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Another Perspective
Bringing America Back Home
Thank heavens for Mitt, the designated driver.
Mitt Romney keeps surprising people — in a positive way. First he turns out the best debater ever in American presidential politics — going back to the first Nixon-Kennedy debate.
Now it seems that he is an excellent stand-up comedian — working in the deadpan style of a Jack Benny or Bob Newhart.
Having already whipped Barack Obama in their two debates, Romney faced off against the president again on Thursday night at the Alfred E. Smith dinner in New York to benefit Catholic charities — a black tuxedo and white bow-tie affair where the two men competed strictly for laughs before a politically savvy audience looking only for amusement.
Just as in the first debate, the self-preening president seemed strangely deflated — and unsure of himself. He chose what is always thought to be the safe road in humor — and that is to say, the self-deprecatory road. He joked mostly about his poor performance in the first debate. He also joked about the laughing, sneering, clownish antics of his running mate Joe Biden in his debate with Paul Ryan.
In one of several self-putdowns that made me cringe, as it seemed so odd and unnatural, Obama said:
I particularly want to apologize to Chris Matthews. Four years ago, I gave him a thrill up his leg; this time I gave him a stroke.
Obama’s best — and, really, his only good line at his own expense — was this one:
Of course, there’s a lot of things I learned from that experience (the lopsided loss in the first debate). For example, I learned that there are worse things that can happen to you on your anniversary than forgetting to buy a gift.
He said of Joe Biden:
I’ve heard some people say, “Barack, you’re not as young as you used to be. Where’s that golden smile? Where’s that pep in your step?” And I say, “Settle down, Joe. I’m trying to run a cabinet meeting here.’”
What Obama did not dare to do in this arena — even with a largely Democratic audience — was to engage in any biting humor at the expense of his Republican opponent — whom he had impaled in campaign ads as a cold, heartless plutocrat who was totally out of touch with half or more of the American people.
That version of Mitt Romney did not pop up in any of Obama’s sallies in their mano a mano at the Waldorf-Astoria. The best that he could manage in the physical presence of his opponent was to say:
Of course, world affairs are a challenge for every candidate. After — some of you guys remember — my foreign trip in 2008, I was attacked as a celebrity because I was so popular with our allies overseas. And I have to say I’m impressed with how well Governor Romney has avoided that problem.
The above passage indicates how difficult it is for the president to stop being self-reverential, even when he is doing his best to be self-deprecating.
In contrast to the president, Romney did not avoid the question of his own wealth. He began with a light reference to the plutocratic version of himself that Team Obama trots out in its ads and campaign stops:
About the Author
Andrew B. Wilson, a frequent contributor to The American Spectator, writes from St. Louis.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (41) | Leave a comment
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Appleby| 10.22.12 @ 7:05AM
I thought the best line of the night was "They already have their headlines written for tonight: Obama Embraced by Catholics! Romney Dines With Rich People!"
And by the way, it was obvious that Romney's suit was custom-made and that he had worn it before. Obama's didn't fit him anywhere and it looked as if his shirt collar itched.
C Smith | 10.22.12 @ 10:43AM
The "Third Debate" Mitt 90% Obama 10%
In what some are referring to as the "third debate," during Wednesdays' the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a charismatic Mitt dominated while Obama in his typical self destructive fashion was cherishing his precious " Honey Boo Boo" endorsement:
http://www.realclearpolitics.c.....inner.html
http://blogs.suntimes.com/poli.....inner.html
Dai Alanye | 10.22.12 @ 11:51AM
Yes, there's no doubt who has the best gag writers, something of a Republican tradition. McCain far out-classed Obama in 08, and Dubya also did well for himself, as I recall. Romney's timing was good, and his delivery solid. Obama, as usual, delivered his punchlines in a clunky manner, grinning afterward to make sure the audience knew he'd told a joke. As a speaker, he'd make a good community organizer. Or not.
While congratulating Romney on his debating skill, however, it's only fair to give credit to his terrific debate coach. I refer, of course, to Rick Santorum during the primaries. Without Santorum and the others Romney wouldn't have improved nearly as much since 2008. It must be almost a pleasure for him to come up against Obama after taking shots from Santorum, Perry, Huntsman, Bachmann and Gingrich. (As I recall, the Herminator took it easy on him.)
Romney (or his writers) missed one fine opportunity for a laugh, though. At the end, when he complimented Obama's "beautiful family" he should have added, "Except for Michelle, of course... she's just plain scary."
Alan Third Party Voter Brooks | 10.22.12 @ 7:43PM
Someday the dinner may eclipse the debates.
SUBVET| 10.22.12 @ 12:10PM
His shit collar itched because it was to tight.......and why was it to tight ????
So the foreskin did'nt show..............
sotto voce| 10.22.12 @ 3:45PM
I also noticed the difference between Romney's elegant appearance and Obama's uncomfortable one. Obama's collar was too big for him. He definitely looked like he was wearing borrowed clothes.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.22.12 @ 7:38AM
I thought Romney's take on Obama's advice to Pope Benedict was on point as well: "Just put all the blame on Pope John Paul II".
Joellen| 10.22.12 @ 7:57AM
I watched the video - Romney did do well. But watch the video yourselves. Chris Matthews is right behind obama, Dolan & Romney and his demeanor is strange to say the least. He is just glaring over at Romney & his wife - and he seems to never takes his eyes off of them. Finally, he seems to "relax", but still very, very strange. Even when his man is up, his attention is on Romney & his wife - watch it and would love to hear your responses.
On the occassion itself, very disheartening. Bunch of leftist/communist - Obama, Bloomberg, Cuomo, Chucky Shuma, all given praise and admiration by the church for their "social causes". Even Smith Jr., gives to Planned Parenthood. I did not enjoy the video, it made me sad to see how far left the Church has become. Blood money is blood money folks.
CJW| 10.22.12 @ 4:51PM
It is one thing to disagree on some issues, but Matthews mocked and derided the Catholic Church position on abortion, and likend it to sharia law and the Taliban. This is not a disagreement on tax rates or the minimum wage but a central teaching and belief: the sanctity of human life, especially innocent, defenseless life. They should never have allowed a scum like Matthews on the dais.
John Navratil| 10.22.12 @ 8:12AM
I almost hesitate to write this, but Romney's speech was much less self-deprecating than was Obama's. Yes it was gracious, funny, appreciative of the audience and, in the end, praising of Obama's person. But it was FULL of zingers to Obama's politics, and even Joe Biden.
I loved it, as anyone on this side would, but I think the argument can be made that it was closer to a stump speech than to self-deprecation.
Von Mises Jr| 10.22.12 @ 9:06AM
Can you blame him for taking the opportunity, John? As he pointed out, the MSM will not cover the news so Mitt has limited time to make his case.
The story of the Benghazi terrorist attack apparently did not even make the front page of the NYT or other liberal rags in the Northeast. The fascinating thing about political correctness is that liberals self-censor themselves and learn talking points to the point they don't even know they are ignorant of most issues.
First they try to ignore facts, and then challenge them as bias, finally shouting epitaphs if you persist before storming off. It is both cowardly and bizarre.
He had a captive audience and liberal morons tuning in to see the "One and Done."
John Navratil| 10.22.12 @ 10:13AM
Von Mises Jr,
No, I can't blame him, and your observations on what constitutes liberal "discussion" of the issue is on point.
My concern - that nagging doubt - is the politicization of EVERYTHING.
Von Mises Jr| 10.22.12 @ 11:17AM
Socialism/liberalism is the politicization of the economy.
gene| 10.22.12 @ 1:43PM
Hey even during the Debates when Ryan tried to state that JFK followed the same Tax Policies, Biden cut him off and the MSM never responded. This is not about reporting facts, but following Ideology.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.22.12 @ 9:11AM
Having watched both speeches live, my initial observations were not dissimilar to yours, but the benefit of time has given me the opportunity to further analyze. Outside of his name (which he also used in his 2008 speech there), Obama’s jokes at his own expense focused on his debate performance, but not his job performance. Romney’s jokes at his own expense included references to his faith (the alcohol abstention, etc.) and the negative view of his wealth. I didn’t give the edge to one or the other in that regard.
Overall, I thought Romney was much funnier, but I also thought he was brilliant in his serious closing remarks, in that they affirmed a pro-life message that Obama could not refute in that company.
John Navratil| 10.22.12 @ 10:17AM
Albert Constantine Jr.
I'll agree that Romney's criticisms were never personal. They have never been. The man is a gentleman (let's hope he turns out to be Conservative, as well).
At any rate, I hope Chris Matthews recovers. Obama gave me a stroke four years ago.
gene| 10.22.12 @ 1:45PM
It is not just jokes that make great comedy, it is timing. Jack Benny could cause hysterical laughter by silence. Obama had some good jokes written for him, but his timing was off. You cannot teach that to people. Especially those who need a teleprompter to talk to Grade School kids.
Butch| 10.22.12 @ 4:24PM
Actually, King O's comedy timing is pretty good, but only in front of a sympathetic audience of college kids forced to attend to complete assignments--and only when he can slip into his best Jeremiah Wright/ghetto preacher accent. He couldn't use that in this environment.
PolishKnight| 10.22.12 @ 11:41AM
I agree, there was stumping involved but keep in mind that the left has been playing the comedy stump game for years. The Daily Show, SNL, and Letterman among others got better coverage for "news" distribution than their major news outlets but perhaps that appropriate since the left has made journalism into a joke in this country.
I personally don't think the daily show is very funny. Jon Stewart's spiel is to come out, smile at the camera and leftist audience and quip at how conservatives are STUPID! hahahaha! Over and over. It just never gets old with them. SNL is in the same boat. Most of the show isn't funny anymore. It peaked with Dana Carvey. Romney was funny and vicious about it. If you think about it, the left is ripe to be parodied and laughed at. South Park has done a lot of it over the years.
John Navratil| 10.22.12 @ 12:30PM
PolishKnight,
I agree with every word you have written. I agree with VMJr that he used the forum he had, as he doesn't have any other in what passes for the news media. I'm sorry that a charity event has to become a political forum, but I'd never put it past the Dems to abuse any forum they get.
It's sad, but lamentably true, the everything HAS become political as the black churches have demonstrated for decades.
PolishKnight| 10.22.12 @ 1:52PM
I've always been amused that the same people who speak with fervent adulation about MLK the way Christians speak about Jesus simultaneously mock and belittle Jerry Falwell for his religious affiliations. Yet, MLK was supposedly a minister wasn't he? Why was his pulpit acceptable to preach Marxism while Falwell's unacceptable to oppose it?
Something else to keep in mind: When Dan Quayle told a joke at a press dinner deprecating himself to be funny (the puppy joke), the media tore into him even more. If Obama had torn into Romney and Romney had told vanilla jokes, no doubt they'd be saying it's ok just as they excused Biden tearing into Ryan a week after they cried about a far less aggressive style from Romney.
In other words, they're a bunch of hypocrites. F' 'em. If Romney is acting this way now, it gives me hope he (might) not roll over the way the Bushes have done when they got into the white house and McCain promised.
PCC| 10.22.12 @ 8:26AM
I agree completely with Mr. Wilson. It's a shame that only political junkies (like myself) will watch both speeches all the way through. Mr. Romney clearly benefitted from his four years of entering the lions' den in South Boston at the annual St. Patrick's Day dinners.
Peppermint Tea | 10.22.12 @ 9:17AM
THIS was the 4th debate...and Romney won!
He was confident! He connected. He mocked the cartoon villain that the Obama campaign was fighting. He good-naturally pointed out his alcohol free lifestyle and religion.
Obama was tight. He seemed to be telling inside jokes to himself. He dared not criticize the Governor because it would sound contemptuous. In other words, he's lost his mo-jo.
Life just isn't fun anymore for the Prez.
Just like the Denver debate, Romney came across as WINNING (hat tip Chris Matthews and Charlie Sheen).
Peppermint Tea | 10.22.12 @ 9:20AM
AND Romney ended with a serious sincere praise of Obama and the hosts. If he was acting, he did a wonderful job. He seemed to really care.
The President can't duplicate Romney's magnanimity because that isn't who he is.
pogybait| 10.22.12 @ 9:47AM
Yes, but Romney has class
Stormy| 10.22.12 @ 9:58AM
Even though it was reported that Obama did well, I thought that he was off-key all night and uncomfortable. Obama's material was less than stellar, but Romney's material and delivery were beyond compare. It is likely that Dennis Miller had something to do with the material, but Romney delivered it to perfection. And, by teh way, where was Michelle?
sotto voce| 10.22.12 @ 4:00PM
I knew Dennis Miller is on the campaign stump for Romney, but it didn't occur to me that he might have written Romney's material. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense that Romney's jokes could be the work of a clever and mordant humorist like Miller. In any case, even masterful jokes fall flat with a poor performance, but Romney triumphed with his impeccable timing and delivery.
Anthony| 10.22.12 @ 10:38AM
Romney continues to amaze. This guy is one cool customer. He has made a believer out of me. I think this guy does have brass balls, and when president, he will ditch the nice guy routine and will use them effectively.
Romney is all class. Obozo is all crass. America's first affirmative president is just well, totally outclassed.
Do you all remember his zinger to Brian Williams about too many old white guys surrounding Romney and his potential cabinet, and his retort was " you told me you were unavailable". The look on Williams' face was precious.
It's good that zombies like Chris Matthews gets to see his man up close and personal. Everybody in the room once again saw what an empty suit Obozo truly is.
Matthews and Co. remain perpetually clueless. More the better when they get their collective asses kicked on Nov. 6th as well.
Oldefarte| 10.22.12 @ 10:49AM
To me, it's not so much a matter of Romney's outstanding character [which may be beyond ordinary], but rather the fact that he is thus [ordinary, average and typically American]. He has been extrodinarily successful within his business profession. If one considers his governorship of a ultra liberal state which historically is/has been dominated by such ordinary and extreme liberals [ie the Kennedys, Kerry, Dukakis, etc], then his [and Scorr Brown's presently] success within same is amazing. Yes without a doubt this country needs his intelligence, his professional business/political knowledge, his patriotism, his sobriety, etc. Will he be successful as a POTUS? Who knows [but to me who cares]? I only want this country to return to normalcy, to being average, to being a capitalistic nation, and to represented by someone respectful and ALL OF THE ABOVE. I want my country back, since to me it is now under siege and has been captured. If he is not elected, this country is doomed!!!!!!!!!!
Oldefarte| 10.22.12 @ 3:08PM
PS: To anyone who didn't see this/today's masterfully written article by Herman Cain, I hope you will read and contemplate his truth:
http://www.newsmax.com/HermanC...../id/460942
C Smith | 10.22.12 @ 11:32AM
As Mitt was recreating the art form of presidential debate, the media's "Incarnation" into whom they had breathed and would continue to breathe "the breath of life" even as the debate progressed was standing in the background. Then for one brief moment there was a pause in video enhancement. It was as if some homeless man had wondered onto the set... Then I realized this was the resident of the most prodigious house in America....
http://popularapostasy.blogspo.....sence.html
Who Knows?| 10.22.12 @ 11:42AM
Mitt was awesome!
He gave the BIG BIRD finger to Chris Matthews and all his ilk, in their faces!
With a smile.
Better than a tingle.
JONVIL| 10.22.12 @ 11:49AM
Romney is a class act and will restore honor to the White House.
Occam's Tool| 10.22.12 @ 2:31PM
I like the cut of his Jib.
John Navratil| 10.22.12 @ 4:52PM
Occam's Tool,
His tuxedo didn't look none to bad, either.
C. Vernon Crisler | 10.22.12 @ 3:47PM
"best debater ever in American presidential politics"
I think you guys are going way overboard with all this gushing over Romney. He may be able to do okay in a debate, but that depends on whether his opponent shows up or not. In the second debate, Obama showed up and Romney didn't do as well.
Yes, we have to vote for Romney in order to get rid of Obamacare. We cannot refuse to vote -- like the Lew Rockwell libertarian loons, who are really the McGovernite wing of the Democrat Party.
But Romney is not nearly as inspiring as Ronald Reagan was, nor a better debater, for Reagan could win a debate not only with good conservative principles, but also with well-timed humor.
Once Romney becomes president and starts down the inevitable path of being a moderate, many of you will refuse to criticize him simply because you've sacrificed your intellects at the altar of hero worship.
spike59| 10.22.12 @ 4:18PM
Romney OWNED the room; i was reminded more of Bob Hope than anyone else, actually-Obama did the best he could, bless his heart, but the fact is that extreme liberals frequently have issues with humor
JONVIL| 10.23.12 @ 5:34PM
Yep! Bob Hope.
Beyond My Stroke| 10.22.12 @ 9:22PM
As a stroke survivor, I did not find President Obama's joke about giving a stroke funny. Besides death, strokes cause death to 1/3 of those who have one within 30 days. Strokes cause numerous disabilities in millions of Americans including major of impairments in speech, movement, mental functioning, and other areas of the body. If you want to poke jokes, stay away from strokes.
Instead, he could have said that he made Chris's hair stand up.
Ralph Novy| 10.23.12 @ 7:16AM
You can't take that?
Pretty pansy-ass.
You wouldn't have made it at Iwo or Anzio.
Ralph Novy| 10.23.12 @ 7:13AM
Wow, Wilson, you have psychological issues.
You're disconnected from what the rest of us call "reality."
Get some help.