"The only real “conservative” problem Romney has is a matter of policy and not ideology: It’s his Massachusetts health care reform. He says it worked great for his state, that he’s proud of it, and that his first act as president will be to make sure no one else in America ever has to experience anything like it." - Jonathan Last, Weekly Standard
Very witty observation, SilverFiddle, but in truth there could not be anything more damning for the GOP candidacy than the inability of the party to coalesce around an honest, truly conservative candidate.
It appears there is no such thing as a Republican Party anymore -- only a bunch of divisive factions each with radically different notions of what really needs to be done.
From the evidence so far presented, I am willing t bet that barack Obama will win a second term.
I am so sick an tired of the antics of those who define themselves as Republicans I may just vote for Obama, myself.
The GOP has lost me, but I will not back a third party candidate. Spoilers should be shot.
And WHAT has happened to The Tea Party? They seem to exist only in the realm of rhetoric these days and have effectively faded into oblivion.
FT, I agree with your last comment in this thread.
Once Romney gets the nod -- and I'm nearly certain that he will -- he will be torn apart by the media. Clearly, Romney has provided plenty of fodder for such salvos.
Here's an entirely different point of view from a good conservative net friend from the great state of New Hampshire. He's a successful businessman -- very practical and hard-headed -- so it's very possible he knows what he's talking about. He doesn't get his opinions from TV or talk radio -- too busy earning a living to support a young family.
"What should we look for in a candidate for President? First, the person isn’t a career politician and was a leader in their other career prior to running. Second, they have a real strength of character. Given the main issues of today, a full understanding of how the private sector works is a critical component to a good candidate. Only one candidate has such experience – Mitt Romney.
"Romney founded Bain Capital, and helped guide many companies on a successful course, including Staples, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Domino's Pizza, Sealy, Brookstone, and The Sports Authority. Of the 150 companies most became more successful. His Olympic turnaround was stunning changing a $237 Million dollar deficit to a $53Million profit in two years.
"Then there is the maligned “RomneyCare”. As I remember it, Romney really didn't have much of a choice in 2004, surrounded by a vetoproof legislature that was 85% Democrat and the Feds were threatening to pull $385 million in Medicare funding if the uninsured weren’t funded. The fact many promises made by the Democrats during the final bill negotiations went unfulfilled and many negative changes were implemented after he left office are also not Romneys fault.
"Character? During the summer of 1996, an daughter ofone of Bain’s executives disappeared in New York City. When no one could find her, Governor Romney closed down the company in Boston. At Mitt’s expense, they all headed to New York City to aid the search. Spreading out across the city, they set up command centers, combed through neighborhoods, passed out fliers and drew media attention to the case. Through their efforts, Robert Gay was reunited with his daughter.
"Like all people, some of his beliefs have evolved and some are evolving. Hopefully one learns from life experience. But on job creation and private sector growth, only Mitt has a demonstrable record of success. Without such knowledge, the economy can't be turned around.
"With Mitt's misquoted (and unfortunate word choice) statement made yesterday regarding firing one's insurance company, the pounce by the competition is very revealing. They went crazy and the result is more a shine on their use of the out of context quote - playing an Obama game.
As are the ads trying to sully Bain & Co.'s reputation from Newt showing how small he really is and also how he doesn't truly believe in capitalism. Rick Perry, Santorum...all UNTRUE and looked at from the worst persepctive possible with little regard for the facts. It is disgusting. When you take over an ailing company sometimes it dies. That is life. It is the risk accepted by the management and employees. Anyway, This is the short answer. That is why I am supporting Mitt Romney in 2012."
So, maybe we're being sold bill of goods about Mitt? I do respect the letter writer's opinion.
FT, My instincts tell me that Romney is a politician who desires, above all, the Office of President of the United States and, in his attempts to get there, will stop at nothing to win.
That said, the following from the letter you cited appears to be true:
on job creation and private sector growth, only Mitt has a demonstrable record of success.
Even if true, there is no magic want that any President can wave to bring America out of the depths of an economic depression that has been building for YEARS UPON YEARS.
This morning on the news, I heard Romney mention repealing ObamaCare. Honestly, I can't see that happening. And it is a bit ironic that he mentions such a thing; after all RomneyCare was one of the models for ObamaCare.
Considering the utter lack of 'vetting' the Dems and the MSM did on "O", of course they'll try to rip Mitt apart. Same with any Republican nominee. As far as Bain ... *shrug* ... companies rise and fall. Hostess is failing, again, and whose fault is that?
When it comes to the Republican attacks on Romney ... well, he started it, and had success with that sort of thing in 2008 ... until other Republicans banded together to nail him. If it's fair for Mitt to attack, then it's fair for him to BE attacked.
Glad you're well enough to be able to bother reading and responding. I know you describe yourself as a TOB, but these bugs are "the pits." I feel for you. I really do.
As for Romney and the others, there are no perfect candidates. If George Washington were alive today, "they" would probably haves sidetracked him and cast him on the ash heap over Sally Fairfax.
I don't blame "the media" so much, however, as I blame the MOGUL OLIGARCHS who fund the media, and give those jackals their marching orders.
All of our choices are poor thanks to these "manipulators," but I think our ONLY choice is to get solidly behind whoever runs against The Black Knight.
It's time we stopped squabbling among ourselves, and focused on giving The Big O the boot.
FT: Regarding the letter you posted earlier: I have no doubt that Mitt Romney is a fine human being and a good family man. If we were electing humanitarian of the year I might consider nominating him. But we are nominating a candidate for President whose job is not just to beat Obama but to roll back Obamaism in every form to the best he can.
I have my doubts that Mitt Romney would seriously lead the counter-revolution. We know the Democrats will stake out the most extreme position they possibly can (with support from their media acolytes) and then demand the new GOP president compromise far too the left.
People will remember that Newt Gingrich was willing to go all out and face down Bill Clinton in the 1990's. Even though Newt got blamed for the government shutdown, he showed he was willing to stand on principle. I have a hard time recalling ANY examples of where Romney has shown similar courage.
Finally, I had the opportunity to meet face to face with Romney 4 years ago. I asked him why it was that so many conservatives in SC didn't think he would govern as a conservative if elected. His answer was nothing more than a repetition of campaign talking points and left me thinking that he only said what he thought I wanted to hear. This same feeling of insincerity has been repeated by many others who have had the pleasure of his company over the years.
We just do not know what kind of President Mitt Romney would be if elected. I'd rather take my chances with Newt!
Mike, We just do not know what kind of President Mitt Romney would be if elected.
Thomas Jefferson is a historical example of a President who governed unexpectedly. Specifically, he advocated curtailing the power of the central government, yet, once in the Oval Office, he authorized the Louisiana Purchase and, unlike his predecessors, took on the Barbary Pirates.
Of course, Presidents do often govern based on what they stood for previously. I remember when BHO was elected and how people were saying, "Okay. He's on the Left, but he'll govern more toward the center." Has he really?
You are more of an authority on Ronald Reagan than I am or ever will be. However, it seems to me that Reagan did use the power of the Office to accomplish his goals -- in spite of people saying before he took office that he'd be wimpy as President.
You said:
I had the opportunity to meet face to face with Romney 4 years ago. I asked him why it was that so many conservatives in SC didn't think he would govern as a conservative if elected. His answer was nothing more than a repetition of campaign talking points and left me thinking that he only said what he thought I wanted to hear.
I've never met Romney, but he strikes me that way.
Who was it that said something quite similar about Bill Clinton? I cannot recall who, but it was an author writing about Parkinson's Disease and a meeting that the author had with Bill Clinton.
We welcome civil dialogue at Always on Watch. Comments that include any of the following are subject to deletion: 1. Any use of profanity or abusive language 2. Off topic comments and spam 3. Use of personal invective
"The only real “conservative” problem Romney has is a matter of policy and not ideology: It’s his Massachusetts health care reform. He says it worked great for his state, that he’s proud of it, and that his first act as president will be to make sure no one else in America ever has to experience anything like it." - Jonathan Last, Weekly Standard
ReplyDeleteCould there be anything more damning for a GOP candidate than to get McCain's endorsement?
ReplyDeleteRomney's convictions? The only one I'm familiar with is his desire to become President.
ReplyDeleteFJ,
ReplyDeleteThat's my point.
However, "the forces that be" have lined up to see that he gets the nomination.
Americans who will vote "Anybody but Obama!" should know what they're getting into.
Beamish,
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that matters of policy matter more than matters of ideology as policy eventually touches each of the governed.
Silverfiddle,
ReplyDeleteCould there be anything more damning for a GOP candidate than to get McCain's endorsement?
Point well taken.
Very witty observation, SilverFiddle, but in truth there could not be anything more damning for the GOP candidacy than the inability of the party to coalesce around an honest, truly conservative candidate.
ReplyDeleteIt appears there is no such thing as a Republican Party anymore -- only a bunch of divisive factions each with radically different notions of what really needs to be done.
From the evidence so far presented, I am willing t bet that barack Obama will win a second term.
I am so sick an tired of the antics of those who define themselves as Republicans I may just vote for Obama, myself.
The GOP has lost me, but I will not back a third party candidate. Spoilers should be shot.
And WHAT has happened to The Tea Party? They seem to exist only in the realm of rhetoric these days and have effectively faded into oblivion.
~ FreeThinke
As Rush emphasized yesterday, Romney is in fact the WEAKEST candidate and is, therefore, the Media Darling.
ReplyDeleteJust wait till Romney receives the nomination!
The Democratic shills that comprise the media will devour him like the bloodthirsty sharks they are.
Romney will be another disaster like Dole and McCain.
Mark my words.
Nobody wants him, but The Oligarchs have decided that HE is to be "our" candidate.
~ FreeThinke
RINO endorsed by a RINO.
ReplyDeleteFT,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your last comment in this thread.
Once Romney gets the nod -- and I'm nearly certain that he will -- he will be torn apart by the media. Clearly, Romney has provided plenty of fodder for such salvos.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
ReplyDeleteHere's an entirely different point of view from a good conservative net friend from the great state of New Hampshire. He's a successful businessman -- very practical and hard-headed -- so it's very possible he knows what he's talking about. He doesn't get his opinions from TV or talk radio -- too busy earning a living to support a young family.
"What should we look for in a candidate for President? First, the person isn’t a career politician and was a leader in their other career prior to running. Second, they have a real strength of character. Given the main issues of today, a full understanding of how the private sector works is a critical component to a good candidate. Only one candidate has such experience – Mitt Romney.
"Romney founded Bain Capital, and helped guide many companies on a successful course, including Staples, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Domino's Pizza, Sealy, Brookstone, and The Sports Authority. Of the 150 companies most became more successful.
His Olympic turnaround was stunning changing a $237 Million dollar deficit to a $53Million profit in two years.
"Then there is the maligned “RomneyCare”. As I remember it, Romney really didn't have much of a choice in 2004, surrounded by a vetoproof legislature that was 85% Democrat and the Feds were threatening to pull $385 million in Medicare funding if the uninsured weren’t funded. The fact many promises made by the Democrats during the final bill negotiations went unfulfilled and many negative changes were implemented after he left office are also not Romneys fault.
"Character? During the summer of 1996, an daughter ofone of Bain’s executives disappeared in New York City. When no one could find her, Governor Romney closed down the company in Boston. At Mitt’s expense, they all headed to New York City to aid the search. Spreading out across the city, they set up command centers, combed through neighborhoods, passed out fliers and drew media attention to the case. Through their efforts, Robert Gay was reunited with his daughter.
"Like all people, some of his beliefs have evolved and some are evolving. Hopefully one learns from life experience. But on job creation and private sector growth, only Mitt has a demonstrable record of success. Without such knowledge, the economy can't be turned around.
"With Mitt's misquoted (and unfortunate word choice) statement made yesterday regarding firing one's insurance company, the pounce by the competition is very revealing. They went crazy and the result is more a shine on their use of the out of context quote - playing an Obama game.
As are the ads trying to sully Bain & Co.'s reputation from Newt showing how small he really is and also how he doesn't truly believe in capitalism. Rick Perry, Santorum...all UNTRUE and looked at from the worst persepctive possible with little regard for the facts. It is disgusting. When you take over an ailing company sometimes it dies. That is life. It is the risk accepted by the management and employees.
Anyway, This is the short answer. That is why I am supporting Mitt Romney in 2012."
So, maybe we're being sold bill of goods about Mitt? I do respect the letter writer's opinion.
~ FreeThinke
We don't trust Mitt Romney, and here's why: [LINK]
ReplyDeleteFT,
ReplyDeleteMy instincts tell me that Romney is a politician who desires, above all, the Office of President of the United States and, in his attempts to get there, will stop at nothing to win.
That said, the following from the letter you cited appears to be true:
on job creation and private sector growth, only Mitt has a demonstrable record of success.
Even if true, there is no magic want that any President can wave to bring America out of the depths of an economic depression that has been building for YEARS UPON YEARS.
This morning on the news, I heard Romney mention repealing ObamaCare. Honestly, I can't see that happening. And it is a bit ironic that he mentions such a thing; after all RomneyCare was one of the models for ObamaCare.
Considering the utter lack of 'vetting' the Dems and the MSM did on "O", of course they'll try to rip Mitt apart. Same with any Republican nominee. As far as Bain ... *shrug* ... companies rise and fall. Hostess is failing, again, and whose fault is that?
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to the Republican attacks on Romney ... well, he started it, and had success with that sort of thing in 2008 ... until other Republicans banded together to nail him. If it's fair for Mitt to attack, then it's fair for him to BE attacked.
I'll support the nominee. ABO!
Good morning, AOW.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're well enough to be able to bother reading and responding. I know you describe yourself as a TOB, but these bugs are "the pits." I feel for you. I really do.
As for Romney and the others, there are no perfect candidates. If George Washington were alive today, "they" would probably haves sidetracked him and cast him on the ash heap over Sally Fairfax.
I don't blame "the media" so much, however, as I blame the MOGUL OLIGARCHS who fund the media, and give those jackals their marching orders.
All of our choices are poor thanks to these "manipulators," but I think our ONLY choice is to get solidly behind whoever runs against The Black Knight.
It's time we stopped squabbling among ourselves, and focused on giving The Big O the boot.
~ FreeThinke
FT,
ReplyDeleteIt's time we stopped squabbling among ourselves, and focused on giving The Big O the boot.
At this point, I see no hope for the squabbling to stop. And I don't mean only at this blog, either.
FT: Regarding the letter you posted earlier: I have no doubt that Mitt Romney is a fine human being and a good family man. If we were electing humanitarian of the year I might consider nominating him. But we are nominating a candidate for President whose job is not just to beat Obama but to roll back Obamaism in every form to the best he can.
ReplyDeleteI have my doubts that Mitt Romney would seriously lead the counter-revolution. We know the Democrats will stake out the most extreme position they possibly can (with support from their media acolytes) and then demand the new GOP president compromise far too the left.
People will remember that Newt Gingrich was willing to go all out and face down Bill Clinton in the 1990's. Even though Newt got blamed for the government shutdown, he showed he was willing to stand on principle. I have a hard time recalling ANY examples of where Romney has shown similar courage.
Finally, I had the opportunity to meet face to face with Romney 4 years ago. I asked him why it was that so many conservatives in SC didn't think he would govern as a conservative if elected. His answer was nothing more than a repetition of campaign talking points and left me thinking that he only said what he thought I wanted to hear. This same feeling of insincerity has been repeated by many others who have had the pleasure of his company over the years.
We just do not know what kind of President Mitt Romney would be if elected. I'd rather take my chances with Newt!
Opps! Forget to give the link of my meeting with Mitt in 2007:
ReplyDeletehttp://mikesamerica.blogspot.com/2007/11/mitt-romney-visits-mikes-america.html
I haven't bothered to go see him this time around. I know all I need to know about him.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteWe just do not know what kind of President Mitt Romney would be if elected.
Thomas Jefferson is a historical example of a President who governed unexpectedly. Specifically, he advocated curtailing the power of the central government, yet, once in the Oval Office, he authorized the Louisiana Purchase and, unlike his predecessors, took on the Barbary Pirates.
Of course, Presidents do often govern based on what they stood for previously. I remember when BHO was elected and how people were saying, "Okay. He's on the Left, but he'll govern more toward the center." Has he really?
You are more of an authority on Ronald Reagan than I am or ever will be. However, it seems to me that Reagan did use the power of the Office to accomplish his goals -- in spite of people saying before he took office that he'd be wimpy as President.
You said:
I had the opportunity to meet face to face with Romney 4 years ago. I asked him why it was that so many conservatives in SC didn't think he would govern as a conservative if elected. His answer was nothing more than a repetition of campaign talking points and left me thinking that he only said what he thought I wanted to hear.
I've never met Romney, but he strikes me that way.
Who was it that said something quite similar about Bill Clinton? I cannot recall who, but it was an author writing about Parkinson's Disease and a meeting that the author had with Bill Clinton.
Convictions?
ReplyDeleteI never knew he'd even been ACCUSED of any crimes let alone CONVICTED.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
~ FT