What has been and will continue to be Mitt Romney’s 2 largest obstacle for the rest of this campaign?
A. Rudy Giuliani
What? Why Rudy Giuliani? Well, Mitt Romney spent the last year and a half trying to prove himself as the alternative to Rudy Giuliani. It turned out that he picked the wrong guy to be the alternative too. Romney doesn’t have a genuine edge over McCain, when it comes to social conservative credentials. With Rudy, you had the pro-choice candidate vs. the pro-life (at least now) candidate. With John McCain (not to mention Huckabee), Romney is no longer able to do so.
B. Second, and most importantly, himself
An interesting discussion was taking place over at the Corner, and I somewhat agree with this thought:
One problem Romney has, which I was acutely aware of the other night, is that he comes off just a bit too effete. He is smart and thoughtful. But each time John McCain said something that was smirky or a direct lie, (the business about timetables), after trying to correct it, Mitt’s natural inclination was to shoot a plaintive look at the questioners, as if to signal that he and they both knew that McCain was misbehaving. This was entirely redolent of the behavior of the teacher’s pet, who always knows the right answer, looking for authority to back him up in an argument with the class bully. But if you are president you have to be the authority, and you had better be able to slay the dragon right there and then, without looking to some offstage authority figure to nod in agreement that you are right. This little bit of body language reinforced whatever it was that McCain’s people meant recently when one of them was quoted saying, “Mitt Romney is the kind of guy that John McCain used to beat up at school.” (That’s a paraphrase.)
I found the remark obnoxious (as you would expect a grown woman to) at the time. But when I watched the interaction described above, I knew what that guy meant. And the fact is, you don’t want to vote for the bully, but you don’t want to vote for the goody two-shoes either.
I agree with the general point that Lisa Schiffin makes. Mitt Romney is a great businessman, but what is possibly his greatest flaw is his demeanor. During the last debate, John McCain acted like an immature jerk. I have never, in my life, been more turned off by a single debate performance like I was the other night. I was waiting and hoping that Mitt Romney would wipe the smirk off of McCain’s face. It was the perfect opportunity to prove once and for all that he had what it takes to be the candidate that conservatives could be proud of, instead of the guy that they vote for because they don’t have anyone left. Romney didn’t take advantage of the situation.
Despite the fact that half the party despises him, nobody doubts that John McCain would stand up for himself. John McCain is not afraid to tell it like it is (at least how it is according to John McCain). Although he didn’t run a great campaign, Fred Thompson was the perfect example of this. When Thompson attacked one other candidates, he told them exactly what he thought of them to their face. He didn’t hesitate. When he thought raising his hand was ridiculous, he said so, and everyone knew it.
Mitt Romney has to show that he will stand up for himself. Before Thursday’s debate, I wrote a post practically begging him to have one of “those moments.” He had the opportunity, but he didn’t do it. I think Romney came out of the debate looking a lot better than McCain, but that was more the latter’s fault than because of Romney’s performance.
Romney must show the ability to stand up in that type of situation to win the presidency. I want to believe, but blind faith is worthless.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
You know, I have mixed emotions about last debate. Romney could have grandstanded it a bit more, I iultimately wish he had, but, I think by Romney not saying much, McCain’s smugness spoke for itself, and I think it has had a detrimental effect to his momentum. That debate performance alone can account for the the galvanising of some of the conservative support that we ee happening.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
While I agree that Romney comes across as a bit gay and would earn points by bitch-slapping McCain (rhetorically of course), I believe candidates must always play to their strengths. So when McCain pressed the issue of Iraq timetables Romney should have avoided getting into a back and forth about it. He should have instead said it wasn’t his position and then attacked McCain for wanting to change the subject from the economy. He could have really zinged McCain by saying, “You would rather talk about Iraq than America. I am running for president of this country and it is our economy I am most concerned with.”
February 1st, 2008 at 8:58 pm
So if someone is ignorant, stupid and being a horses ass get down in the gutter with him so that you can show you can. I think that would have most people turned off. By Romeny remaining calm it made McCain look horrible, smug and like a little boy bully in the school yard. You can see how both of them would act as President to people that did not agree with them…I’d take Romeny any day at least he wouldn’t have as many bridges to rebuild with world leaders after acting like an ass. Anyway if McCain gets the nod….VOTE FOR ANY DEM.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Tommy, you know that whatever Romney does, he cannot win.
He puts out very tasteful ads that point out contrasts on issues, while complimenting his opponents and he — only he — is accused of negative ads – while Huckabee and McCain both use underhanded, devious, low ways of spreading lies about Mitt.
I’m tired of all the analyzing about Mitt and the nit-picking about him.
Stop!!!!
No one is perfect — but Mitt Romney is about as perfect as we are going to get this time around!
Respectfully, Beth
February 1st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Romney started life with his daddy’s power, money, and influence.
He never had to beat down doors or fly missions over enemy territory.
Why would you expect Romney to have any manly instincts? He is just a limp wristed, pencil neck, wimp… born with a silver CEO nameplate up his a$$.
He never actually created anything in his life, just followed and managed.
And that goes for his five sons fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan too.
And yes, I am a war veteran. (But, I’m not a hero like McCain. And I support a different candidate anyway.)
February 1st, 2008 at 9:02 pm
beth,
Yes, but that is what he has to show me. I’m practically on my knees begging him to…
Please Mitt, stand up for yourself. Show me the backbone…
February 1st, 2008 at 9:05 pm
CT,
Look, the guy has to win over the people like me, who want to really rally to him, but aren’t just going to vote for a another candidate that suits our views.
Romney doesn’t have to get in the gutter to show true backbone. He can shut McCain down forcefully without attacking. his character. Show some flair, or anger. Feign outrage at what he said about him. Don’t just coutnerpoint. Show you really believe in what you say.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
#5 – First of all, Sam, thank you for your service!
Secondly, my son is in the Air Force and I am mighty proud of him.
Thirdly, you are right! John McCain is a great hero, but lately (last 10+ years), he has shown his manliness by bending over, grabbing his knees and lifting his ass in the air so liberal democrats like Feingold and Kennedy can purse their lips, give that ass of his a big kiss and maybe a few more delightful surprises while they’re at it.
Real modern day hero.
I appreciate McCain’s service and sacrifice, but that was decades ago.
What has he done lately to fight for the heart and soul of the Conservative Movement?
And, P.S., Sam, Mitt Romney may have been born into a family who had position and wealth, but he is not trust fund baby. He has earned his credentials, degrees, money all by himself.
I’m sure you have no idea how hard he has worked, and frankly, it doesn’t seem likely that you even give a damn.
Again, thanks for your service, but as a Conservative, think about the class warfare talk you’re spouting — sounds pretty liberal to me.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Sam
Your right, your not a hero, your a ignorant jackass
February 1st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Tommy, he has stood up to John McCain. If you aren’t satisfied with what he has done up to this time, you never will be.
You cannot make Mitt over to have FDT’s “I don’t give a s&%t what you think” attitude. They are two different people with two different personalities.
Frankly, if FDT had had Romney’s energy and work ethic, we probably wouldn’t be looking at a possible and very discouraging McCain nomination, we would be looking at a Thompson nomination.
Wouldn’t it have been great to take Huckabee’s way with words, FDT’s downhome common sense and commitment to Federalism and Mitt Romney’s energy, vision, work ethic and proven track record of success and put them all into one candidate? Yes, it would be great, but that’s not reality.
C’mon, Tommy.
You know, Tommy, I have great respect for you. You, alone, won me over to warm up to FDT.
But Fred is out of the race and it is too bad. (I mean that.)
Quit being such a perfection and throw your full support behind the only all-round conservative in the race — Mitt Romney!!!
P.S. Thanks for listening!
February 1st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
SAm,
Last I checked McCain’s Dad was an admiral. Do you think that had any bearing on his getting into the naval academy and graduating third to last in his class?
February 1st, 2008 at 9:13 pm
#10 – Tommy “perfection” – I meant to say “perfectionist.”
February 1st, 2008 at 9:13 pm
#11 – Great point!
February 1st, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Sam
Jason just made a great point, where are you? You must be like your hero, lie and run.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Beth,
Your #8 post is priceless. I haven’t laughed so hard in days!
February 1st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Let’s nominate Lenin’s ghost. At least he’d be honest unlike certain cranky old men.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
We don’t need Lenin’s ghost. We can go to the mausoleum in Red Square and make a deal with Putin to bring Lenin’s actual body here and just prop it up on stage.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
McCain would probably think it was real and try to take a slug at it.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
“Mitt Romney is the kind of guy that John McCain used to beat up at school.†(That’s a paraphrase.)
I was just thinking about that the other day, when some blogger (Ed Morrissey?) was fielding questions to ask Romney in an interview. I would have asked him if he’d ever been in a fistfight as a youth.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:53 pm
big s
what would that have to do with anything?
I’ve been in tons of bar fights, that doesn’t qualify me to be president, does it?
February 1st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
5 People, Mitt Romneys father never went to college, he worked his way up from a local car dearlership after living in Oakley Idaho as a kid, do any of you know where Oakly Idaho is…rich people don’t live there, don’t blink you will miss it. He worked for what he got. Mitt Romeny went to college on his grades He went to HARVARD because he was validictorian at BYU, takes hard work. He has money because of the decisions he has made and again it took HARD WORK. At least his money is his and not his wifes like McCain’s wifes money.(Sounds alot like Kerry). I don’t see McCains wife willing to help bail John out when he has money problems. Just because someone has manners doesn’t mean they are gay. Obviously you have no idea how the business world works and jobs, someone creates them..by the way SAM…do you have a job someone created for you. And by the way..McCains daddy’s power is what got him his squadron.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
McCain’s a little guy….if he beat up anybody in school it was likely a midget.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
good point Dave – Thats probably why he craves power.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Mitt stood up to McCain by providing calm solid reasoning to McCain’s critisms (why fees went up, who his lieutenant governor was, etc.) I thought the contrast was terrific. The biggest problem is that not enough people are seeing the debates and judging for themselves. McCain came across snarky.
Huckabee may be great with the one liners, but more and more I’m thinking, “There he goes again.”
February 1st, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Mitt does a great job. Tommy is just one of those guys that always knows how to do it better. Grow Up Tommy. Stop the nid-picking over this and that. I bet you are always perfect and always know exactly how to say this and that. So get off your knees..you sound stupid and immature. Mitt did a great job and McCain came off looking trite and small. You can see the contempt this man has for anyone bringing attention to his pathetic record. People like that jerk Sam see McCain as some kind of war hero from 40 years ago. BS!! he is no hero. He is a Liberal to the core. People like Sam are too stupid to see McCain for what he really is and how incompetent he would be as a President. McCain is obsessed with himself. He is a LIBERAL DEMOCRAT. He cares for no one but himself!!
February 1st, 2008 at 10:49 pm
And is it not amazing how jealous some of us are because someone else’s family success or their success. It is sad!!! Mitt is a successful man and he is beholden to NO ONE and I LOVE THAT. We should emulate success not try to downgrade a person who achieved wealth. Mitt spends his money and he has the right to. McFraud is a Washington Insider to the core!! He knows nothing about the Economy…nothing about Free Speech and nothing about Illegal Immigration. He is Mr. Amnesty! He is a pathetic disgrace and will never win in the General Election. As for Huck A Stupid he is kissing McCain’s butt and he knows it. He is McFraud’s waterboy by chance. Do any of his supporters have a clue about this dimwit. The only reason he is still in the race is to hurt Mitt to maybe be hired as McCain’s Personal Lapdog!!
February 1st, 2008 at 10:50 pm
It’s not class warfare.
Even if your dad is an admiral, it takes balls to fly an A-4 off an aircraft carrier into enemy territory.
It takes NO balls to be a corporate executive hack — with daddy’s help — directly out of college. Romney never built a corporation — he is no Ross Perot — he only managed, bought out, and profited from others work. Romney was as much a corporate hack as he is a political hack.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Sam
Have you ever flown a A-4? I have three brothers that are and have been pilots. one is retired Major, the other two are now in the business world and would rather fly. You don’t know your ass from a hole in the ground. if you love the Mac so much go to this link and read about the Hero for yourself.
http://www.usvetdsp.com/nov07/mccain_deceit.htm
February 1st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
27 Don’t talk to me about enemy territory and having balls……….I have a son that served in Irag and has more BALLS than McCain or YOU will ever have.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:07 pm
SORRY IRAQ I GOT ALITTLE EMOTIONAL OVER THE LAST POST.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
CT
Thanks for people like your son to protect the right of Sam to be a jackass.
Two facts Sammy can’t follow are:
1. If McCains Daddy wasn’t an Admiral he would be a knowbody
2. Had he not been shot down and had a daddy as an Admiral he would be a knowbody.
CT – you have posted some good stuff on many of these lines, keep it up.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 am
“I have never, in my life, been more turned off by a single debate performance like I was the other night.”
Oh, I don’t know. Jerry Ford declaring Poland was a free nation in the 1976 debates is still the topper.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 am
Please, Tommy. Your psychobabel is showing your latent issues you have with Romney. If you want a president that is not a ‘teacher’s pet,’ who is not entitled to have the look of righteous indignation on his face when somebody directly lies to his face and never looks him in the eye, then you should vote for McCain.
Here’s what I saw, McCain was pompous and insufferable in that debate. Everybody knows that if McCain tried that in business, he’d be thrown out in a millisecond by the Board of Directors. Since he belongs to the Big Babies Club (e.g. the Senate) he can say whatever he wants with impunity?
PAAA LEEEEZE.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:38 am
Romney is simply 100x the man that McCain will ever be. Case in point: Romney never needed to seek his own manliness by having serial affairs, and dropping his ex-wife (who was a beautiful actress if I’m correct) as well as his kids on the side of his ‘manly crusades.’
McCain is a Pigmy, nay; a Lilliputian among men, including Huckabee.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:46 am
Wow, Sam, you’re a ponce, period. Having financial advantages in life doesn’t negate raw intelligence, great work ethic, and strong moral fiber. Romney has only EVER worked for what he has. He didn’t come from nothing, to be sure, he came from a lot. But isn’t that what we’re supposed to do for our children? Isn’t that what America’s all about?
Romney was valedictorian at BYU, went to Harvard Law AND Business…AT THE SAME TIME. He’s an incredibly brilliant person.
His dad may have had money and fame, but he didn’t have half a billion dollars. As for him never creating a business…ever hear of Staples? Dominoes? He didn’t FOUND them, no, but it is no small feat to do what he has done.
It’s a real shame that you’re so willing to chide the work of others. No one comes in here and talks about how easy it is to get into the military, how they’ll take almost anyone.
Why is that? Because we understand that it takes a LOT of work. I know, my father was in the Army for 36 years. He came from nothing, went to West Point, ended up a Brigadier General, to which I’m sure you’d say:
“Oh, it’s easy to be a general, you never do the grunt work, and all you do is manage!”
Sam – screw you. You’re a ponce.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 am
As a Romney/Paul supporter i will say Republicans tend to prefer “the tough guy” Democrats like “the smart guy”
Gore vs Bush was a great conflict between these two traits.
Boringly smart or aggressively ignorant….
I was glad when bush won (mostly just to piss of the lefties) But i was sad it came with the “have a beer with” slogan.
I am no college graduate but even i can see thats the wrong headed approach to hiring for such a tough job. I guess thats why our founding fathers knew better then to create a pure democracy and created republic instead.
Since woman began voting we haven’t elected a bald man…
February 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 am
Eisenhower, shiggz
February 2nd, 2008 at 5:47 am
There is one main reason I think the governors (Crist and Arnie) support McCain and not Mitt: they need a guy in Washington on whom they can rely later.
At this point, it is fairly clear that whoever wins the GOP nomination will have a very steep uphill battle against a Dem candidate in the general election. In fact, if the current sentiments hold it will be a miracle if the GOP keeps the presidency in 2008. However, most governors plan to keep on staying well past the presidential election.
In voting for McCain governors get into a no-loss situation. If McCain loses the general election, which he most likely will, the governors get to keep the powerful senator to whom they can turn in case of need (remember Arnie and emission standards). If McCain wins, well then they endorsed the right guy for the president. For governors to support Mitt means to sour relations with Big Mac, yet not significantly, if at all, improve GOP chances in general election. In this election, practicality not policy matters.
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
Tommy, some republicas are so stupids that think attacks are the worst thing in the world.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:49 am
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