…Mitt Romney’s big, formal, for real this time, official announcement that he’s in it to win it running for President of the United States.
Unfortunately, for him, he’s gotten a surprisingly negative spate of news over the past day. First, Sam Brownback slams Mitt’s “multiple choice” abortion positions, then Chris Cillizza twists the knife on the front page of the Washington Post by saying that Mitt “has reversed [his abortion and stem cell positions] since it became clear he would pursue the presidency in 2008,” and for good measure, World Net Daily piles on too. If that weren’t enough, there were the anti-Romney protesters at this weekend’s GOP convention in Michigan. Now comes word that the National Jewish Democratic Council took Romney to task for giving his announcement speech at the Henry Ford Museum, given Ford’s despicable anti-Semitism (What was Romney thinking?!). To top it off, some Romney supporters in Michigan have decided to defect to John McCain’s campaign, because they found Romney’s past positions unsatisfying (and to add insult to injury, Fox even includes a link to the infamous Romney-Kennedy ‘94 debate).
Let’s hope that Romney gets a better reception tomorrow.
February 13th, 2007 at 3:04 am
I would definately concede that attacking Brownback with a pro-choice label was a wrong move for the Romney camp. Even though Sam Brownback was not a very zealous pro-lifer back in the day (if he even went by that label in 94), it is counter productive to make hime seem more liberal in that area than he was. They should have emphasized that Brownback was not always as committed to pro-life stances and has had a similar ‘awakening’ to Romney.
I know political campaigns is mostly about emphasizing differences, but it is this type of nitpicky behaviour which Romney seems to be the target of so often these days. For instance ‘Romney did not sign the no tax pledge in 2002, so he must be FOR taxes’. We all know that Romney held the line and prevented the Democratically controlled Taxachusetts senate from raising taxes (all while reversing the huge deficit mind you).
As for Ford museum visit being anti-semitic. Hogwash. Balderdash. Does visiting Germany make you a Neo-Nazi? The country was once run by one of the biggest anti-semites ever, so obviously anyone who wants to go there must be aligned with those notions (/sarcasm). Is there something intrinsic about anti-semitism, that it is some sort of contagion that infects people who wander into the wrong museum? Does watching Marlin Brando and Mel Gibson movies make me hate jews? It’s a pretty silly attack and demonstrates once again how well the opposition is at grasping at straws.
February 13th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Indeed, the Brownback attack was pathetic and others agree. Their “lightning” response team took four days to respond. That man’s going places I’m sure. And the Henry Ford museum is clearly an ode to innovation and the progress of the human spirit. Is Bill Clinton a racist because he cloaked himself in Thomas “I own slaves and make illegitimate babies with them” Jefferson? If not, how is Romney to blame for merely showing up at museum dedicated to a pioneer who happened to be an anti-semite? Is there any indication that Romney intends to dedicate his speech to Henry Ford? It’s pretty clear that people are determined to everything they can to kill Romney’s candidacy before it gets off the tarmac, and they may well succeed simply for sheer volume of their inanities, but if Romney survives the onslaught (and this may well be his last chance to show his metal), he’ll be battle tested like no one else in the contest. Does anyone imagine Barack Obama would have the slightest idea what to do if this type of onslaught came his way? I’ve always thought that Romney had far from a glass chin. We’ll see if I was right.
February 13th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Goodness LJ! What a hit-piece! I bet you’re real proud of that one
. Is this your attempt to diffuse any traction Mitt might get from his announcement speech? All I can say is that I will be wearing my Mitt Romney for President shirt all day long 
February 13th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Wow, Mitt Romney formally announces that he’s running for president. What a shocker!
February 13th, 2007 at 10:13 am
‘Twas the year before the primaries, and LJ was busy with a negative link dump on Rudy and Mitt.
February 13th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Too funny Fredo.
February 13th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Someone is full of piss and vinegar today!
February 13th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Kavon,
would you be referring to LJ’s post or the Romney supporters (or both?). Or maybe you’re talking about the Jewish Democratic Council.
February 13th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Would anyone agree with me that if Rudy Giuliani continues to slaughter John McCain
at the polls, McCain drops out of the race before the primaries, and throws his support
behind Rudy? They really are very good friends.
February 13th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
typo: IN the polls, not AT the polls.
February 13th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
KT – you must be a huge Rudy supporter and have a great imagination.