The case for Romney
posted at 9:50 am on August 25, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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After Barack Obama fumbled his running mate selection in both choice and process by selecting Joe Biden, John McCain has a wide-open field for his choice of VP candidates. About the only limitation he has is to refrain from choosing another Senator. McCain needs someone who can help address any weaknesses and who can add some serious outsider credentials to the ticket. Plenty of potential picks can help McCain, including governors Tim Pawlenty, Sarah Palin, and even perhaps the young Matt Blunt of Missouri.
Mitt Romney, a former Governor, may be best positioned of all, though, on the economy. If Romney gets selected for McCain’s running mate, he will be the only one of the four principals who has actually run a business, and run it successfully. He knows more about economic policy in both academic and practical terms than any of them, and hits Barack Obama in his key strength among voters.
Romney (and Pawlenty and Blunt) also have another quality that Joe Biden lacks: potential to deliver battleground states. Speculation about Michigan appears to have a solid basis in fact. In May, Survey USA tested a McCain/Romney ticket against several different iterations of an Obama ticket. Surprisingly, it beat every single possibility, but was especially strong against an Obama/Biden ticket:
- vs Obama/Biden: +18
- vs Obama/Clinton: +5
- vs Obama/Gore: +5
- vs Obama/(John) Edwards: +3
A McCain/Romney ticket slightly edges Obama/Biden among women and gets a 35-point advantage among men. Interestingly, it gets 28% of the black vote, too.
Pawlenty and Blunt can help deliver battleground states, too, and Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman can strengthen McCain on economic policy. Mitt Romney can do both and has background in both public and private sector leadership that none of the other potential candidates have. Moreover, Romney has proven himself an excellent debater in the kind of format used over the past year and will have little problem matching up against Biden next month in the one televised debate.
The other candidates have their strengths as well, and the choice of Biden leaves McCain with the happy burden of many options. Romney appears to have the strongest credentials.
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just hit enter and make a space.. you could type it out and wordpad then copy and paste it into the box?
IF you want to quote someone just copy that they say including their name keep what they say highlighted and press the quote button that will put the proper HTML around it.
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Kind of like militantly undecided? ;*)
MarkTheGreat on August 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM
There are guys still looking for jobs as assistant webmaster, from jail cells, who easily defeat Carly for that title.
I could set aside all arguments about HP, I could even stipulate that Fiorina was a terrible HP CEO, and that wouldn’t indicate anything about whether her insights about the economy or her managerial and other political skills were a plus or minus for McCain. There are plenty of great businesspeople who would make lousy politicians, and plenty of great politicians who would make lousy businesspeople. Same problems with great military leaders. The skill sets are sometimes overlapping, that’s about the most you can say. In some situations, what makes a great CEO could make a lousy President or Vice President, and vice versa.
To bring this discussion back to Mitt, it’s been argued that this difference between business skills (of Mitt’s type, which are venture capitalist and turnaround artist skills, as opposed to corporate infighter or small business skills) and political skills partly explains why he fails to connect politically as well as some competitors, and why and how someone like McCain could best him – and why and how he might even destroy someone like Biden on “points” in a debate or on paper, but still come out second in the hearts and minds of voters.
CK MacLeod on August 25, 2008 at 12:48 PM
He said that he saw his Father marching WITH Martin Luther King.(same thing)
If he was there he was a part of it, it turn out.. the story isn’t true.
it’s as true as John Kerry’s Christmas in Cambodia
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Does anyone know McCain’s record as a flight commander?
It’s easy to be a maverick when you aren’t the guy in charge. Was McCain also a maverick when he had command responsibility.
MarkTheGreat on August 25, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Admittedly a Romney supporter from the get go:
Pros:
1) He is much more well known now than during the primaries. Has hit the talk show circuit often.
2) Strongest on economics
3) His primary concession speech gained him a lot of support among the conservative base
4) Good match for Biden during debate
5) Michigan, Nevada, Colorado
6) Likability factor, Presidential appearance, young enough
7) Experience as governor
Cons:
1) At odds with McCain on immigration – losing Hispanic vote (but definitely getting mine I might add)
2) Mormon
3) Perceived as too rich
4) I truly don’t think McCain likes him
I hope he gets it. Best choice.
justdianne on August 25, 2008 at 12:52 PM
[quote]Romney would be running for VP, not POTUS. He won’t be implementing anything. His job, if he has one at all, will be to help set the right course on the economy, which he is more than capable[/quote]
I’m sure he would do a darned good job there if he was part of a successful ticket, but his Real job would be to attack the messiah over the next couple of months, make Biden look like the yipping, small stooge that he is, reassure conservative volunteer troops and donors that a McCain presidency wouldn’t veer completely off the Reagan reservation, and credibly appear to the pre-November general electorate like a fella who would be quite capable of taking over the #1 spot if his aged running mate ever suffered a tragic recurrence of McCain’s unfortunate past health problems during his time in office.
And these are all things that Mitt will probably be able to do as effectively and competently as everything else he has ever set himself to do (with the one exception being his inability to beat McCain in the primaries)…
Evilmav2 on August 25, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Noob?
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 12:56 PM
So he never actually said that “He” marched, only his father? And he said that he “saw” his father march so that implies that he was there, is that correct?
I don’t quite understand. I “saw” Neil Armstrong take his first step on the moon. I “heard” him say, “That’s one small step for [a] man — one giant leap for mankind”. Am I implying that I was on the moon with him?
Marking Time on August 25, 2008 at 12:56 PM
hotair uses blockquote also it uses [ not <
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I know of no church doctrine that states that the need for prophets has ended, permanently.
On the other hand, it is a given that any modern prophets will not contradict the words of the ancient prophets.
MarkTheGreat on August 25, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Marking Time – thanks for the Mormon reference. Mormons do deny that God is a Trinity. That’s my main point. My other main point is that it doesn’t matter in this election.
….
Romney did not put Huckabee away. That’s a very good point, and worrisome. Palin would not have put Huckabee away, either. The only one who put Huckabee away was McCain. Romney is the VP candidate who does the most for McCain. Huckabee will not be the VP pick. Palin makes Obama look like a foreign policy expert.
RomneyCare can work like an advantage in this election, when health insurance will be a key issue.
McCain’s foreign policy expertise is his trump card. Romney’s economic expertise is his trump card.
Palin has no trump card because in this election the gender gap is small with little upside for the GOP. Picking Palin will in no way give McCain 60% of the female vote. The moral stand of the GOP is against identity politics. Picking an inexperienced woman for McCain’s running mate is obviously a ploy to pick up female votes, and will undercut McCain’s argument that we are all Americans.
Identity politics is the game of Democrats. Obama’s trump card is that he’s black and gives a good speech from a teleprompter. Biden’s trump card is the perception that he is a foreign policy expert.
McCain/Romney trumps Obama/Joe Biden on foreign policy, just barely, and trumps them on economic policy. (Drilling + Romney) > (class warfare + big government).
McCain/Palin only ties Obama/Joe Biden on foreign policy. Obama/Joe Biden trumps McCain/Palin on economic policy because of course someone from Alaska wants to drill, so (no economic experience + small state) < (class warfare + big government).
No one knows how to pronounce “Palin.” When pronounced with a long A, it rhymes with McCain, making McCain/Palin sound like a kids nursery rhyme.
For victory, McCain/Romney is the way to go.
indythinker on August 25, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Whats the definition of “is” are we going to redefine the definition of “saw” and make a new dictionary for Mitt Romney and Bill Clinton? this could be fun.
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 1:01 PM
So um, expressing concerns with Massachusetts and issues is the ‘Huckabee attack plan’? Showing a video of the last time he ran for public office makes me a bigot? You don’t think this video will be run in ads as his ’supporting a woman’s right to choose’?
I don’t mention religion because I don’t care what religion he is. I think he’s wrong on religion, but I think all other religions but Bible Based Christianity are wrong. That has nothing to do with whether or not I agree with him.
If there was a mormon who was dirt poor, actually fought AGAINST abortion, spoke out AGAINST illegal immigration, spoke up FOR gun rights, spoke out AGAINST gay marriage. . . I’d say that Mormon’s the guy and I’m hoping he’ll win.
The problem is that while Romney is a nice guy with a great all-American family, I disagree with his political positions (like I disagree with most Mass politicians – Kennedy, Kerry, et al).
ThackerAgency on August 25, 2008 at 1:01 PM
You can look it up easily, on Wikipedia for instance, though it will likely come up around 20 times in 5 different ways next week. It’s one of the highlights of his biography.
CK MacLeod on August 25, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Although no Presidential candidate was ever elected on the strength of his VP, I have to think that Romney helps McCain more than any other of the potential running mates mentioned here.
McCain has to realize that he’s “only as tall as the shoulders he’s standing on,” and that Romney is the closest candidate to Ronald Reagan the GOP has produced in 20 years:
* Established Red States see Romney as a known-commodity; he prevents any surprise defections on Election Day;
* Large purple States have shown they don’t don’t trust Obama: they all voted for Hillary. A businesman with a plan for creating jobs — something only Romney has done — could have huge credibility here. (I live in California, and I think McCain-Romney puts the Golden State back in play: McCain appeals to the Hispanic crowd — granted, for the wrong reasons –and Romney appeals to the business/tech worker crowd.)
* Romney is the only VP selection smart/articulate enought go toe-to-toe with a slickster like Biden in the VP debates. We don’t want another Bentson-Quayle episode here.
* Romney unifies the GOP, by giving the Right something to get excited about for future years (Centrist McCain doesn’t warm any cockles… but may be the GOP’s only shot at winning in 2008, given the ecomony, gas prices, the Left’s opposition to Iraq, etc.) McCain might be able to grab spurned Hillary voters, while Romney energizes the Right.
* Don’t forget about healthcare… and the fact, as Governor of Masschusetts, Romney helped create the only program in the US under which all citizens were able to obtain affordable health insurance coverage. Even the naysayers at NPR had to praise him for that: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5330854
* Together, they fill-in-the-blanks in each other’s resumes: McCain brings military and foreign policy expertise; Romney brings economic and job creation expertise. (Not proposing a Mr. International/ Mr. Domestic arrangement… but, they do compliment one another well.)
* Romney helps with fundraising… a lot. I know my checkbook will finally be open, if McCain shows he’s taking this thing seriously by selecting a candidate with chops. Not to mention staying power for future election years.
* Yes, he’s done some incovenient flip-flops; but Romney hasn’t outright lied, or said things that are supremely stupid… as Obama, Biden, and McCain all have. He may come off a little too polished, but at least Romney knows when to keep his mouth shut.
VastRightWingConspirator on August 25, 2008 at 1:03 PM
I would argue that Rudy would bring in New Jersey and And make Florida a Lock, it would also make Obama spend LOTS of money in New York and California.
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Okay I was annoyed at Janet Napolitano’s statement in the San Fransico paper today that she doesn’t think Mitt makes a difference in the West.
That is because Janet won in AZ against a Mormon, Matt Salmon. I hope she was saying that Mormons don’t vote on religion alone, if so, then thanks Janet!
But Matt and Mitt are not at all alike. I found Matt to be so niave and completely unprepaired to be the Govener. In a debate with Janet he acted surprized at a question in dealing with the polygamists in Northern Arizona. The deer in the headlight look was proof that he was not even smart enough to figure out that was coming!
John McCain’s popularity is waning in AZ, she’s right about that. But when John got 48% of the vote here, Mitt got nearly as much. And Mitt didn’t campaign in AZ at all. The west is ready to put McCain in the whitehouse with Mitt as VP. Without it will be a struggle.
Mormons feel their honor was violated in the Rep. Primary and they are waiting to come back to the fold…give us a reason to organize and get behind you 100% McCain and I think you’ll be happy with what we can do!
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Wow, this Romney guy sounds so good that he is a shoe in to win the nomination…….
mo_gunslinger on August 25, 2008 at 1:04 PM
and spoke for and against these issues outside of the context of an election. . . somewhere that his personal convictions were significant. He only believes what will get him elected. That’s the problem with our system. . . that and the fact that he’s loaded is why a lot of people like him as VP.
I also wish he understood the argument against socialized medicine. . . but he put it in place in Mass. . . I guess pointing that out makes me a bigot too?
ThackerAgency on August 25, 2008 at 1:04 PM
petunia – When you are typing a comment at Hot Air, and hit preview, it looks like the paragraphs are bunched together. When you hit submit, and view your comment, though, there are spaces between the paragraphs.
indythinker on August 25, 2008 at 1:06 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
There are STILL people waiting on that brilliant Florida strategy from the omniscient New Yorker! Did the former front runner win ANY states?
ThackerAgency on August 25, 2008 at 1:06 PM
I have been a hunter pretty much all my life(Never had a hunting license)
I saw my father march with Martin Luther King(his dad never marched with MLK)
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 1:07 PM
drflykilla – Thank you for the explanation. Would you say that Mormonism is Arianist?
I think it’s clear that Mormonism disagrees with mainline Christianity on the mainline’s position that there is only one God, now and forever, and He is the Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Mormonism might agree with parts of that, but certainly not the whole thing.
Again, I think this is an important side discussion, yet not one that has any significance for this election.
indythinker on August 25, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Chakra hammer- Huckabee is not a conservative. Please stop making this about religion. Chances are you can’t. Every time Mitt comes up, here you are bitching about him. Jealousy was ugly in Huck, it’s uglier in you.
drballard on August 25, 2008 at 1:11 PM
When you are the front runner the entire campaign like Rudy Was everyone is attacking you, thats how McCain got nominated, Rudy took all the heat and McCain slipped right by and when Rudy quickly pulled out and endorsed McCain in California it was OVER.
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 1:11 PM
my understanding, which seems to be partly echoed by drflykilla above, is that Mormon’s beleive that Jesus was born human, not God. That he became God by virtue of living a perfect life, and that all of us have the same potential.
Additionally, Jesus is God’s son, in the same sense that we all are because souls are created through an act of procreation between God and his heavenly wife.
These are the reasons why (in addition to their belief that God has a physical body), that most Christians do not believe that Mormon’s are also Christian.
They reject too much of core theology, and add to it their own beliefs.
(I’m also more than a little skeptical of the whole golden book thing, that could only be translated by angelic help, and was then taken away so that, conveniently, nobody else could see it.)
That said, we aren’t electing a theologian in chief, we are electing a commander in chief, and I believe Romney would make a good one.
MarkTheGreat on August 25, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Thanks to those who helped me. Actually, you are almost celebrities! I read your names and it was, “wow they talked to me!” I feel like I moved to the popular table at lunch!
But ouch my first post I told my religon… I know that wasn’t a great idea was it now…
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 1:15 PM
Yes, Romeny!
He has suscessuful executive experience, brains, vigor, charm and even good looks! The public will only like him more the more they see him.
Chessplayer on August 25, 2008 at 1:20 PM
indy and MarkTheGreat,
You are so correct. A candidate’s belief on the Trinity will have little or no effect on how he will do his job. To assume otherwise is just silly.
Marking Time on August 25, 2008 at 1:22 PM
The question about LDS is a moot, theological discussion. Just as Kennedy did not take his orders from the Vatican, nor did he try to convert U.S. citizens to Catholicism, Romney’s not going push LDS. U.S. Presidents have practiced more than a dozen different religions; to use Romney’s religion against him is decidedly un-American. (Can you imagine standing up and saying Obama is unqualifed because he’s black… or Hillary is unqualified because she’s a woman? Of course not. But Mitt’s religion is fair game? Come on…)
VastRightWingConspirator on August 25, 2008 at 1:22 PM
For the life of me, I cannot envision any scenario where President Mitt Romney would say, “I am vetoing this bill because the Father and the Son are two separate and distinct individuals and not just manifestations of the same being.”
And since he would be running for Vice President, the argument has even lesser weight.
Marking Time on August 25, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Okay I don’t know if the quote works but…you said that we reject what you consider “core theology”. We feel the same about you. That “core” theology isn’t based in biblical teaching and was rather added by Romans who were basically changing Christainity to work better with Roman Paganism. We reject that Constantine was called of God to lead the church. And doctrine that comes after the New Testament must be obtained only through one called of God.
Bascially we have the same problems with you that you do with us. The difference is that we believe that you genuinely believe what you claim and you say that we do not. We also believe that it improves our world when you worship according to your beliefs. We strive to support, not undermine your worship of God.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Redeemer. I try to use the atonement of Jesus Christ through repentence to improve myself and my life everyday. At the core of my theology is Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for me.
I find your idea of God the same as you find mine. I do not believe the doctrine of Constantine and you won’t change my mind. My prayers are answered! I feel the presence of God in my life. I do not worship to please any man, but God only.
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Howabout this:
“As Vice President, I am breaking this tie in the Senate in favor of the Father and the Son being two separate individuals as opposed to being the same entity.”
It ain’t gonna happen, folks.
Marking Time on August 25, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Precisely.
MarkTheGreat, Indithinker:
I would most definitely say we’re not Arianist, because he missed the more important parts, while getting the separation of the two correct. He (Arius) was cast out for be a “heretic” by the Nicean Council for such beliefs. In relation to LDS Theology, he denounced the premise that Jesus is divine which is completely opposite of core LDS doctrine.
SkinnerVic on August 25, 2008 at 1:38 PM
RomneyCare – The tide in 2008 is strongly for a more liberal economic policy, especially in health care. Our goal must be to ride this wave to the extent we must, while steering the country into the safe cove of market economics.
McCain’s tough talk against highly paid CEOs is a major reason why he is perceived as a Maverick Republican. McCain’s liberal streaks are a genuine part of who he is, and a key reason why he is competitive in 2008, in difficult economic times.
Health insurance will be a big issue this election. Its importance is overrated by the liberal media because a large percentage of the uninsured are illegal immigrants. Nevertheless, many votes will be cast on the basis of the health insurance issue. We are having a major market breakdown in health care that leads to spiraling costs and people not having the means to get the care they need. Health care costs are headed north of 15% of GDP, a whopping, crushing drain on the economy.
Republicans need an answer on health insurance. Romney’s association with the Massachusetts system would give McCain much cover by aiding the perception that Republicans deeply care about people getting good health care. The perception that Republicans want to help will be key.
As RomneyCare is criticized by Democrats, McCain and Romney can turn that around on them. First, Romney will point out he would have had a more market-oriented approach if it wouldn’t have been for the entrenched liberal establishment that controls the Massachusetts legislature, and his more balanced approach would have avoided the problems Democrats criticize. McCain and Romney point out that Obama/Joe Biden’s plan would have all the flaws of the Masschusetts plan, and few of the benefits.
What we really need is to allow more choice in health care: a choice of doctors. That means anyone with any health insurance can go to any doctor. This simple plan will net out a GOP advantage on the critical health care issue, and judo-flip RomneyCare from a problem into a another reason to vote for MCain/Romney.
Ultimately, McCain and Romney can point to Utah. Utah has a great health care system that doesn’t leave people behind. And Utah’s natural association with Mitt Romney can help put this election in the win column for McCain/Romney.
indythinker on August 25, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Jesus declared his divinity many times.
He declared that he and the father are one. He declared that the only way to the father was through him.]
This stuff was not added by the Romanization of the church, it was always there.
Read the letters of Paul if you have any doubt.
MarkTheGreat on August 25, 2008 at 1:39 PM
*Sigh*
George Romney deserves full credit for his work in civil rights, and it is beyond tiresome to nitpick about the use of figurative speech, particularly since the essence of Romney’s record on civil rights is beyond reproach.
Buy Danish on August 25, 2008 at 1:40 PM
MarkTheGreat on August 25, 2008 at 1:12 PM
So much of what you think we believe is not really right. I’m amazed that this so quickly turned religous and I am not all that happy about talking religion in a political blog.
But you are mistaken about how we think of Christ. From his mother Mary he inherited the ability to die. But from his Father (God) he inherited the power over death. When he died for us it was his choice he could have stopped it at any time. He was God!
And yes we do not believe that sex between a married man and woman is in any way sinfull or shameful. The spirit children of God the Father were produced in the normal way that children are produced. Why would God call us his children if it was not so?
And as for sceptism. Well that is to be expected. Joseph Smith himself said that if he had not lived it he didn’t know if he would believe it. There were many witnesses to the gold plates. And many more to all the miracles. My ancestors among them.
We don’t find true sceptism to be offensive. But mocking us is offensive. And personaly critism of us is not all a bad thing. How can we improve if we can’t see what we do that bothers others?
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 1:43 PM
I like Mitt, but he has a problem with credibility and authenticity; mush like Obama, but to a lesser degree. Folks are afraid he’s like a classic salesman, and will tell his audience-du-jour whatever they want to hear.
And, let’s not forget that the evangelicals mostly despise him… Mav can’t trade the entire south for Michigan.
Go with Palin When Joey B. lays the I.Q. and foreign policy gravitas schtick on her in the debates, hell come off as a bully; simultaneously turning off independants as well as PUMA’s. And, he dare not play the inexperience card for fear of the blowback against his fearless leader!
Palin=checkmate
RocketmanBob on August 25, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Indythinker:
Good post. Choice of doctors? Absolutely. How about choice of choice of schools for your kids? And the choice to keep a gun in your home? And letting each state choose whether or not they want to drill their own oil… as up to 79% of Alaskans want to do? (Is this what Nancy Pelosi means when she says she is “pro-choice?”)
VastRightWingConspirator on August 25, 2008 at 1:48 PM
When did i praise Huckabee and when did i make this about Religion?
If Mitt’s going to lie about being a life-long hunter and lie that he “saw” his father marching with Martin Luther King. I;m going to say it..
I was a Rudy supporter in the Primaries I don’t care about Huckster.
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 1:50 PM
When did I saying anything about Huckabee and when did I make this about religion? If Mitt lies about being a life-long hunter i’m going to call him on it(thats when my BS meter come on about him), IF he lies that he “saw” his father marching with a civil rights icon i’m going to call him on it..
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 1:53 PM
When did I saying anything about Huckabee and when did I make this about religion? If Mitt lies about being a life-long hunter i’m going to call him on it(thats when my BS meter come on about him), IF he lies that he “saw” his father marching with a civil rights icon i’m going to call him on it..
sheesh..
Chakra Hammer on August 25, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Appreciate your coming on board Hot-Air. Couple words of advice for fellow LDS sisters and brothers here:
1) There are MANY reasonable people here and most of the comments made by them are not malicious or mean-spirited in intent. Most lack a working knowledge of LDS theology – we help them to know what the real deal.
2) There are those that just want to argue and be nasty. MarkTheGreat doesn’t fall into this category – people here know who I’m talking about. Don’t feed the trolls, but don’t give them a hall pass on their crap either. Be tactful, kinda like Entelechy.
3) I really *try* not to go theological here, but it almost always happens. Be the duck, let it roll…
SkinnerVic on August 25, 2008 at 1:59 PM
“I have been a hunter pretty much all my life(Never had a hunting license)”
He hunted rodents, remember?
“I saw my father march with Martin Luther King(his dad never marched with MLK)”
Actually the records show that there were two civil rights marches on the weekend in question. The first one, the big one that MLK was at, George Romney couldn’t make do to a prior engagement. At the second march George Romney was there. This march was not covered much by the newspapers, except for the fact that Romney marched in it.
Was MLK there as well? At least two eyewitness claim he was.
Furthermore, in the sense that George Romney marched in the civil right movement and supported MLK, that is an absolute truth.
Why do people suddenly become so nitpicky around Romney.
Sackett on August 25, 2008 at 2:00 PM
That gaffe has long since been vetted and bringing it up smacks of a Huckesque bitterness still lingering – hence the reason it gets called as such.
As I said before on that matter, I saw my pop work his butt off for 20+ years doing 16+ hour days. Does that mean I got up with him every day at 2:00am? No – it’s figurative.
SkinnerVic on August 25, 2008 at 2:03 PM
RocketmanBob said:
That’s the best argument for Palin? That she will get sympathy votes after her debate with Biden? If she cries do you think that would help? Why not pick someone who can beat Biden outright in the debate?
Your sympathy vote scenario is not going to happen. No one will vote McCain for President just because they don’t want that mean ol’ Joe Biden to be Vice President.
This is not a vote for mother of the year. It is a vote for Vice President, someone who might have to step in and go toe to toe with Khamanei, Ahmadinejad, Putin, Castro, Chavas, Mugabe, Assad, Bin Laden, and China, not to mention a ruthlessly liberal Congress.
As she would only be picked for her gender, and her inexperience would be overlooked, Palin will destroy McCain’s moral stand against identity politics, and not deliver any new votes to McCain. McCain is already close to 50/50 with women against Obama.
Betting on Palin to defeat Obama/Joe Biden is like picking the Rockies over the Red Sox because the Red Sox will have less fan support since they’re not the underdogs.
The best strategy is to put the strongest candidates in front. Rooting for an underdog is always fun, and you might want to create an appearance of being an underdog, but you never choose to be an actual underdog if you don’t have to and you want to win. At this point, McCain is tied with Obama/Joe Biden. With a strong running mate, McCain will have an easier time winning in November.
McCain/Romney.
indythinker on August 25, 2008 at 2:12 PM
I agree that people are so nitpicky about what Mitt said. During that whole blow up I actually saw a quote from Life magazine that said George Romney, then governer of Michigan marched with MLK. I think he actually marched with local members of the NAACP but that is good enough for me. It is a matter of indisputable record that George Romney was a vocal advocate of civil rights. He was personally invited to MLK’s funeral.
I can’t imagine why a fellow Republican would be so upset by the facts that they would rather quote KOS than look at real truth.
What is it that blinds you so to a fellow republican’s strength. I think I know but I won’t say it.
The Romney families’ support of Civil Rights is good for the party and good for John McCain but your point of view that anything and everything Romney is a lie. Makes it difficult to use these things constructively.
I hope that you will swallow hard and keep Obama away from the whitehouse if Romney is the pick. Which is in no way certain!
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Like Romney.
Prefer Palin.
Cry? She’d kick Biden’s a**.
Holding Trig.
texette on August 25, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Hoping and praying for a McCain/Romney ticket!
Snicker_Snort on August 25, 2008 at 2:29 PM
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Not necessarily:
“I DON’T KNOW, okay!?! Gah!”
sulla on August 25, 2008 at 2:46 PM
I love the picture for this post on the front page.
Andrew D on August 25, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Well put. Thanks.
sulla on August 25, 2008 at 2:52 PM
Yep, and I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by
madnessnitpicky partisans who don’t understand what figurative speech is, and who refuse to give credit to the Romneys where credit is due.I also saw this reaction coming from Chakra Hammer :)
Buy Danish on August 25, 2008 at 3:08 PM
My wildest dream came true when Biden was announced as O’s VP, now if Romney gets VEEP I’ll be 2-for-2. A Romney/Biden debate? You can’t tell me that won’t be the best evah.
On a side note: I’m a noob, been enjoying HA and it’s commentors for a while. Awesome site!
David Combs on August 25, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Since when did success become a crime in America? Romeny’s not good enough to be VP because of his success and wealth? Give me a break!
highhopes on August 25, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Welcome, David Combs!
sulla on August 25, 2008 at 3:24 PM
LOL!! Actually, I was that jerk that would argue with both the street preachers and atheists on flaws, logical errors, etcetera always asking them to “prove it”. Atheists especially hated the “prove it” being thrown back at them! Seriously, it took me over half a decade watching my wife (she’s a lifer) to be open enough to get answers to the questions I beat people up with during that time. Not anywhere as bad as the sons of Mosiah, but close enough to force the issue of serious repentance! (Sulla will get that.)
SkinnerVic on August 25, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Welcome! Anyone to talk to at the Chelsea who isn’t on the other side?
Buy Danish on August 25, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Romney give JM a reasonable out after one term, and can seal the deal to keep the Executive branch safe and R for the next 12 years.
DGDood on August 25, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Chakra Hammer-
so Guiliani was your guy? Really? You, as an evangelical, had no problems with Rudy’s record and think Romney’s worse? My bullshit meter just went off. Romney’s a liar because he said he’s a hunter, Rudy is what, man of honor cause he cant keep his dick where it belongs? Should have just admitted you’re a huckabee goon and been honest. No one but idiots like saint olaf are buying your crap. Do you not see what people like you have done to the party?
drballard on August 25, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Good stuff!
Nice to meet a fellow skeptic. :)
sulla on August 25, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Mitt Romney: “I’m a life long hunter!”
Mitt Romney: “Well I may have killed a varmint once I think.”
SaintOlaf on August 25, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Picking Romney would be just about the only thing that Mccain could do that will make him lose this election.
He is absolutely the worst choice.
If Mccain picks him I will not vote for him..and I can guarantee you that millions of Southern Baptists and other Christians will not vote for that ticket either.
It’s just a simple fact..if Mccain picks him, he will lose. End of story.
SaintOlaf on August 25, 2008 at 5:17 PM
If Mccain picks Romney..not only will I not vote for Mccain..I will vote for Baracka Hussein Obama!
The truth is; millions of Baptists and other Christians will also do the same thing or at the very least, not vote.
Now are you beginning to understand why the dems are pushing so hard for Mccain to pick Romney?
SaintOlaf on August 25, 2008 at 5:22 PM
I don’t want a career POLITICIAN for Pres/VP. I want a capable business man with smarts, who’s been successful in the real world. And someone with strong character. ROMNEY has this and more.
enerwaste on August 25, 2008 at 5:39 PM
I find it hilarious that Huckabee lovers repeatedly quote liberal lies as an attempt to discredit Romney, and then wonder why we call them bigots. Seriously, we had this debate back when Mitt first made the statement and he was repeatedly show to be correct. For those who wonder why there is some concern that bigots in the south may not vote for a ticket with a mormon on it, just look at a few of the more rabid posters here. I do realize that most people in the south are just as fair and open minded as the rest of the country, but there is a strong contingent there that have a strong hatred for mormons. They love Huckabee because he is one of them and has spent a fair amount of his life persecuting mormons with nearly the same venom that the klan persecuted blacks. (unsurprising considering how much overlap there is between the groups) Seriously, while he was a governor he was the keynote speaker at a convention of people who have made a career out of spreading hate and lies about mormons.
As for Mitt’s statement about his father, look at the facts. Shortly after Mitt made the statement, some lazy reporter in the drive-by media looked up one of MLK’s marches and found that MLK marched on Sunday and then left town. George Romney did not participate that day because he didn’t participate in political events on Sundays. He did issue a letter of support and then marched later that week. Assuming that this must have been the only event that Mitt could have been referring to, our lazy drive-by reporter then reported that Mitt had exaggerated the truth or outright lied. When asked about this a spokesman equivocated because he didn’t know what the real facts were. This was then reported by the drive-bys as an admission that Mitt had lied. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Mitt continued to stand by his statement, and even had the real facts posted on his campaign website. We have several accounts from that time period confirming that MLK and George Romney did in fact march together. Despite the eyewitness accounts, books, and newspaper articles from the time period, Mitt has conceded that it is possible that his father did not actually march hand-in-hand with MLK. Even so, the fact remains that his father was perhaps the most influential governor in advancing the cause of civil rights and did march ‘with’ MLK even if not in person. Mitt would have been very young at the time, but he would still have ’seen’ his father marching ‘with’ MLK.
see http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7524.html
Rethers on August 25, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Habla con el Diablo, y se ver…
SkinnerVic on August 25, 2008 at 6:00 PM
No. My sister is a strong agnostic, meaning she thinks God is both unknown and unknowable. This is in contrast to the soft agnostic, who thinks God is unknown, but not necessarily unknowable.
Meanwhile, I am a soft atheist, who believes there is no God but knows he can’t prove it, while hard atheists (usually referred to as big-A Atheists) believe they can prove there is no god.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way…
You make no argument to support your position, and make an unsubstantiated assertion instead. Were you a Huckabee supporter in the primaries?
Math_Mage on August 25, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Man, don’t feed the Huckabee trolls…
SkinnerVic on August 25, 2008 at 6:07 PM
I really hope it’s Romney. I think he would be a great running mate and could really put this in the bag for McCain, barring he doesn’t do something idiotic.
gopftw on August 25, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Time to wrap it up McCain, let the Romney loose.
Seixon on August 25, 2008 at 6:32 PM
If Romney gets selected for McCain’s running mate that will be change that delivers real hope.
DannoJyd on August 25, 2008 at 6:36 PM
SaintOaf, your promised sub-messiah Huckahasbeen is over on CNSnews trashing Romney right now. Why don’t you go indulge your fetish over there, and leave us in peace for a while.
trailboss on August 25, 2008 at 7:10 PM
SaintOaf, are you still waiting for that miracle that catapults Huckabee into the Presidency? I’ve been reading your idiocy and couldn’t reply. Now I can…I’m not sure you’re worth it. Well I’m pretty sure you’re not. But at least now Hot Air has given me a voice against you! If I choose.
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 7:35 PM
SaintOaf would have been perfectly at home demanding the release of a Murder rather than the Savior. He would rather support Infantcide than have Romney as VP. Now there is a moral position. And his big gripe is that Romney changed his mind how strongly to oppose abortion in a liberal state.
What a hypocrite. Rather have Obama choosing those judges. Abortion takes a backseat if it’s a Mormon in the second spot. Politics of convenience. Politics of hate overuling his Christianity.
petunia on August 25, 2008 at 7:40 PM
It’s taken me this long after work to read all of this thread.
1)Gaurav is a plant and his questions were like Hucks and we all know what that was.
2)Churkra – you are the one who continually lied. Mitt never said HE marched with Martin Luther King. He said he saw his father march. He was young. So you lied. Gov Romney (his father) was a wonderful man, and believed in civil rights and supported it.
3)Oh st olaf what would a post about Romney be without your hateful comments?
4) I’m in overload right now and forget all that I wanted to say. HOWEVER, we believe that Jesus Christ is the literal son of God!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to all of you above and you know who you are – appreciate you and welcome petunia.
I’ve taken so long, that there will probably be a 1000 more posts so I hope this is still relevant.
Bambi on August 25, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Palin for VP and Fred Thompson backer during the primaries.
I disagree with Romney for VP.
1.- Mccain does not like him but hey, if he gives MI who cares, well, like we can use Biden’s statements on Obama against Obama, so could Obama use Romneys against Mccain.
2.- Huckabee backers (Who dont like Romney for who knows how many reasons) Will do exactly what Romney fans would do to a Mccain/Huckabee ticket. This could prove quite damaging, notice the closeness of many states. Also note most of the GOP volunteers (Not all) come out of Social Conservative branch of the GOP
3.- Although Economic experience is good, what will happen in rural, Blue collar voters when Biden or Obama attacks Mitt and points out, how by saving companies he fired hundreds of workers. Not exactly makes him their best friend.
4.- Like it or not, Being a mormon will be a attack add run by Obama, dispicable.
5.- Someone is probably going to bring up flip flop flip. No way around it. Some people (Hint Hint) dont forgive this, especially when it looks political.
Palin or Pawlenty for this chap.
clover_dave on August 25, 2008 at 9:56 PM
McCain would be stupid not to pick Mitt. If he picks Mitt, I’m pulling the lever for him. If not, I’m writing in Mitt.
I’ve said this before and I’m saying it again.
cjs1943 on August 25, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Obama can’t do what McCain did with his Biden ad, because Mitt never said that McCain wasn’t ready for the office, nor did he say Obama was ready. He also never said he would be proud to run with or against Obama. All Mitt did was attack McCain on policies. The policies Mitt attacked him for are the ones McCain is closer to sharing with Obama. All they will have that might be useful is some of the things McCain said about Mitt, which…who cares? McCain is the one running for president.
thecountofincognito on August 26, 2008 at 3:32 AM
Also, I don’t see the Dems being stupid enough (ok, maybe) to attack the Republican vice presidential candidate for things their presidential candidate is guilty of (i.e. flip flops and belonging to a “suspect” religion.)
thecountofincognito on August 26, 2008 at 3:35 AM
Nooooooooooo, I am not a plant, I am a human.
Seriously, I had no malicious intentions, just that being an outsider (and non Christian) I was curious (and little perplexed)about this phenomenon.
Again, I apologize to anyone who was offended by my questioning.
Gaurav on August 26, 2008 at 3:54 AM
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