Romney’s wealth problem, while serious, is not insoluble. But the alternative to his upper-crust authenticity is not populist inauthenticity. When he jokes with voters that he is currently “unemployed,” or recalls “a couple of times when I wondered whether I was going to get a pink slip,” he compounds his error. For many Americans, a pink slip means turning to a food pantry. Romney, presumably, would have other options. There are few things more offensive than patronizing empathy.
Incapable of changing his economic tribe, Romney will need to make the best of his background. If Americans don’t want a successful management consultant as president, he stands little chance. But a good case can be made for an economic manager after a period of disappointing economic performance and spectacular fiscal irresponsibility. In a stagnant economy, the promotion of economic growth and opportunity is not only a technocratic goal; it is a moral cause.
During the general-election campaign, Romney will also need to direct some of his economic attention to the specific needs of struggling Americans, not just to the overall health of the economy. His more conservative advisers may dismiss this as pandering — proving how little they know of presidential politics. Policy proposals are symbols of a candidate’s values and priorities. Romney will have to say something about improving failed schools, encouraging college attendance or updating job training efforts — really about anything that shows a practical concern for economic mobility.
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