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The Obama Watch

Obama Grants Himself a Waiver From Civility

By on 7.17.12 @ 6:08AM

A campaign out of control on hypocrisy.

Remember when President Obama lectured the nation on civility in its political discourse?

In January 2011, following the shooting of then Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, President Obama told an audience at the University of Arizona in Tucson, “It’s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.”

Unfortunately, his words ring hollow. President Obama’s counsel was not directed at himself or those who work at his behest. The rules of civility as decreed by President Obama (and enforced by the mainstream media) apply only to conservatives and to anyone else who has the temerity to disagree with the Obama Administration. It is a classic case of “do as I say, not as I do.” When it comes to civility, President Obama has granted himself, his administration and his re-election campaign a waiver.

Amongst those covered by Obama’s civility waiver is Stephanie Cutter, his Deputy Campaign Manager. During a conference call with reporters late last week, Cutter spoke about the Obama’s campaign dispute over when Mitt Romney left Bain Capital. Cutter said:

Either Mitt Romney, through his own words and his own signature, was misrepresenting his position at Bain to the SEC, which is a felony. Or he was misrepresenting his position at Bain to the American people to avoid responsibility for some of the consequences of his investments [such as layoffs and outsourcing]. 

Does Ms. Cutter have evidence that Romney committed a felony offense? If she does then she should submit this evidence to the SEC and to the Department of Justice. If she doesn’t then she should do all of us a favor and shut up.

Oh! How uncivilized of me to tell Cutter to shut up. But anyone who publicly accuses someone of committing a crime without the evidence to back up that claim deserves to be severely admonished. Since President Obama won’t admonish Cutter, then I will.

Indeed, not only has President Obama not taken Cutter to task but in an interview with Charlie Rose on the CBS This Morning, he proclaimed that his campaign’s attacks on Romney are “entirely appropriate.”

During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, David Axelrod told Candy Crowley that Cutter didn’t call Romney a felon but rather that he may have committed a felony. And what word is commonly used to classify someone who has committed a felony?

For her part, Cutter did not repeat her claim when she appeared on CBS’ Face the Nation. However, she did not apologize for asserting that Romney had committed a felony and called upon Romney to “stop whining.”

So let’s review. President Obama and his campaign staff don’t know for certain if Mitt Romney has committed a felony. Yet this uncertainty has not prevented them from asserting that Romney might have committed a felony. Despite not having a factual basis for these assertions, why would they take this uncivilized tone towards Romney? Well, let consider something else Axelrod said during his interview with Crowley:

Now it may be that he’s misleading people now when he says I had nothing to do with it. So I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and say those documents are accurate and what he’s telling the American people now is not. I’ll give him that. But neither is a recommendation to be President of the United States.

So when it comes to Mitt Romney, the Obama campaign is talking to the American people in a way that wounds, not heals. The Obama campaign is clearly trying to wound Mitt Romney by suggesting he has committed a crime. By making that suggestion they make the further suggestion that Romney is not fit to be President of the United States.

Politics is, of course, a rough and tumble affair and always will be. As long as there have been elections there have been candidates have been willing to say about anything to prevent their opponent from being elected to office. This is where President Obama finds himself. After 3½ years in office, he has accomplished little and what little he has accomplished is not to the liking of the electorate. Mitt Romney has a solid, stellar reputation and that is a threat to Obama’s hold on power. So the only way President Obama can secure re-election is by destroying Mitt Romney’s solid and stellar reputation.

But the Obama campaign isn’t going to be content with merely wounding Romney’s solid and stellar reputation. As one Democratic strategist aligned with the Obama Administration put it last August, “Unless things change and Obama can run on accomplishments, he will have to kill Romney.” Well, nearly a year has passed. Things haven’t changed for the better and Obama still can’t run on his accomplishments. Operation Kill Romney has been launched and is operating at full speed with no signs of slowing down.

Stephanie Cutter is right about one thing. Mitt Romney can’t whine. All he can do is fight back more assertively and more forcefully. If Obama hits Romney then Romney has to hit back ten times harder. Romney will also have to go on the offensive. When they do hit back or launch an attack of their own, look for the Obama campaign to bemoan Mitt Romney’s lack of civility. After all, Romney isn’t eligible for Obama’s civility waivers.

About the Author

Aaron Goldstein writes from Boston, Massachusetts.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (45) |

Appleby| 7.17.12 @ 7:13AM

Romney has to quit acting as if we HAVE to vote for him because "the other guy is so much worse" and give people some incentive to vote for him because of not only what he will do, but what he will UNdo. Because there are plenty of people who are saying "a pox on both their houses" and who think that the only answer is to stand back and let it crash. My sister didn't head to Shoppers Anonymous (yes, there is such a thing) until she was forced to face the humiliation of bankruptcy. The school of Hard Knocks is an unforgiving school, but the fool will learn in no other. Mr. Romney, if you've got any kind of plan at all, when are we going to hear it?

MelvinNC| 7.17.12 @ 7:54AM

I have emailed the Romney campaign. I have posted here to I am blue in the face. Mitt Romney needs to shove his fist down Obama's throat and rip his heart out. Politically speaking that is.

TLP| 7.17.12 @ 9:09AM

There are some, here, that believe we need an "INCENTIVE" to rid ourselves of THE BEAST.

What else do you need?

What HASN'T The Muslim turned to Sh*t?

Apparently, to these people, Record EVERYTHING in the "Things Going Really, Really, Bad" Column, isn't enough of an "incentive" to be rid of The Beast.

I think back to the Germans, when they found out about the Atrocities committed in the name of Their Hitler. I'm sure that some of them said: "Yeah. He's doing all those things, but, he's really not Fckng with my life. I need more incentive than just a HOLOCAUST, if you expect me to get out there and vote for the other guy. I realize that my Country is being turned in to Rubble, but then again, WHO KNOWS what the other guy's gonna do?"

"Besides. If you ask me? There's no difference, between the two."

Besides, this guy isn't my 1st Choice. I want the guy I wanted. This guy.........?

I don't trust him.

So, these Idiots - and She knows who She is - will Piss and Moan, and go on and on about how IMPERFECT this new guy is, even as the Guy that's in there, now, is building a Cattle Car, with her Family's Name on it, for their Train Ride to The Camps, that are all equipped with Wooden Cots, Hot Showers, and Ovens.

Unfckngbelievable.

MelvinNC| 7.17.12 @ 9:28AM

TLP the cattle car is very real. I dunno maybe I'm turning into a conspiracist, I am a retired Marine who lives at Camp Lejeune NC. The other day I was filling up my propane bottles and I looked across the street and there was a large compound with eight foot walls with guard towers evenly spaced. I asked what that new facility was for and the reply was generic. "Its for training." Duh, usually training was regulated to the field or out in the bushes where it won't alarm anyone, but no one will ever guess what lies next to this walled compound.......A Railroad siding.

TLP| 7.17.12 @ 9:53AM

I keep trying to get it through people's heads that ARBEIT MACHT FREI is not that far away.

They laugh at me.

I keep quoting from Revelation.

They mock me, even though everything in it, that describes the Prelude to Armegeddon, is happening, NOW, in Real Time.

Especially where the Size of the Army that will go against Israel, is concerned, as Obama facilitates one Muslim Brotherhood Victory, after another, even as he works to Decimate the only force for Freedom in the World, capable of Standing against the Forces of Darkness, and Israel's only Ally.

Hamas believes that Obama is The Deliveror. The Muslim version of Moses. They have even given him the Name - ABU HUSSAIN - Son Of The Father.

Hello?

If you won't listen to me?

LISTEN TO HAMAS.

Louis Jenkins| 7.17.12 @ 8:13PM

The USA is divided up into 8 regions with two or more facilities of this nature. Yes, Ft. Bragg happens to be one of them, and I bet Camp Lejeune is another. Wake up people. A reverend friend of mine said that this "Beast" is the closest thing we've ever had to the Beast found in Revelations. And we're on the menu. Wake up!

Brookschwarzenegro | 7.17.12 @ 10:03AM

"Mitt Romney's solid and stellar reputation"?

Romney's father had a solid and sterling rep- whereas
Mitt Romney is a little white poodle wearing a diamond collar, barking:
"Arf Arf Arf."

Occam's Tool| 7.17.12 @ 10:59AM

Yup. He's the scumbag who SHUT BAIN DOWN to look for a little lost girl for a week, and who recused a drowning family and their dog when Gov.

Yup, Mitt is a major jerk. Unlike the lovely and helpful Barack "choom" Obama.

Brookschwarzenegro | 7.17.12 @ 11:53AM

Sterling?
Oh, you mean Mitt's sterling silver cufflinks.

Warrior| 7.17.12 @ 12:27PM

How about Michelle's $700 sneakers and $1,000 purses. How about the Obama's giving the details of the Rezko financed house in Chicago. Maybe some details of the job she received directly relating to his ear marks for a hospital. Even simpler, compare what the Obama's have given to charity as to what the Romney's have. For that matter compare them to your favorite fall W.

Obama can't go arf, arf, arf unless Soros approves.

Brookschwarzenegro | 7.17.12 @ 1:20PM

Romney wants to be coronated so he can take the crown from the Pope's hand and place it on his own head.

Warrior| 7.17.12 @ 2:39PM

The Obama's believe they have already been coronated and walk on water. I would ask you what is the point you are trying to make except it is painfully evident there is not one and you are devoid of independent thought.

spike59| 7.18.12 @ 6:52AM

the Left thinks Obama IS the Pope...or the guy above him

PsychoDad| 7.19.12 @ 4:26PM

"Coronated"????

Thanks, we now know exactly how much credibility you command.

So do you hate Mr Romney just because he is a rich businessman, or because he is white, too?

Roscoe| 7.17.12 @ 11:53AM

Shoppers Anonymous? I'm not buying that.

Skippy| 7.17.12 @ 7:03PM

Aaarrrgghhhh!

Drunken Sailor| 7.17.12 @ 2:00PM

For God's sake, enough with this "what will Romney do" crap. How about you check out his website?
http://www.mittromney.com/issues

Pick a topic, he pretty much covers all the important ones.

Now I am not foolish enough to garuntee he will keep all his promises but they same can be said of any politician. But enough of this, what will he do crap. It takes 5 seconds to find out what his plan is.

Zeppo| 7.17.12 @ 8:33PM

Absolutely right. I just got a fundraising appeal from the RNC today. Its whole content was essentially "the other guy is so much worse." Not a single word about what Mitt intends. Anyone expecting the Republicans to turn things around if elected is kidding himself. Slow down and consolidate the leftward lurches of the last few years, yes; reverse course, no way.

MK48| 7.18.12 @ 12:26AM

What do you care you can't vote your an illegal.

spike59| 7.18.12 @ 6:53AM

you can if you live in Chicago; you don't even have to be alive!

spike59| 7.18.12 @ 6:58AM

Romney has to quit acting as if we HAVE to vote for him because "the other guy is so much worse" and give people some incentive to vote for him
=============================
if the past 3 1/2 years isn't incentive enough, then you're un-teachable and un-reachable...now, go out into the meadow and bleat "Oba-ma-a-a-a-a-a-a"

Rob Roy| 7.17.12 @ 7:57AM

You have it right, Appleby. Romney is not gaining in the polls because he is not articulating what he will do. It is not enough to keep pointing out the failures of the current president. The voters want details of how he will improve the country. If he keeps playing passive defense, I believe he will lose and so will the country if we get four more years of this pompus, arrogant, windbag in the oval office.

MelvinNC| 7.17.12 @ 7:57AM

Romney has to decide one thing. Either he wants to win this race and do what is required to win it, or he wants to have sex with Obama. Romney can't have it both ways.

TLP| 7.17.12 @ 9:38AM

I like ya, Melvin, and I agree that he needs to Lose the Political Consultants, but I wonder if some of you aren't grasping the DEVASTATION that is coming, these next Three Months.

90 more days of Riots in our Cities. Cities that are Filing for Bankruptcy Protection.

90 more days of Layoffs, and Plant Closures.

90 more days of Foreclosures, Bankruptcies, and Companies buggin out.

90 more days of Piss Poor Job Numbers, Wage Numbers, Earnings Numbers, and DEBT.

90 more days of this MFer Flouting Our Laws.

"When your opponent is digging himself a hole.............................................................

Have Faith that GOD still believes we're worth saving.

I do.

Occam's Tool| 7.17.12 @ 11:01AM

I hpe you are right, TLP. Still, I understand Melvin's position---Romney needs an attack dog, a relentless mofo.

I like Allen West for VEEP. Allen will call the choomie a worthless druggie.

Cobalt| 7.17.12 @ 12:04PM

John Sununu is good at attacking Obama, and defending Romney.

Crassus| 7.17.12 @ 2:43PM

Possible Post of the Year winner here. I haven't seen any better so far and it will take a great post to beat it. You just hit a grand slam completely out of Yankee Stadium, Melvin. Or Turner Field if you prefer.

bluecollarbytes| 7.17.12 @ 8:10AM

There's something wrong about running against Barack Obama in measured respectful terms. Obamagenda deserves no respect. Barack Hussein Obama, or whoever he decides to call himself at any given moment, is running as the country's leading organizer&radical; this time around. He has no respect for anything but winning at all costs. There are no rules Romney can abide by that will cause Obama to run an honorable campaign.

A. C. Santore| 7.17.12 @ 10:21AM

1. "There are no rules in a knife fight."

2. When I was an undergraduate, I went to one of those student mock government exercises. There were three basic groups: a. serious "legislators," b. party-goers, and c. game-players.

Those "game-players" had no intention of learning about government, only finding ways to obfuscate, frustrate, and laughingly interfere with the process.

There you have it. The Obama administration and his hacks - childish freaks playing "student legislature" with our real lives and futures at stake.

Pray that we replace them in November or we all lose.

Maxwell| 7.17.12 @ 8:23AM

I'll say it again, when I look at Putin I see a stone cold killer, the kind that would take his 45 and splatter someones brains all over the wall and not give it a second thought. Afterwards he would take a child for ice cream and think of it as just another day at the office. He would sleep very well that night. I cannot believe Mitt does not have anyone like that on staff.

PsychoDad| 7.19.12 @ 4:27PM

I'm telling you, I will live where Putin is president before I live another year with that vacuous Sock Puppet in office here.

Jack of Spades| 7.17.12 @ 8:31AM

One thing must be borne in mind: this President is the embodiment of his party, and any other Democrat in the Oval Office today would do what Obama's doing. This is the party that inspired the term "borking" after the way it defeated Robert Bork's nomination to the Supreme Court, and tried to destroy Clarence Thomas when he was nominated. This is the party that circled the wagons around Bill Clinton, no matter what crimes he committed. This is the party that has deliberately run up ruinous deficits and dismissed the Constitution as the invention of "dead white males." And this is a party that won't surrender power without pulling every dirty trick it thinks it can get away with.

cuban pete| 7.17.12 @ 8:55AM

Jack has nailed it. What is the GOP going to do about it?

Warrior| 7.17.12 @ 5:59PM

Mitch McConnell will have dinner with his self declared friend Harry Reid and John Boehner will play golf with Obama/Biden. I think the worst part of this is having the media call every Republican a Conservative. The only answer is a third party as the moderate/mainstream Republican party has become more liberal than the Democrats of FDR.

Before the hecklers start, I realize that would ensure an Obama victory. However does anyone truly believe (I didn't say hope) that the current Republican cast of characters will stop any of this.

spike59| 7.18.12 @ 6:55AM

your pre-emptive surrender/sellout is duly noted:
do the nation a favor and don't reproduce

Anthony| 7.17.12 @ 9:09AM

This is your corrupt and immoral Democrat Party in all its splendid hypocrisy.
This is the same "most transparent" mocking president, ( along with his whores in the MSM) who will not release an actual birth certificate, sans for the fake one on line.
This is the same fraud who will not release school records and transcripts, for fear of discovery of his actual "foreign status".
He will not disclose or discuss how a publishing company, that claims all bios are written by their potential authors, for 17 years stated that Obozo was Kenyan.
Yet even when Obozo himself makes admissions tha question his authenticity, he and the media whores belly laugh and call us "birthers".
And if that was not enough, this cheeky bastard and his campaign goons, have the gall to call Romney a felon, when it's Obozo and Holder who are the ACTUAL felons, responsible for the deaths of two American agents in Fast & Furious.
Obozo and Holder are accessories to murder!!!
But the Obozo goons are right, Romney, quit whining and hit this bastard where it hurts the most, early and often. Pretend Obozo is Santorum, and you'll win this election in a landslide.
Play by McLame's rules and lose, and America is finished, and so by the way are you and the R Party.

JD| 7.17.12 @ 10:06AM

"During an appearance on CNN's State of the Union, David Axelrod told Candy Crowley that Cutter didn't call Romney a felon but rather that he may have committed a felony. And what word is commonly used to classify someone who has committed a felony?"

We're talking about Democrats, here. They don't call people "criminals" just because they do illegal things. They call people "criminals" because they make too much money.

So I guess they'll be calling Romney a criminal soon enough.

Kingofthenet| 7.17.12 @ 12:38PM

Actually there seems to be QUITE alot of evidence that Mittens actually did lie and deceive investors by indicating he was at helm of Bain from 1999-02 in SEC filings. We will know more when we see his tax records for those years

mike 3/505| 7.17.12 @ 2:08PM

"We will know more when we see his tax records for those years"

His tax records for those years won't tell you any more about his relationship to Bain than is already in the public forum. In short, he was still legally on the "top line" as he extricated himself from the company.

spike59| 7.17.12 @ 4:39PM

actually, his tax records WON'T settle the matter; you Leftards have made it QUITE clear that there's nothing that will saitisfy; there is no record of romney having anything to do with the operation of Bain after he left in 1999-not one meeting he attended, not one corporate decision he made, and not one employee who disputes Romney's account. here's the drill, dumbass-YOU leftards are making the accusations; in this country, YOU bear the responsibility (i know, i know, that word is radioactive to Libtards) of offering a scintilla of proof; and so far, all we hear is a chorus of crickets

PsychoDad| 7.19.12 @ 4:28PM

How bout Mitt releases as many tax records as Sock Puppet releases transcripts?

phillyflyer| 7.17.12 @ 2:37PM

Romney needs to take advice dispensed by Jed Babbin here in AS back in late April...
"The campaign against President Obama is different because Obama and the media will not stop at anything to win. Romney will have to be much tougher in his own right, and ready to respond with the appropriate level of vehemence to Team Obama's attacks. Importantly, he will have to be prepared and quick on the draw."

Babbin goes on... "Campaigning against Obama -- and the Obama-cuddling media -- Romney will also have to act like a fighter pilot to seize the opportunities he's given. In fly-guy terms, it's a process called the "OODA loop. When you're buzzing along enjoying the ride at Mach 1 or so, and some warning system starts beeping or buzzing -- or you see something miles off -- you have to Observe it, Orient yourself (and your aircraft) to it, Decide what you're going to do, and Act.

IMO, if Romney responds in OODA fashion, he will become a much stronger campaigner. If he doesn't take Babbin's advice, I suggest he invest in an attack dog. He'll need a good one during the fall campaign! ;)

See full article at: http://spectator.org/archives/.....s-reflexes

drake1456| 7.17.12 @ 2:39PM

the only "felon" is the guy in the White House who admittedto selling drugs. THAT is a felony.

William L. Gensert| 7.17.12 @ 4:02PM

Mitt Romney needs to get in Barack Obama's face.

Read more of my article: http://www.americanthinker.com.....z20ubX7DXH

Frog in Uniform | 7.19.12 @ 4:30PM

I'm afraid he already got a waiver from citizenship...

http://img88.xooimage.com/file.....679147.jpg

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