Video: Romney takes a shot at Palin?
posted at 2:05 pm on May 4, 2009 by Allahpundit
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I can’t quite believe he meant to be this nasty but her fans at Conservatives 4 Palin are outrageously outraged. Either way, should make for a sweet battle royal in the comments between Mittheads and Palinistas. This is reminiscent, actually, of the last time he mentioned Palin publicly, when at CPAC he made a self-deprecating joke about how much more public interest there is in her than him — while also pointedly noting her absence. I think he’s trying to be self-deprecating here too by deflecting John King’s question about why there aren’t more Republicans on Time’s “most influential” list with a joke about how ugly they all are, but it comes off like he’s calling her a lightweight whose influence derives from her “cuteness.” (Which wouldn’t be the first time a GOP candidate’s made insinuations along those lines.) If she’s the butt of the joke, though, rather than the rest of the GOP, how to explain the mention of Rush here too? Surely Romney isn’t suggesting he’s also on the list for creampuff reasons.
Politico piles on:
“She’s bigger in the media than in reality,” lamented GOP consultant Mike Murphy, a longtime friend and adviser to John McCain.
“Palin,” he said, “is the only Republican politician right now who is interesting, a little different, connected to the last campaign and related to an occasional story in the National Enquirer.”
Another GOP strategist carped, “The media is still obsessed with the Tina Fey impersonations and intra-campaign drama.”…
Palin was initially not included on the Council because she didn’t respond to requests, but Sen. John McCain said in a conference call with reporters that he hoped she would be involved with the group.
“They would rather just ignore Palin,” said Murphy of the GOP mainstream, “but the media won’t let them.”
Of course they’d rather ignore her. They’re trying to nurture a media meme that the party’s finally rebuilding; the last thing they want is to put a spotlight on Palin and then see that meme cannibalized by tabloid stories about Levi Johnston or whatever. Until that business is settled, assuming it ever is, they’re better off keeping their distance. Even so, take Murphy’s warnings with a grain of salt: He’s been a Palin naysayer since the beginning, as well as a longtime advisor to … Mitt Romney.
After you watch, enjoy this amusing clip from C4P slapping Mitt around for his possible insult to Our Lady.
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Rush? He’s soooooo sexy.
amerpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:07 PM
This is going to be one of those discussions that is useless to have.
Eleventh Commandment? What Eleventh Commandment?
Snowed In on May 4, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Breaking: The Nevada Attorney General and Secretary of State have filed criminal charges against ACORN.
amerpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:09 PM
FWIW, Rush just said on air he thought it was a little diss to Palin. Tsk, tsk, Mittens.
Pasalubong on May 4, 2009 at 2:09 PM
While I like Palin a lot, I’m not in the Palin ‘12 camp. With that disclaimer, I really wish Romney would just go away. Never liked him, never gonna.
califcon on May 4, 2009 at 2:10 PM
I think it is the press doing their best to try and keep conservatives divided, myself.
Vashta.Nerada on May 4, 2009 at 2:10 PM
I don’t think this is smart. If you run from people the media tries to tar and feather you’ll be running forever. Perhaps instead of running and backpedaling and bashing Palin someone should try standing up and fighting back against it.
And it can be done in a way that makes the fight not about Palin but about Media bias. We’ve been running, hiding, and caving to the media and the democrats for 8+ years. I think it’s time to stop letting them define the debate.
Kronos on May 4, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Romney is a moderate weasel. He’s no more conservative than Bush 2. Like Rush says, conservatives don’t need a listening tour from prospective leaders. We need a “teaching tour”.
Randy
williars on May 4, 2009 at 2:13 PM
About time
William Amos on May 4, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Harry is not going to be happy.
Gee, what a shame.
Knucklehead on May 4, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Ditto.
Pasalubong on May 4, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Can these guys really think they are going to get any support at ALL with McCain on board…? And when a central issue like illegal immigration is on the table?
These aren’t men. These are eunuchs who won’t man up and talk about the voting bloc the dems are trying to usher in a give voting rights to. they are fooling themselves thinking this is polarizing.
I’m off topic though…I just cannot watch men not tip toeing around issues, furthering the media’s agenda in marginalizing social conservatives and assuming they have a chance in hell to get elected WITHOUT their base.
I’ll say it again, you run a pro choice, open borders, pro gay marriage candidate…and I am talking about someone who recently turns faux so.co., I will not vote. Do trust…other so cos will not vote either.
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Look, he’s got cojones like the rest of us, ok? There is no chance that I could ever have lunch with Sarah Palin. Him on the other hand? Could happen. Maybe he’s just reaching out to her.
smellthecoffee on May 4, 2009 at 2:15 PM
no kidding!
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Huck will crush him, so it’s all good.
marklmail on May 4, 2009 at 2:17 PM
what is that supposed to mean? You just couldn’t stomach that sort of individual? You just couldn’t, no matter how hard you tried, sit there and be a civil human being and talk to her like she were a human just like you? Weirdo.
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Sweet!!
I guess they missed this:
http://cbs13.com/national/acorn.las.vegas.2.835028.html
califcon on May 4, 2009 at 2:18 PM
These jerks need to stop fighting amongst themselves at least until the primary. The Republican Party is its own worst enemy.
rplat on May 4, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Off. Off the table. It’s not even part of the agenda.
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I think he just meant that Palin would be WAY too busy to have lunch with some random internet blog commenter like us. But Romney, being a fairly big player could have the influence to have lunch with her.
Kronos on May 4, 2009 at 2:19 PM
His feelings are hurt he didn’t make Time’s most influential people.
Firebird on May 4, 2009 at 2:19 PM
http://twitter.com/AKGovSarahPalin
TimeTraveler on May 4, 2009 at 2:21 PM
cause Im jealous, jealous again
Thought it time I let you in
Yeah, Im jealous, jealous again
Got no time, baby
carbon_footprint on May 4, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Grow up people it was Romney that waged the scorched earth campaigns in the primaries last year. He was the first to go negative. He was the first to produce and air negative commercials.
Jdripper on May 4, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Yeah it seems pretty clear to me, Mitt was taking a passive aggressive shot at Sarah Palin. Sure it was mild but rather unecessary too. Good response from Palin as well. She treated it like the insignificant comment it was. I wonder if the commenters at Hotair will follow her lead and do the same?
Zetterson on May 4, 2009 at 2:22 PM
For the 58th time – Reps need to stop believing the media is their friend. Stop doing cushy interviews and bastardizing the party. Keep it internal and feed them what they need to know.
They are not your friend and will create rifts that appear “internal”, when they are nothing more than small differences, which is human, even in politics.
McCain, Hatch, Romney are “old guard” and need to be put to pasture, yet they love media exposure due to “them” and not us.
Throw in Jeb Bush’s recent “stop talking and acting like Reagan” carp – we have legacy party dopes reacting instead of proactively leading.
Odie1941 on May 4, 2009 at 2:23 PM
SECOND LOOK AT HUCKABEE!
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Mitt Romney ‘08!!!!
portlandon on May 4, 2009 at 2:24 PM
I’m a Palinlover… but this was NOT a shot at her.
RightWinged on May 4, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Mild? Suggesting the only reason she has influence is because she’s “cute”? If that’s what he meant to say, it’s more than a little sexist.
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Says who ray charles ?
William Amos on May 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Maybe it was a “botched joke”– dudes from MA tend to have a lot of those.
Pasalubong on May 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM
If there’s supposed to be a slight against Palin in this video I honestly don’t see it.
Seems like a whole lotta fuss about a whole lotta nuthin’.
The Ugly American on May 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Just finished listening to Rush and he concurred that it was a slap at Palin. He went further and stated that this whole council is set up to silence her voice and remove her as a threat from their move to the left. He said she was the only candidate that stands for “good old-fashioned American conservatism” and this is why they (the group on this council) “despise” her.
I saw this remark by Romney as a mild shot at her, but it was his surrogate, Mike Murphy, whose comments were a direct slap at her.
yogi41 on May 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM
They use the word “forging”! Cool.
petunia on May 4, 2009 at 2:27 PM
I’d say it’s more like…
“ugh…second look at………
huckabee?”
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 2:27 PM
I don’t get it. I don’t think he was being nasty to Palin, he was giving her a compliment. Talk about making a mountain out of a mole hill.
Nothing here, move on.
Frances on May 4, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Politico piles on:
maverick muse on May 4, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Romney is the John Edwards of the GOP.
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM
HUCKAMANIA!!!!!!!!
marklmail on May 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM
I just threw up in my mouth.
Stop trying to make Mitt relevant.
portlandon on May 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Frankly, I think it was meant to be a slam against People magazine and the MSM in general rather than Palin herself.
The Ugly American on May 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Did he happen to name any policy differences between her and Romney that distinguishes her good old-fashioned American conservatism from his apparent RINOism? Offhand, I can’t think of a single issue on which they disagree.
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Oh stop it with the dudgeon, already, and don’t start trying to tell me who I am. You have no freakin’ idea, and your little quasi-feminist armchair analysis put you in the ballpark with those famous blind men and the elephant for accuracy. I was just fooling around. Sheesh. Sarah Palin is still my #1 for the top of the ticket in ‘12. IMHO nobody delivers the conservative message and forcefully/effectively as she does, and gosh darn it, people really like her. I do wish she looked like somebody else, though; I confess I do find it distracting, with your permission, of course mommy.
smellthecoffee on May 4, 2009 at 2:30 PM
No paranoia involved in that conclusion is there?
It was nothing!
Although I read earlier that Palin’s response was something like “I think there should be 100 Republicans names on that list…” That was much better than what Romney said.
petunia on May 4, 2009 at 2:30 PM
HAHAHAHA!!
The Breck Shampoo Twins!
portlandon on May 4, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Um… no, definitely not. Huckabee is at least as bad as McCain if not worse.
Kronos on May 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
True that. But you forget the religous difference…
petunia on May 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Wow! Rush just called Romney out on his radio show. Rush played the soundbite and said that Romney was getting a dig at Palin. Rush thinks that some of these Republicans (hint hint: Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, etc.) are trying to score points by dismissing Reagan and Palin.
Mitt’s probably just jealous that Sarah has better hair. ;)
sarahpalinfan99 on May 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
He waffles on abortion, doesn’t he?
Cuz, really, that’s all that matters to most of the GOP.
lorien1973 on May 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
healthcare Allah. Palin is not for Federal Healthcare.
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:32 PM
I like Sarah Palin but she would suffer a severe defeat against Obummer.
txag92 on May 4, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Mitt’s kind of waffled a bit in his career on things (and got very pandering when running against Teddy K in the 90s). Sarah’s been pretty consistent in her prinicples and a scrapy lil’ fighter.
Pasalubong on May 4, 2009 at 2:33 PM
That’s a negative AP!
youngO on May 4, 2009 at 2:34 PM
I think I’ll run for pres in 2012
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 2:34 PM
You sure you want the headache?
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Again, did he happen to mention what makes her the second coming of Reagan as opposed to, say, Romney or Jindal?
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Still looks like crap.
Sultanofsham on May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM
It is hard to nail Mitt down on any one position. He is the Kama Sutra of political principles.
portlandon on May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Romney is the John Edwards of the GOP.
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM
LOL!!
youngO on May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Just the hot campaign assistants
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM
You nailed it! This helps explain why the GOP is in its current state.
sarahpalinfan99 on May 4, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:23 PM
ha, nice try :P
FontanaConservative on May 4, 2009 at 2:36 PM
It sounds more like Rush trying to dismiss Jeb and Mitt than anything else.
You really think Mitt and Jeb don’t like Reagan? Think about that for a minute. Rush is playing games here.
And so was People when they put Palin on the list! And all of you, including Mitt and Rush, took the bait.
Quit being such rubes!
petunia on May 4, 2009 at 2:36 PM
So health care is now the litmus test? All right, good to know.
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Again, did he happen to mention what makes her the second coming of Reagan as opposed to, say, Romney or Jindal?
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Nah, he just said it in regard to people not being afraid to be a conservative and not letting the media make them “moderate” their message
youngO on May 4, 2009 at 2:37 PM
The rotten core of GOP is the Bush Machine– not Dubya, his father. The machine which consists of slimy people like Baker and Robert Gates. Until that cancer is removed, conservatives will never have control of their agenda. Reagan made a very fateful mistake when he took Bush Sr. as his VP. In some ways, even Dubya went against the machine and the machine took revenge on him. Forget Romney for the moment, concentrate on Jeb Bush. He should be neutered or him and his cronies could cause a lot of grief further down the road to any reasonable conservative.
promachus on May 4, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Mitt and Jeb’s group is three steps behind the play.
Sarah is no longer an unknown who can be bullied off the stage.
Rather, she (along with Rush) is the face of the conservative movement, the apparent heiress to the Reagan legacy (since Mitt and Jeb don’t want it), and, despite the trumped-up tabloid drama, a genuinely beloved figure to millions of GOP voters.
Cutting into her with snark helps Mitt how, exactly?
Nat Hound on May 4, 2009 at 2:37 PM
What do you mean “sexist”? It would be sexist to say that the only way a woman can get elected is through her looks. What is it that Mitt said that has to do with the opposite sex in general?
radiofreevillage on May 4, 2009 at 2:38 PM
hehe. Touchy.
Evidently you haven’t read anything I’ve posted here.
I, for one, have not ever read your posts here and assumed you were saying you couldn’t HANDLE sitting in a room with her. we get used to the fly by nighters who prefer baseless slander over actual debate concerning Palin. I am not a Palin for president person, actually. But, I am pretty knee jerk when I detect more Sarah slamming. I apologize if I jumped the gun on you. :o)
I personally think she might need to spend more time with her kids while they’re young…but…that isn’t my decision. I’m sure that really secures my position as an armchair feminist, though! ha!
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Like during the campaign when Palin said she supported a path to citizenship?
I know, I know, “McCain made her say that.” Okay, we’ll see.
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Reagan wasn’t a Gov. and didn’t try to start a mandated Healthcare system, like Romney.
Jindal is having problems concerning the people of his State saying he is traveling to much and not getting the business of his state taken care of. McCain-esqe so to speak.
Palin only had the frivilous Ethic Complaints and the “Stimulus” issue with an absolutely lowballing Legislature, which have now realized (Both the Ethic’s Complainers and Legislators) they ticked off the Alaskans. Things are changing and people are finding other people to vote for in the future.
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:39 PM
As someone at c4p pointed out, it’s pretty surprising that Palin responded at all. Why would she? Bears thinking.
promachus on May 4, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Don’t forget Bobby Jindal. He’s running around with the “Reagan is dead” party. Palin is brilliant to have not signed on with this facade faction of the GOP.
portlandon on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
What is it that Hillary’s critics said that has to do with the opposite sex in general? Calling her a “ballbreaker,” a “maneater,” etc. What’s wrong with that? It’s specific to Hillary, right?
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
It sounded like a shot at Palin to me. A weak one, mind you. But a shot at her nonetheless.
Romney’s just bitter that she can connect with the base in a way that he never will. Look, I think he’d make a good President, and I’d support him if he was the nominee(like there’s even a debate who I’d take between him and 4 more years of Obama).
But these idiots in the GOP need to learn, you do NOT go after Palin with personal attacks. Do that and you incur the wrath of the vast majority of the conservative base which pretty much equals death in the general election come 2012.
Doughboy on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
“It’s like watching Ken attack Barbie for being plastic.”
SnarkVader on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I tend to think she said it herself.
Which is very disappointing. If she’s another McCain on the borders, I simply won’t support her.
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
A Path to Citizenship is for legal citizenship. Not amnesty.
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I mean she said it herself, but under her own volition.
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
And Allah, I meant to add… You really know how to press your readers buttons. Comparing Romney’s behavior to that of Huckabee. That is like gasoline rain during a flame war.
But as for your comment, I suppose, yes, if he said those words clearly and directly (Palin is a contender only because she’s a cute chick) it would be a terribly sexist remark. The only reason I referred to it as mild though is because he sort of hid the attack in a self depricating joke about not being one of the “pretty people” (another aspect of this comment that I’m surprised you didn’t comment on) amongst other influential Republicans. Also, he never said the only reason she was on the list was because she was good looking. It is possible to be good looking AND competent AND influential. I guess its mild, IMO, because he didn’t go so far as to say she doesn’t deserve to be there. He’s just saying that others deserve to be there too.
Zetterson on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Boy it seems PDS strikes even GOPers.
They are really scared of Sarah !
William Amos on May 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM
If Allahpundit would shed the nom de plume, he could probably get a gig at Us Weekly. Maybe he and Mags could share a column.
BigD on May 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM
I like Sarah but she has backpedaled plenty! And some of that talk about being opposed to the Bridge to Nowhere was pretty deceptive! She’s made plenty of compromises. Worshipping any candidate is dangerous business.
Keep your eyes open people. No one is running for President yet! No need to take sides!
petunia on May 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM
That about made me sick.
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM
On the other hand, if cap and trade is as inflationary as it seems like it is going to be (and there is nothing as regressive as inflation), if there is a pop in the currency bubble, with rather predictably disastrous results, Obama may as popular as Moussolini by the end of his term. We’re just getting started here folks. Obama’s had fun looking effective with his clear-sailing congressional majority, but his policies haven’t really taken effect yet. THAT’s when things are going to start going downhill for him.
smellthecoffee on May 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Blat she didn’t. When she first became Gov. she sent an Alaskan National Guard unit down to start building the wall. DO you really think she is for it?
I can find the link, but I have posted it in HA before….
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Like during the campaign when Palin said she supported a path to citizenship?
I know, I know, “McCain made her say that.” Okay, we’ll see.
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:38 PM
I agree. I don’t agree with her position. I would like to get what she thinks on that outside of the campaign
youngO on May 4, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I meant to note in the post that it’s rather highly nuanced of Mitt to knock someone else for trading on their looks. Of course, if I’d put it the way you did, there’d be torches and pitchforks at the door.
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Rush has been very high on Jindal in the past, giving him the “next Reagan” moniker, but I bet his joining the “Legion of Doom” with Mitt and Jeb was a big let down to El Rushbo. Cantor, too.
It’s nice that all these guys were nice enough to form a little team so we know who is on who’s side.
Nat Hound on May 4, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Mitt is like Meghan, no one gives a damn about either.
He did snipe at Sarah, but it will further him into non-winner status. He has no chance against Sarah.
Palin/Perry 2012!
jencab on May 4, 2009 at 2:43 PM
I can tell it’s a sloooow news day.
SkinnerVic on May 4, 2009 at 2:43 PM
A Path to Citizenship is for legal citizenship. Not amnesty.
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I agree. With a nice little fine of $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for families. Generate some money at the same time.
youngO on May 4, 2009 at 2:43 PM
I’m ready to be convinced. I really am. I suppose I’m just suspicious of GOP’ers in general. If she’s got the guts on the border issue, I’ll work my ass off for her any way I can in 2012.
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Has Palin ever taken a shot at Romney? Ever? Ummmm, no. She probably never will either. Why do they take the bait, seriously? They really aren’t that smart are they?
deidre on May 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM
I am glad that Palin didn’t choose to attend because McCain can’t face his own faults, and is still acting the juvenile bitch towards Palin. Oh yeah, hopefully she’ll be here next time.
omney’s CPAC “joke” is no worse than any other he fumbles making. Get used to Romneyisms.
If Romney is intending to slight Palin, then his chauvenist slip is showing. He’d do a lot better playing Prince Valient than dissing Palin.
Any reference to her beauty because he isn’t that cute is another dumb plea for more stroking from his fans…”Oh Mitt, you’re so cute.” “No, no I’m not.” “Yes, Mitt, yes you are.” Barfola.
So he was looking forward to seeing Palin again. Take offense, thin skins, where none was intended.
This $11million book deal joke from HIS publisher references how much money he spent trying to get the GOP POTUS ticket. “My publisher has been talking to me about an 11-million-dollar deal as well. I’m just not sure I can come up with that kind of money. ”
Now THAT joke needs better scrutiny from Republican voters. That joke is telling of Romney on politics and money:
1) Romney’s publisher was going to charge Romney the $11million rather than pay him that figure to write/publish, ha-ha self deprecating;
2) Romney thinks that because he spent more money than others from his own personal resources that somehow his personal sacrifice makes him more worthy of our respect or fidelity; as if he deserves the party ticket because he tried his best to finance his bid, while failing to get enough backing, obviously.
maverick muse on May 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM
The argument was that any bending of rules would be de facto amnesty. there MUST be rule of law. Unfortunately, it must apply to those who are here. Leave and come back through the front door like any visitor. Simple, right? ;o)
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Blat let me look for it. I actually posted it in a different HA thread, when Allah or Ed said that Sarah was PRO-Amnesty… ask anyone here who may have saw it. But I will go find the link.
upinak on May 4, 2009 at 2:45 PM
SECOND LOOK AT JEB BUSH….wait…
deidre on May 4, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Why would anyone answer a question from a CNN reporter about a TIME magazine article………..?
Sarah learned her lesson…..
…… but apparently these clowns can’t help themselves.
Seven Percent Solution on May 4, 2009 at 2:45 PM
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