."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, volume 10, page 110)
http://mormonismexposed.blogspot.com/200...
The remaking of Mitt Romney is yet another thing Mitt learned from watching his own Cult clean itself up so the mainstream would stop pointing fingers at it. Mitt Romney is a conman.
here's a link to Park Romney http://www.parkromney.com/?view=about-Pa...
check out this analysis of the speech:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/08/31...
Crystal:
"[S]peaking in a language of hatred" is far from a monopoly of either the "liberal media" or democratic politicians. Whether it is politicians on the right (like Newt) or their media supporters (like Rush), demonizing the opposition is a universal attribute of politics and politicians, and has been since the beginning of time.
I resolve my choice by reference to a quote from Aaron Sorkin's script in Newsroom, where his lead character says:
I'm a registered Republican, I only seem liberal because I believe that hurricanes are caused by high barometric pressure and not gay marriage.
How can you possibly want to elect someone, regardless of their economic policies, who thinks climate change is junk science and evolution is the teaching of the devil?
I heard that later, Clint Eastwood got into a fist fight with a sofa....
....and the sofa won by a knockout.
@heretic. Yes GM is shutting down the assembly of Volt. Just for six weeks. Volt has sold more in the past month than at anytime in it's short history, over 2500 this month. Original projections were for 40,000 Volt's the first year. GM has admitted these projections were too high soon after the car was launched. The people at the plant are not being laid off, they are being put to work retooling a portion of the plant for a new product. And yes the government has made money on GM which I'm sure has gone into the Treasury. Oh yes the pricetag of the Volt is just over $40,00.00. Even though I probably could afford it, that's one hell of alot of money to just get to and from work.
As for Romney's speech, he didn't convince me he has what it takes. The one thing I do know is that if a Republican gets elected, you'll never hear a word about the deficite, or the budget. In the 70's there was a man who proposed the two Santa Claus theory. His name I believe was Jude Lewinsky. His theory was to have his party spend like Drunken Sailors when in power. And then scream about the deficite and budget and blame the other party when out of power. Reagan did this so did 'w' and his father.
I will accept my comment being removed. The other comment was removed also. There are lines on here that should never be crossed.
Mitt the Flip has already lost this election for many reasons too numerous to outline here but formost amongst those is his inability to achieve the status of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Although very wealthy, FDR was considered a "traitor to his class" given his preference to legislate in favor of the average American over the obscenely rich. Roosevelt was elected to the Presidency an unprecedented four times because Americans understood that he supported them above all others. His "New Deal" became the foundation for prosperity in the United States through Depression, WWII and long thereafter until Ronald Reagan upset the upplecart during his tenure. RR was the beginning of the end for US manufacturing and the inception of foreign outsourcesing as a profit center. Wholesale, Reagan's former economic braintrust have disavowed his "trickle down" philosophy yet Romney would double down and hew to such that the our middle class would ultimately become but a faint memory. Romney's opportunity to connect with the populace has long passed. He's not one of us. Never has beeen. Never will be. Hope he enjoys a long, very prosporous retirement in whatever state he elects to call home. I pray that his vintage car elevator never beaks down. Ann would be really upset if she couldn't get one of her show horses out of the basement.
Mitt Romney will get my vote to become the next President of The United State's of America
The real truth is that Romney in not being himself will lose this election. He is a nice man who in his desire to become President has compromised on everyone of his principles.
His latest fiasco was in picking Paul Ryan to be his running mate.
How much evidence do you want that this man voted for ALL of Bushes fiasco bills and now calls himself a fiscal conservative. The evidence is there. More importantly in last speech the other night he actually lied 5times . This is not a joke or political expediency. This is factually a real lie. His new name is Lyin Ryan. He wont get away with it as he will be called out for these lies everytime he speaks'
Last and most importantly the real race is for who controls congress.
The people in the Republican party who really should be tried for treason . not against their party but against the American People
We could be well down the road to recovery if they would have cooperated. Everyone in their heart has to know that if they are not thrown out the next 4 years will be more of the same. No change No way .
Romney highlighted why being a rich CEO is not a resume for office.. CEO's can run things as they see fit. They don't have to give details unless they want to.. they can hide their personal feelings behind corporate interests. This is what we are seeing from Romney.. he does not give any policy details, he hides his income taxes..etc.. He thinks he is talking to CNBC trying rally investors with promises of profits!
He said he wants to build his cabinet from the top executives in industry. These people would be fish out of water... it is not their environment. They can't do what they want in Government.. making or saving money is not always the primary objective of an agency.. it is to serve the people!! In many cases that means you have to take unpopular positions with regulations.. because it is in the best interest of the country as a whole. If you look at the level of customer service that most companies provide.. it shows that this is not their strong suit!
THey talk about regulations hindering business.. yet these regulations have their roots in a problem that needed regulating. Look at their only stated proposals.. Reducing environmental regulations.. is more pollution of our air, land and water good for America? Who exactly benefits from more pollution other than Companies financially? Reducing the regulations on Wall Street.. really???? So this whole collapse was caused by over regulation of the financial markets? Can they really be taken seriously as future leaders when they don't want to lead they want to follow! Follow the same policies that created all the problems! That is not leadership! That is not making hard choices!
The government serves a much different role than a corporation does.. that is why I don't equate corp experience with success in government.
OK and now the facts......
Willard Romney said that he will repeal Obamacare.
He says he will replace it.
With what?
He has no replacement.
But he has the best, full health care in the
country.
His family has the best health care too.
What about the rest of America?
Does Romney care?
OBAMA CARES.
romney/ryan will kill Medicare for Americans
under 55.
That's alot of Americans.
They will privatize Medicare with vouchers and
you are on your own.
romney/ryan will also raise the age for Medicare
to 67. OH BOY.
One would have to be a raving lunatic and a moron
to vote for these republican clowns.
WE'RE KEEPING PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!
We sure as hell don't need Herman Munster and
little Eddie Munster in the White House.
Is Anjeanette Damon a Journalist or Political Commentator. If she's going for Commentator, Rush's Job is already taken. All I noticed of the Convention is that there was ZERO factual Accuracy in what they were accusing President Obama of, Plus a lot of Fogging of their issues to keep their low information voters uninformed. Some actual Fact Checking (of Both Parties) instead of this fluff article would have been great.
I am getting tired of Right Wing predictions.
So when does the Hyper-Inflation kick-in? When do all the Mexicans invade? When does the Comet "wet my pants" hit? How bout the Unix rollover shouldn't we be upgrading Cobol systems? When does Obama align with Jerry Wright + Louie Farrakhan and turn America into Black America? When does Obama start his Anti-Imperialistic withdrawal of our Military from all over the planet and Galaxy? When?
I guess Obama is too busy bailing out Bankers. Too busy filling their balance sheets with 3.5 trillion dollars of fresh reserves. Obama's community organizing taught him to help Bankers first. Bill Ayers told Obama don't rob armored cars like I did Barry, fill them up.
So when does the Obama Takeover begin? Hell even this coined Obamacare deal is not even Socialized and still the Wingnuts whine.