The American Spectator : Three Big Cheers for Mitt

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Three Big Cheers for Mitt

Finally, he’s socking it to Obama.

Earlier this week, I gave Mitt Romney “two cheers” for going to the NAACP convention and delivering a speech lauding free enterprise. What the speech was missing was a strong condemnation of the monstrously wrong-headed set of policies espoused by Barack Obama — and cheered by the NAACP and most others on the left.

Now it is time to give Romney that third cheer. His speech in Irwin, Pennsylvania, was stunning. Speaking without a teleprompter, and glancing down only occasionally at his notes or text, Romney socked it to the president as someone who wanted to “crush economic liberty” and “make Americans feel ashamed of success.”

Obama laid himself open to this devastating onslaught with his remarks in Roanoke, Virginia, a few days earlier, saying that nobody built his own business… because, as he suggested, no one could do it without the helping hand of government in building roads, bridges, and the like.

Here are a few passages from Romney’s thunderous rejoinder:

Romney: The idea to say that Steve Jobs didn’t build Apple, that Henry Ford didn’t build Ford Motor, that Papa John didn’t build Papa John Pizza, that Bill Gates didn’t build Microsoft? You go down the list. To say something like that is not just foolishness, it’s insulting to every entrepreneur, every innovator in America . . .

Audience: (wild applause)

Romney: and it’s wrong!

Romney: I don’t think anyone could have said what he said who had actually started a business or been in a business. And my own view is that what the president said is both startling and revealing. I find it extraordinary that a philosophy of that nature would be spoken by a president of the United States. It goes to something I have said from the beginning of this campaign, that this election is to a great extent about the soul of America. Do we believe America is great because of government, or do we believe in an America that is great because of free people allowed to pursue their dreams and their future?

Audience: (thunderous applause)

Romney went from there to talking about how Obama had stood the American dream of building a better future for one’s self and one’s family on its head:

I’m convinced he wants Americans to be ashamed of success. I want Americans to welcome success and encourage people to reach as high as they can — and, in some cases, to build enterprises. I don’t want government to take credit for what the individuals of America have accomplished. Whether they work in government or the private sector, it’s the people of America who make America the unique nation, the exceptional nation that it is …

Romney proceeded to outline a five-point plan for restoring American exceptionalism. This includes:

1) Pressing ahead with development of oil, gas, and coal reserves here in the United States. Romney recounted how the Obama administration wanted no fracking, no off-shore drilling, and no coal. Said Romney: “These things cost jobs and they’ve got to stop.”

2) Expanding trade with other nations. Here he pointed out that European, Asian, and Latin American nations had concluded dozens of free trade agreements over the past three and a half years. The score under Obama’s presidency: Zero.

3) Moving toward a balanced budget. He pointed out that the enormous debt burden used to finance runaway government spending under Obama had been a major factor in slowing economic growth.

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About the Author

Andrew B. Wilson, a frequent contributor to The American Spectator, writes from St. Louis.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (141) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Appleby| 7.20.12 @ 6:35AM

Let's hope this continues, and that others take up the cry. Time the Gadsten Flag begins to fly again, and let us hear people shouting "USA! USA!" as we used to do.

America was not built by sissies. Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 4:26PM

By the way: latest Rasmussen poll has it 47-46% Obama over Romney, with 4% wanting a third candidate, and 4% undecided between the two. Of the undecideds, 29% approve of Obama's job performance. Overall, he has a 47% job approval rating, so my job security rating is VERY HIGH.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 4:43PM

One thing I noticed about polls. Sometimes they've been dead on accurate and sometimes they've been overly optimistic about the Democrats' chances, but I never have seen them overly optimistic for the Republicans.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 4:52PM

One thing I notice about these Polls, is that they are Scewed, overwhelmingly, with Democrats.

Just sayin.

PolishKnight| 7.21.12 @ 12:36PM

I think there may be a reason why this happens. Democrats like to lie because as caring, people who are also superior and/or entitled via the special interest group they're in, it's ok to lie because their opponents are stupid, evil, lying bigots. This is how the gears in their mind works. Got it?

So a pollster comes up to one of them and he's a convicted felon, or an unwed mother who moves every 3 months from different homes, or visiting from out of town and someone asks what do they think and they don't want to say "I can't vote, ask someone else." They want to spout off their wise, superior, justified opinion! So they LIE! And say they are allowed to vote. While a Republican is asked and he says he's visiting his brother and can't vote in that area and the pollster moves on.

In addition, keep in mind the effect of voter apathy. A leftist may love Obama himself, but hate his policies and secretly hope Romney is elected but can't say so to the pollster or even to himself. He'll look for an excuse to not go to the polls such as buy some granola and arugula just as many Republicans chose to stay home and not vote for McCain because they had to La Raza, or race, over to pick up their laundry.

Brookschwarzenegro | 7.21.12 @ 7:17PM

Right now it looks as if your Bush 3.0 will be elected in November, but it wont do you any good:
the "era of small govt." ended 9-11-01.

MainelyDoc| 7.20.12 @ 6:42AM

When Abe Lincoln was a young man, he walked 10 miles round trip to borrow a book from a man and then walked 10 miles to return it. When Barack Obama was a young man, he stole ice cream from his employer to give it free to his friends.

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 7:47AM

Obama's white grandma had to work to raise Obama becaue he was abandoned by his commie father, and his lefty hippie mother after her return from Indonesia. So who does O criticize in his memoirs? Granny, because she made some comment about being afraid of a black panhandler at the bus stop. Not the commie dad who abandoned him or the lefty mom who abandoned him. That should tell you all you need to know about his character.

Al Adab| 7.20.12 @ 9:41AM

W:
You come closer to the truth than you know. We have a president whose mental state is questionable due to his disfunctional upbringing and how those who mentored him twisted his thinking and his beliefs. There is a serious 25th amendment issue here.

Why one who is himself successful (through no act of his own in this case) so resents others accomplishments is a significant question. Where is Dr. Occam here who could evaluate this psychosis?

Mike G| 7.20.12 @ 10:00AM

"Why one who is himself successful (through no act of his own in this case) so resents others accomplishments is a significant question."

Al, your answer is right there: he resents people who have accomplishments of their own because he hasn't accomplished anything on his own. He's envious.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 10:05AM

Yeah.

He, and his Muslim Loving, Commie Whore Mother, were abandoned by his African Father.

Typical Black Man.

Jimbobogie| 7.26.12 @ 8:22PM

There goes the black vote...

t. ventner| 7.20.12 @ 11:25AM

DENVER THEATER KILLINGS

As someone who grew up in a place where guns designed to kill people are more or less banned and where no one feels that some essential freedom has been lost -- on the contrary, freedom from fear is cherished -- I often wonder what it will take for Americans to absolutely reject the NRA, all their ideas, and anyone who supports their morbid, necrophiliac love of an element of the constitution that is anachronistic, poorly written, unclear, and insanely stupid given modern weaponry. After which, we could actually start to actually do something to save the approximately 30,000 lives lost to gunshot wounds every year, many of them children.

wally| 7.20.12 @ 11:43AM

You are an idiot.

t. ventner| 7.20.12 @ 11:53AM

Name calling.

Typical, lazy AmSpec response.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 1:26PM

Obviously, you're too Stupid to grasp the purpose of the Second Amendment.

George Washington said of the Second Amendment: "The very idea of an Armed Citizenry, is enough to put fear in the hearts of any Government, should they consider overstepping their Constitutional Limitations, in favour of Tyranny."

I'm paraphrasing.

Read the Declaration of Independence.

When Government fears the People?

It's called: Liberty.

When the people fear their Government?

It's called: TYRANNY.

What part of that, don't you understand?

Mike G| 7.20.12 @ 1:38PM

Obviously it doesn't put any fear into the heart of our government. They've been overstepping their constitutional limitations for decades.

It may have been Franklin who said: "Those who would give up their rights in exchange for safety deserve neither."

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 4:53PM

You are correct.

Stephanie| 7.20.12 @ 4:38PM

Are you from the UK? That's too bad. We love our guns here in the west.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 4:54PM

And our MEN don't wear PANTIES, like you European Eunuchs.

Try growing a pair, Homo

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 12:03PM

He is not psychotic because of this, Al.

Here's what he is:

A. There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occuring since age 15 years, as indicated by THREE or more of the following (he meets FIVE):

1) Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest. (Chooming, driving while intoxicated---drug use continued into 20s)
2) Deceitfulness, as indicated by personal lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure. (Oh, please---we've got tons---how did he get his house in Chicago?)
(5) Reckless diregard for the safety of self OR OTHERS (releasing much secret data about Special Ops much, Obama?)
(6) Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations. (How much time did he devote to jobs meetings as opposed to fund raising, as AN EXAMPLE)
(7) Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another. (Again, tons of data)

B. The individual is at least age 18 years.
C. There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years (this is the toughie, as he has kept his records hidden)
D. The evidence of antisocial behavior does not occur exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia or Manic episode.

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 12:05PM

Continued:

301.7 is the diagnosis here, Al.

Now, as for the psychotic fellow who shopt those people in the movie theatre: the problem is not gun ownership, it is the ACLU, which does their best to interfere with psychotics being properly LONG TERM treated. Look up Reise Versus St. Mary's on this. This shooting is Thomas Szasz's fault, along with his merry minions in the ACLU.

Al Adab| 7.20.12 @ 12:43PM

O/T:
Thanks for getting in with your diagnosis. I was hoping you would be on site today. Given that we have a personality disorder as you describe, the question is does our system provide a way to deal with it in any rational manner?

The events in CO are counterbalanced by the fellow in the internet cafe the other day who likely prevented great harm and several deaths when he pulled a weapon and chased the bad guys out of the store. There are downsides and upsides to every liberty we possess.

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 1:33PM

Al
Diagnosis: spoiled, anti-american lefty brat
treatment: vote him out of office in Nov.

Al Adab| 7.20.12 @ 1:55PM

W:
Maybe O/T can chime in here as well. What would be his likely reaction to rejection in Nov.? He would have until Jan. to issue all kinds of executive orders, pardons, etc. If his instability stems from rejection syndromes a further rejection could engender violent responses. The "they don't deserve my greatness" self destructive actions that follow could greatly endanger the country.

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 4:07PM

Again: I am not making diagnoses and I can't predict.

Pardons are often skeezy. As for the others: I don't think so. He would know what would happen to him if he pulled that kind of stunt---he would be immediately impeached by the HOR.

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 4:53PM

He can't be much worse than Bubba/Hillary in selling pardons to Marc Rich for a milion bucks, and pardoning the Puero Rican terrorrsts.

JmsA| 7.20.12 @ 12:13PM

The obvious, except for leftist statists: There are millions of responsible and law abiding gun owners. One nut case goes off and kills and wounds inocents, and you go on to condemn all gun owners. Guns and the U.S. Constituion is what standing between tyrannical opression and liberty. Figure it out; it's not really all that difficult.

JmsA| 7.20.12 @ 12:14PM

Meant to write Constitution.

Tom Kyba| 7.20.12 @ 1:21PM

Stop pretending you give a damn about children or anyone else death-lover. Gun crime victims are just tools for tools like you to push your sick hateful politics. Wally didn't even begin to describe you fully. Try expousing your self-serving pseudo-principles on Sesame Street. In my opinion hate monger, you and the rest of the troll brigade light up like Christmas trees whenever a shooting occurs. The more dead bodies the better. Go occupy a cemetery or something. Lots of grieving people there for you to harass. Idiots like you(golly, I must be a lazy AmSpec reader) make stupid grave-trolling comments then feign outrage at the criticisms you receive. That's only been tried here about a million times. Typical, lazy and self-loathing liberal metrosexual. You disgust me. That good enough for you Dr. Death?

Jade12| 7.21.12 @ 11:41AM

I second your post Tom!

BackToBasics| 7.21.12 @ 11:49AM

Agree and 2 proofs of it among many more are how quickly ABC tried to link the mass murderer to the Tea Party and how the leftsits and the leftist media totally ignore Fast and Furious.

LeoInTheWoods| 7.20.12 @ 2:21PM

I have a suggestion: Use a uniquely American solution and begin by limiting the government. Nearly 1/3 of all the gun violence in the US is executed by government employees in the performance of their duty. Simple workplace rules that ban the use of guns against by government employees against private citizens will end that 1/3 with the stroke of the pen.

This would also allow us to realize a ROI from the weapons developed at Andrews Airforce base in the Non and Less lethal weapons research that was put in place by John F. Kennedy and has cost American tax payers tens of millions of dollars each year since then.

Perhaps we can then experience what the UK did after 200 years of having constables use sticks: the people will decide in a referendum to surrender their weapons.

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 5:35PM

Americans will never willingly surrender their weapons.
Millions will fight back and the nation will dissolve into African chaos before then.
But thanks for playing!

Drunken Sailor| 7.20.12 @ 3:48PM

So are you going to robopost your little blood rant before the blood is even cleaned up in Colorado on every thread here?

I don't give two sh*ts what side of the fence you are on. To use this tragedy so soon as a political talking point shows you have no compassion and soul. You sir, can go to hell.

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 4:11PM

The problem is not guns. It is untreated mentally ill people whom the ACLU will not let us medicate involuntarily, EVEN after they have been COURT ORDERED to be INVOLUNTARILY HOSPITALIZED, withou MORE court work.

See Reise Versus St. Mary's. That's the problem. Let me know the last time you read a headline on: Properly evaluated and medication compliant patient ran amok, killing (blank)....

Thank the ACLU and Thomas Szasz, folks. New Zealand has lots of guns but more rational long term medication laws than we do here---fewer murders per capita from psychotics.

lost| 7.20.12 @ 4:56PM

Explain why Britain has gun crime, they have far more anti-gun laws than United States yet since 1997 gun crimes when up. For those who do not know 1997 was when Britain increased their anti-gun laws.

Kwan| 7.20.12 @ 8:56PM

The majority of these killings are occurring in gang-banger ghettos and barrios where psychotic maniacs are totally out of control and the rule of law does not exist. Confiscating weapons from law abiding citizens is not going to change those numbers. Seeing how the Democrat Party has moved to the left of Joe Stalin and Vladimir Lenin, trying to disarm the populace would guarantee a landslide defeat for Obama.

ConradCA| 7.20.12 @ 9:43PM

Sometimes people need to be killed.

Remember how terrible it was in England when they had the riots and the people were unable do defend themselves from the rioters? The government disarmed them and was unable to protect them. That is one reason why the people need the right to keep and bear arms.

spike59| 7.23.12 @ 5:54AM

...because, obviously, the guns just jumped up and started firing for no apparent reason; kinda like a Leftist's mouth

ConradCA| 7.23.12 @ 4:45PM

When guns our outlawed only criminals will have guns and how will we protect ourselves from them?

Maxwell| 7.20.12 @ 7:42AM

I am really going to date myself here but why not? I remember when I was 13 years old I delivered the Sunday news papers. By the standards of today one could say I was an independent business man. I made payroll (me), kept track of any expense (my bike), accounts payable (cost of papers), accounts receivable (collecting from customers), customer service (my paper was not delivered by 5AM!! complaint), and the best part, differed dividend!! The differed dividend after two years payed for my first ham radio receiver made by Drake Engineering of Ohio which cost a staggering 349.95!

What does Barry know about business? Nothing, not even the basic paper route!

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 10:12AM

If it's any help to ya, Mitt?

Stop looking at the Colour of his Skin.

Stay Focused on the Content of his Character.

Besides. His Skin Colour is a Mirage.

He may look like he's Black and White. But, in Truth?

This MFer is RED all over.

Put your foot on his Skinny Lying Throat, and don't let up.

MK48| 7.20.12 @ 11:30AM

TLP......I want to see shoelaces hanging out his a**.

poochie| 7.20.12 @ 2:10PM

MFer! You language is disgusting.

Watch your tongue! There are children on here.

poochie| 7.20.12 @ 2:11PM

Lots of children.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 4:56PM

GFYourself.

spike59| 7.23.12 @ 5:56AM

you mean, besides Purp?

Cobalt| 7.20.12 @ 10:36AM

"What does Barry know about business? Nothing, not even the basic paper route!"

You're assuming he never sold drugs.

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 4:15PM

But you know, Cobalt, nobody gets rich in the drug selling business going it alone...da cops need to be paid off, etc.

Mimi | 7.20.12 @ 7:56AM

I think Mitt got mad after that Roanoke, Pa. remark....like all the rest of us. We all have been MAD...for a long time, at everything he does, but this time he HIT so far below the BELT...right at the heart, he's enraged the whole country, ALL the people ..GOP, DEM'S & INDEPENDENTS! Why ?.....That kind of thinking is what is holding back the whole worlds ECONOMY. Where all the darn PAIN is coming from....STRUCK A NERVE ! Thank God, Mitt's around to call him on it!

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 9:59AM

Nope - only the far right was apoplectic. Twist of words or meaning is clear to all what the President really meant - Just like it's clear what Ann Romney meant when she said "... you people have got all you're going to get" responding to questions about Mittens' tax returns. Really, Ann?
These people seriously think they are qualified for the Presidency?

Crassus| 7.20.12 @ 10:21AM

Getting a little worried, huh, Purp? You'd better be.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 11:50AM

Nope. Not at all. Odds Makers have the race 60/40 with the President winning the election.
No one really wants or likes Romney, and it shows. He's really creepy with his tax havens, car elevator and entitled ways and means. Worried - nope.
Enjoy! http://www.realclearpolitics.com/?state=nwa

JmsA| 7.20.12 @ 12:17PM

Those car elevators gave those who constructed it a job. As to the tax heavens, democrats also have them. The One and his sycophant media have been pounding Romney for months, and yet, The One cannot shake him loose. Ever heard of a sucker's bet?

Tom Kyba| 7.20.12 @ 1:23PM

Off to Denver with you sicko. There are some grieving families for you to harass.

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 5:41PM

Hey Perp,
"You people" are gonna be rending garments and gnashing teeth when your O'fantasy comes to a screeching halt.
"You people" will be repaid for your treachery.

Mimi | 7.20.12 @ 11:27AM

He blew it big time PURP....and you guys know it and feel it! Providence has never worked for this guy....maybe some divine justice from that live, aborted, child...left to die on a cold steel table...who knows? Everything he trys goes sour...This insult wasn't planned...but it came out...it's a biggy ... Business creators across this country are all not your so called" FAR RIGHT"...who by the way are fervant PATRIOTS !!

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 11:54AM

You're right, business folk are not far right - but when they actually here the lie that is being promoted about what the President said - well, let's just say they won't be amused.
Why would anyone have to lie to win? Are they that terrible a candidate? Why doesn't he show his taxes and how he made his money? Teach America how to be wealthy, if it's above reproach, show us how to do it. Show us how to grow the economy, what will he do, how will he do it?
What's he afraid of? Until he answers, he loses, period.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 12:40PM

Purp, what about all the time Obama took before releasing his taxes? And when do we see his school records?

Ironically, harping on taxes won't HELP Obama considering people, including the precious middle class they claim to care about, are worried about taxes right now. It's the left's biggest weakness.

So sure, keep it up!

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:30PM

Poley, Poley - Barack Obama IS the President already. He has been vetted and been attacked for 6 years. And, he won through it all! He was/is the best.
It's Romney's turn to be vetted, and he's losing the battle and the war. Even Venture Capitalists are turning on him - http://www.reuters.com/article.....HV20120720
The Tax Attacks will continue until RomBot comes clean with the American people.
Aren't you curious how to become exceedingly wealthy? Don't you want to know how to avoid paying taxes too? Let him teach America, so we can "starve the beast. " That is what middle class America wants to know about taxes, pal.

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 5:44PM

Only Prince Bambo voters care about Mitt's wealth or tax returns.
No-one's mind will be changed by them, and nobdy has ever really cared.
Sorry. Sucks to be you.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 6:06PM

Got a tingle in your leg, Purp?

Obama wasn't the best so much as GWB's economy and war were wearing the country thin AND McCain was exceptionally awful at how he treated his base (as you know from reading here!) That said, Obama was a pretty good candidate compared to previous Democrat entries (the wooden sore-loser tree, Al Bore) and the guy who claimed to be a war hero while bashing his fellow vets and a slimey cheating VP ambulance chasing lawyer Kerry/Edwards (heck, it's hard to even remember that pair since they were so lame, yes?)

And really, come clean? Don't you guys have some documents about handing over guns to Mexican gang leaders that shot border patrol agents to deal with before telling others to come clean? Hint: The last time this came up was Nixon. Regarding the rich and paying taxes. Talk to GE, Collaborator George Soros, and Goldman Sachs. That dog isn't going to hunt.

I'm honest with you, as you know, so the big thing Obama should hammer on is outsourcing but even then, it will be difficult considering his stimulus sending money for windmills over to China and Germany. But that's his best bet right now.

spike59| 7.24.12 @ 6:43AM

"He was/is the best."
----------------------------
Hey, folks...i think we now have Purp's true identity-Chrissie Matthews!

Purp, wipe that DNA off your chin

Tom Kyba| 7.20.12 @ 1:24PM

Denver is waiting death-lover.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:26PM

Ban assault weapons or you aren't really concerned about Denver or anyone anywhere else. It's just that simple - put your money where your mouth is.

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 5:45PM

"BUY assault weapons or you aren't really concerned about Denver or anyone anywhere else. It's just that simple - put your money where your mouth is."
Ther; I fixed it for ya!

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 3:34PM

Obamaboy purpie

1. When will Obama release the records under subpoena for the Fast and Furious fiasco that killed Brian Terry and hundreds of Mexicans?

2. When will Obama explain how Michele got a raise from $100,000 to $300.000 per year as a "community relations lawyer" for a Chicago hospital that got a million dollar earmark courtesy of Senator Obama? A quid pro quo, kickback?

3. When will Obama release the records of his land deal and explain how the Chicago crook Tony Rezko paid for his land?

While you are doing this, Purpie, how did Hillary turn $1,000 into $100,000 in the cattle futures deal? And why did Denise Rich give Bubba's library a million dollars when Bubba gave a pardon to Denise's husband, Mac Rich, a convicted fugitive?

Looking forward to your reply to these troubling questions.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:32PM

Barack Obama IS the President already. He has been vetted and been attacked for 6 years. And, he won through it all! He was/is the best.
It's Romney's turn to be vetted, and he's losing the battle and the war. Even Venture Capitalists are turning on him - http://www.reuters.com/article.....HV20120720
The Tax Attacks will continue until RomBot comes clean with the American people! The fact you don't care how he has treated America tells me you don't really care what he will do TO America, if elected.

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 6:01PM

Obamaboy purpie has no answer to post. What's the problem, purpie, your boss didn't give you any talking points on these questions?

spike59| 7.23.12 @ 5:59AM

"He has been vetted"
==================
you're kidding, right? well, maybe-if by 'vetted' you mean 'taken 100% at his word by the MSM and deified"

spike59| 7.23.12 @ 5:57AM

easiest way to pi$$ off a conservative: misquote him

easiest way to pi$$ off a liberal: quote him

spike59| 7.24.12 @ 6:44AM

"Just like it's clear what Ann Romney meant when she said "... you people have got all you're going to get" responding to questions about Mittens' tax returns"
----------------------------
one little detail you forgot, Purp...she didn't say that...even her interviewer had to admit it

JimH| 7.20.12 @ 8:09AM

I like that Mitt is starting to take off the mittens (sorry). There is one thing I’d like to see in the blather about tax returns. He rightly refuses to provide them. I think he ought not to have provided any. I just wish that when doing so he would forthrightly stand up and say that his tax returns are no one’s business but his, his CPA and the IRS. This should also be his response to claims about Swiss bank accounts. If there is no tax dodging involved they are no one else business. Republicans of late have lost their way in terms of defending privacy and the cherished American principle of MYOB.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 10:00AM

One thing Romney could use to plunder independent voters and get married voters to the polls and engage in some great class warfare would be to not only eliminate the marriage penalty, enacted under Nixon, but undermine the unwed mother friendly "head of household" status as well. Married people should get a default tax credit of 2 AND when they have children, get head of household status of 2.6.

Then when Obama presses him about his returns he can say: Those, like fellow Americans, are our own business. Oh, and did I mention I want to eliminate the marriage tax penalty?

In the meantime, if they want to make the Bush tax credit extension into a political coup, suggest giving up the tax break for the wealthy and enact the tax policy I suggest above. The left will KILL the idea in a heartbeat (since unwed mothers are one of their most loyal constituencies.) THEN they can use the left extending the tax break for the wealthy as a political coup.

THAT'S how SMART politicians, I think, should work. I think it's the way that the unscrupulous left works. Bottom line: If the right doesn't "get smart" fast, they're going to lose and if they lose, I think it will mean the end of the right as we know it. The Constitution is dead (Thanks Roberts!) and now we're in a full blown political crony, ethnic, and sexual choice (feminists, gays, married couples) war. The only thing is the right doesn't "get it" that they're in it yet. They still pray to the Holy Constitution.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 10:14AM

If these people that you mention STILL NEED A REASON to go to the Polls?

Then, we're already fcked.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 10:32AM

If Romney just goes into office and tries to reverse Obamacare and maybe keep the tax break for the rich going and maybe hold off on gay marriage then, yes, that's just slowing the panzers down. The left, to their credit, doesn't just try to get one or two things passed. They "progress" with their power hungry agenda, albeit an evil one, on several fronts.

It's rather difficult to inspire white, middle class voters to show up when Romney is lecturing them about how illegal immigrants help small business owners dump their costs onto taxpayers via the welfare state but, hey, it's ok because those tax breaks for the millionaires will help create jobs (for the illegals, H1B's and third worlder slaves in China.) Yeah, sure. Really a great reason to go to the polls.

While Obama is messed up for implying that entrepreneurs are almost like welfare recipients, the opposite isn't true either: Hard working middle class private employees deserve respect and the right isn't really giving it to them. Carly Fiorina should have been tarred and feathered, not run and praised in a congressional run in California. She took a company that had genuinely been innovative, HP, and ran it into the ground while sending jobs and money overseas. I'm glad she wasted some of her blood money on the failed run!

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 11:00AM

Go get yourself one of those Libra type Scales, and put everything that President Lying Thieving POS has done, as well as everything Imaginable that he WILL DO, if he's reelected, on one side, and then put your List of "Things that Irk Me about Romney" and then get back to me.

I love ya P.K.

But, we need to stop CUTTING OFF OUR NOSES to spite our faces, and BLOWING OUR HEADS OFF, to spite our Hats.

There's no more Primaries.

There's not gonna be anybody else Running against The Muslim, this November, other than Mitt Romney.

To keep on Harping on the fact that he wasn't Crucified on a Conservative Cross, and then Ressurected as Ronald Reagan Goldwater, is just bringing everybody down.

And, that's THE LAST THING WE NEED, right now.

Now, Suck it up, and go out there in November, and Save The Country.

Okay?

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 11:12AM

I personally think we live in a different world than Reagan and that while Reagan did a lot of great things, he did some awful things as well. He put Sandra Day O'Conner on the SC, remember?

This isn't just a matter of balancing the scale and voting for a lesser of two evils. Heck, even if we did that, there's no guarantee we won't get a version of Bush again where we just get some slightly reduced federal spending, maybe some attempts to repeal Obamacare (which fail) and then some more attempts to clean it up, and maybe some more drilling for oil and prices go down to 3 bucks a gallon or so.

That's a rather anemic goal to have. As (leftist) Danny Devito put it in Other People's Money: Down the drain, slowly but surely...

The right really needs to redefine itself and some of that requires deep introspection. This is a football game and the left is importing and manufacturing millions of welfare state voters. The game will go on, one way or another though, even if the Republican party has to die.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 11:15AM

I think McCain's key mistake, in addition to being a nutjob buddy to the left, was that he expected Sarah Palin to carry his water for him.

If Romney realizes his choice of VP can't carry him into the White House, then he's going to need to come up with some more stuff to beat Obama. There's a lot out there he can use. I hope he does it. This is not about us. We can't make him win simply by going to the polls. He has to make other people want to vote for him. I hope he does the right thing but really, he's running, not us. It's his game to play.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 1:36PM

Get yourself a Libra Style Scale...................................

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 2:03PM

TLP, please explain by what you mean by that. I think you mean choosing the obviously much lesser of two evils? The problem with that, if that's what I think you mean, is that we've gotten stuck with a downward slope in the past 50 years via moderate Republicans such as Nixon and 3 Bushes. In addition, not only did these Republicans set the country on a slippery slope, but they made it that much harder for strong conservatives (Reagan) to do much other than single issue politics (low tax rates, end the cold war) which, while admirable, was kind of like trying to mop up broken pipe mess with a q tip.

Mimi | 7.20.12 @ 4:24PM

P.K. .....REALITY...What is REAL Today? Mitt,will be our nominee! I must say he is getting BETTER everyday...Looks good, Sounds good, calling out the incumbent on all his damage to the country. One faction of our side cannot rid us of this ....The very worst PRESIDENT in our history...WE MUST STAND TOGETHER and face up to REALITY!

TLP| 7.21.12 @ 8:58PM

Thank You, Mimi.

You get it.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 4:59PM

Let me put it simply.

Red Pill.

Blue Pill.

Capiche?

If you have another plan?

I'd be more than happy to hear it.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 6:07PM

We don't say capishe. We say zrosumium! Or panimash! Or swuhai!

Have a good weekend! Na zdrovieh!

TLP| 7.21.12 @ 8:59PM

You too, Buddy.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 11:57AM

How would we know if there's nothing illegal in the taxes? We haven't seen them. Moreover, why is he different than John Kerry, Bill Clinton, Papa Bush, Baby Bush, John McCain, Bob Dole, etc., etc., etc. ? Isn't he a "man of the people" teehee...
Running for a public office means you are sacrificing your privacy for the office. He is NOT a private person if he's a public official or running to be one. THAT is the difference between him and us.

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 4:17PM

Purp: recall the "assumption of innocence?" I note you use that all the time for the Gotham Psychopath.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:35PM

Not sure who you mean by "Gotham Psychopath", but I didn't say RomBot has actually done anything illegal (Shady, immoral, probably). But everyone on your side is sure he didn't do anything illegal - how do you know? You don't care if you elect another Richard Nixon?
I look forward to those answers.

PolishKnight| 7.21.12 @ 12:39PM

Bill Clinton, bless his heart, put the legacy of Nixon to rest when Bill lied in front of a grand jury and said that it doesn't really matter. His party would just back him up. Now Obama is hiding documents from Fast and Furious because he's "not a crook" and doesn't have to present them. Yeah, sure. Good luck with that. Hahaha!

spike59| 7.23.12 @ 6:01AM

it's not up to Romney to prove he did nothing wrong re: his taxes, you retard...or did i wake up in another country altogether? if there's something illegal in his tax returns, i can GUARANTEE the ObaMao IRS would have been all over him like white on rice

spike59| 7.23.12 @ 6:05AM

You don't care if you elect another Richard Nixon?
==========================
we already have:
-stonewalling on Fast& Furious
-use of foreign $$$$ to help fund his 2008 campaign
-setting up operations for people to report disagreement with, and disparagement of, his administration
-using government agencies like the IRS and Labor Dep't to go after political opponents
-attacking news media that don't buy the GroupThink Party line coming from the WH
-enemies lists
-obsessive secrecy

he might as well change his name to barack milhous obama

lost| 7.20.12 @ 5:27PM

Was John Kerry, Bill Clinton, Papa Bush, Baby Bush, John McCain, Bob Dole, etc., etc., etc. require to publicly divulge their past tax returns while running for president? No they were not if they choose to do so that is their choice. Tax information is a very personal thing.
What I find interesting is you and your ilk give Obama a pass on things that are less sensitive like school records. Funny thing is that information is almost always required when applying for a job, tax returns not so much.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:39PM

You're right Lost, they chose to honor the American people with their trust in us, so we could return the favor and trust in them. Romney, not so much.
You've had 6 years to investigate Obama to death - and nothing but innuendos. His vetting time is over. Now it's Romney's turn - and he is failing miserably and losing support every day. Why, even the Venture Capitalist Association is turning against him. Barack Obama IS the President already. He has been vetted and been attacked for 6 years. And, he won through it all! He was/is the best.
It's Romney's turn to be vetted, and he's losing the battle and the war. Even Venture Capitalists are turning on him - http://www.reuters.com/article.....HV20120720
The Tax Attacks will continue until RomBot comes clean with the American people, and honors us with his trust in our good judgement of who we want to lead us.

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 6:03PM

Obamaboy
O was not vetted.

You still cannot answer the questions posted about Michelle's raise courtesey of the Obama earmark, or the Rezko land deal. Just for starters.

Answer the questions, purpie, if you can.

Alej| 7.20.12 @ 9:06AM

Looks like the tortoise is beginning to spool up in the a$$-kicking race against the hare. Hope somewhere along the line he mentions that there are roads and bridges in North Korea.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 9:29AM

"Virginia, a few days earlier, saying that nobody built his own business… because, as he suggested, no one could do it without the helping hand of government in building roads, bridges, and the like." - Although you paraphrased, essentially this is true, except the President didn't say "government", he said "all of us working together".
Kind of a BIG miss, isn't it, if you're trying to make a point?

Truth to Power| 7.20.12 @ 9:46AM

Nonsense. The big O was doing his best Tony Soprano imitation. He wanted his cut which will go off to his gay money bundlers. The audience which represent the most parasitic class in American history wanted their cut also. The big O and his supporters are what Greece is all about, failure and bankruptcy ending in a third world country. No thanks.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 10:01AM

Ya know, no one on the left talks about "gimme, gimme, gimme" - only you on the right talk about it, incessantly.
Why is that?

Truth to Power| 7.20.12 @ 10:16AM

Nonsense. Lefties have had a trillion dollars of gimme, gimme, gimme lately. I think we need more information on who these gay money bundlers are and a corretlation of money given to the Democratic Party and kickbacks.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:40PM

So go investigate and get some facts, not suspicions. But politics is a dirty business - I'm shocked, just shocked, aren't you?

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 6:06PM

Obamaboy
Here are some facts that you refuse to explain:

1. Michele's salary at the hospital paid by our tax dollars through Obama's earmark of one million of our tax dollars.

2. Rezko paying for Obama's land.

You can't dodge these, purpie. They will follow you at every post.

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 10:40AM

Hahahaha! Most of the left, Purp, is not made up of idealistic marxists. They're the worst sort of selfish cronies. Let's list them, shall we?

1) Public sector unions bankrupting the nation for comfy jobs while letting private sector taxpayers rot. It's like a policeman showing up to arrest a burglar and then demanding the homeowner let the policeman keep the stuff in the burglars' bag. Tony Soprano style.

2) Illiterate third worlder race hustlers. These now comprise a majority of the Democrat electorate. This means that the Democrats are not producing a future Sweden but rather making the USA, and their beloved Western Europe, into Detroit, Newark, and Southeast DC. Good luck with that. Be sure your limo is gassed up with fossil fuels for that commute to the white suburbs.

3) Fascist cronies at Goldman Sachs, speculator Nazi collaborators such as George Soros, etc. Yeah, nothing like Russian oligarchs to suggest you're making a marxist wonderland!

4) And finally, leftist politicians getting kickbacks cutting backroom deals with the Republican elite!

So good luck with that 'future', buddy. Enjoy being a cheerleader!

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:47PM

1) Public workers forgo better pay to get future benefits as a trade off. More importantly, why aren't you getting the same benefits and pay from your employers? Aren't you as good a workers? Don't blame the workers for getting what they can. You don't blame the rich for getting all they can, do you?
2) As a white man, your ignorant racial slurs are disgusting and appalling. Of course, all bullshit race-baiting. Polish? Last I looked, Poland was in Europe. Did it move?
3) 400 million spent on one election is what the Koch Bros. pledge... and you call anyone on the left Fascists? Puh-lease. What kind of world do you think THEY want? Good for you and your kids? Think about that harder.
4) Right-wing politicians getting kickbacks cutting backroom deals with the Democratic elite - uh, so what? Clean your own house first, you taught us all how to do it. Newt Gingrich anyone?

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 6:14PM

1) Hahaha! Purp, really? Forgo better pay? We all know about the scam of getting months of vacation and trading it in for overtime at year end AND still getting better pay than private sector. Out of work private sector workers are just going to LOVE Obama's comment about well the economy is doing for them in November!!!

2) The left bashes whites and males and promises entitlements to everyone else and then is shocked when "racist" NASCAR white males somehow don't want to vote Democrat anymore. But yeah, if you think whites are so bad then why do leftists love Europe so much and limos to white suburbs? Obama sure does love to golf, doesn't he? Tee hee! Yeah, you're building Detroit and Newark. Good luck with feeling good about that.

3) When Obama blows lots of public sector union thug and nazi collaborator money on negative ads, he's saavy. When Mitt does it, he's corrupt. Yeah, good luck with that.

4) I'm not defending the Republicans but merely observing that you aren't making some noble Swedish commune but rather a third world fascist crony oligarchy fiefdom, at best. The rich Republican elite will, as Danny DeVito's character in Other People's Money, adapt. So you aren't achieving anything other than being a leftist cheerleader. At least Obama's third world electorate gets a welfare check for their loyalty...

lost| 7.20.12 @ 5:47PM

No the left does not say "gimme, gimme, gimme" they use words like "pay their fair share" because we all know if you are successful it is not fair to those who are not

spike59| 7.24.12 @ 6:40AM

" I mean, come on, GIVE me something!"

Moochelle (angriest harridan in America)ObaMao

PolishKnight| 7.20.12 @ 10:10AM

Guys! I have a way of turning this point around:

The money that's SUPPOSED to be going to bridges and roads instead are being outsourced on stimulus money for German and Chinese windmills, overspent on public roads bids from women and minority owned contractors, or just blown on the welfare state. This is because Obama's system is now economic fascism/crony capitalism which is even worse than Soviet socialism. Indeed, don't expect high speed rail in California anytime soon after the lawyers and bureaucrats hold up the right of ways and environmental regulations for 20 years, public sector unions insist upon 10 year work then retirement, etc. During the old Soviet Union, they build world class metros in under a year using slave labor. Here, they can't get illegals to build 2 holes in the ground where the WTC towers used to be in under 10.

What a lousy, "socialist" system, eh? What a joke that Obama is "helping" entrepreneurs with government!

Regarding Bill Gates: Microsoft windows is monopolistic crap and Thomas Edison wanted us all to be on DC power and have power plants every 5 miles. These crony capitalists aren't perfect!

Stormzeye| 7.20.12 @ 10:46AM

You're right about one thing Purp: Obama's ideal is that "the collective" govern after "the withering away of the state". If this isn't pure Marxism then you are really Sarah Palin.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:49PM

Please explain how "Big Government Democrats" are going to wither away the state so the "collective" can govern? Either they are Big Government D or they are not, which is it?
I await this most interesting lucid and cogent response.

Controse| 7.20.12 @ 9:57AM

Gee it seems like only yesterday Gov. Sarah Palin was saying that Mitt Romney needed to set his hair on fire. Just a coincidence?

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 12:01PM

Yeah, take advice from the Bimbo of Alaska.

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 4:19PM

Let me know a major election "The Bimbo" lost when SHE was in charge of it, OK?

lost| 7.20.12 @ 5:49PM

why is it every time I hear bimbo in relation to politics do I think of Hillary?

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:51PM

Well, when 1/2 the population couldn't see past her boobs to who she really was, that really doesn't matter, now does it? I mean they were so concerned about the "rise" she gave them, they pulled the lever for her wishing they were pulling something else ...so ya, she did win, ONCE.

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 5:57PM

If Hillary resembled a woman, she would be POTUS already, and BHO would be bringing her coffee.
We like Sarah's boobs.
We want all women to have them.
Democrats want all men to grow them.

TLP| 7.21.12 @ 9:03PM

Fat chance of that happening.

Although, they already all have Vaginas, so, maybe you're on to something?

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 5:55PM

Better a Bimbo than Prince Bambo(nee Sambo).

paintbrush| 7.20.12 @ 10:28AM

How exactly does dependency on the government increase individual power; wouldn’t government benefit more from the growing numbers of people dependant on it? Isn’t this a conflict of interest….

WillyP | 7.21.12 @ 6:32PM

The liberal version of FEDGOV benefits from citizens dependency on the government. A conservative's vision of FEDGOV benefits from a citizenry that is self dependent, takes personal responsibility, is prosperous, and values freedom.

Kwan| 7.20.12 @ 10:47AM

Obama's 3+ year record as President is his greatest obstacle to reelection which is the reason why he wants to keep the voters distracted with some absurd accusations against Romney. Obama was not qualified to be President and his record since January 21, 2009 reinforce that accusation. Obama's record and far left ideology is his achilles heel and should be hammered mercilessly by Romney.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:53PM

Not really - we all already know what we think about the job the President has done - but we don't know much about Romney, which is very clear.
And Romney doesn't want us to know too much. His wife said so in her interview. She's right and told the whole reason they are stonewalling. They apparently have a lot to hide - like the association of Bain with the Olympics. No conflict of interest there.

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 5:59PM

We will never care what Mitt and Ann did before they threw Barack Mugabe out on his massive, silly ears.

Who Knows?| 7.20.12 @ 12:53PM

It’s been a LONG week since Obama dropped his trousers, and “mooned” us, by showing his best feature---now, THAT’S leading from, and AS, behind!

The fact that he’s been unable and/or unwilling to get his lying face out in public and say, with as much (phony) heartfelt fervor as he can muster, “I just love businessmen, especially entrepreneurs!!!”, is the great tell. He’s exposed his real core, he knows it, and just like the Weiner saga shows, once known as a fool, or in Obama’s case, a fooler, all that’s left is for him to put up a rearguard defense.

Like Hitler’s army that got overextended and bogged down in the Russian winter, as well as Napoleon’s, an orderly retreat is the best Obama do in the future.

Again, given the lack of much of a response for seven days to “They didn’t build it” hints to me that maybe even that is out. It could be that like Assad in Syria, Obama could ALREADY be in freefall, and the next few months we’ll get to enjoy him exhibiting the utter incompetence all awake people knew, from his arrival into national prominence, defined him.

Enjoy it!

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 1:42PM

Actually, he gave it away with Joe the Plumber.

He PROMISED to Bankrupt the Coal Industry.

He PROMISED Cap and Trade, which he has implemented via his EPA.

He PROMISED to Fundamentally Transform America.

Everything he's done, he PROMISED to do.

Like Hitler, and I'mahandajob?

When will we learn to take these MFers at their word, when they tell us what they're gonna do?

Occam's Tool| 7.20.12 @ 4:20PM

Like the Auschwitz survivor said: "what we learned from the Holocaust is that when a man says he is going to and wants to kill you, believe him."

No way Obama is up 60/40, pal.

TLP| 7.20.12 @ 5:01PM

He's not.

He's Dead Man Walking.

Trust me.

Purp| 7.20.12 @ 5:55PM

No business built the roads or bridges and never will. That was his point, and needs no response. The rest is right-wing spin and lies to gin up noise. You appreciate being lied to, huh?

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 6:10PM

We've gotten used to it since 2009.

CJW| 7.20.12 @ 6:11PM

Giannini, president of Bank of America, partially paid for the Golden Gate Bridge.

Actually private businesses build the roads and bridges. They submit a bid and the government picks the builder. The government has to condemn by eminent domain the land to build.

A private business cannot start building roads across private property.

Are you really this stupid, purpie?

Skippy| 7.20.12 @ 6:20PM

Private Railroad companies built and paid for the NYC subway system.
How much more stupid do you want to appear?

spike59| 7.23.12 @ 6:10AM

No business built the roads or bridges and never will.
==========================
first off, WHO do you think pays the VAST majority of the taxes that funded the roads-the money fairy? and who do you think actually performed the labor that built the roads-a government agency? no, it was private contractors; next time you see a road being built, not the pothole fillers, the road BUILDERS-check out the signs on the sides of the trucks

BackToBasics| 7.20.12 @ 9:15PM

It's a start.et's hope it becomes second nature to him to speak forthrightly.

Everyone on the right at least is holding their breath about November. I think many businesses are also. I think many business owners and CEO's also want him out and I think it's possible they will not hire for 2 reasons. First they do not want to help Obam be re-elected. Second, they want to wait and see who and what they will be dealing with after the elections.

Jade12| 7.21.12 @ 12:00PM

Your are exactly right and I have read that a lot of small businesses will close if Obama is re-elected.

BackToBasics| 7.21.12 @ 8:50PM

I had not read that but I don't doubt it at all. God help us if Obam manages to win outright which I increasingly doubt or to steal the election with enough democrat vote fraud in swing states which I am concerned about.

I think vote fraud by democrats may make the election close enough so that it could be Florida 2000 all over again in about 5 states if Romney wins. It wouldn't concern Obam in the least to challenge in multiple states regardless of cheating by democrats or repercussions to the country and repercussions internationally.

TLP| 7.21.12 @ 9:07PM

If it makes you feel any better?

All of the Votes will be counted, overseas, in SOCIALIST Spain.

How's that, for a Punch in the Face?

BackToBasics| 7.22.12 @ 12:29AM

That is something I read about and vote fraud by democrats has been a lot worse than is admitted to even by most conservatives for decades. This year it will be even worse and the Republicans still will not to one thing about it even if it causes Romney to loase.

BackToBasics| 7.22.12 @ 12:30AM

sp - lose

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