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Romney's Poor Remark

By Aaron Goldstein on 2.1.12 @ 10:29AM

Mitt Romney is drawing fire for saying he's "not concerned about the poor."

Well, let's take a look at precisely what he said:

I'm not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I'll fix it. I'm not concerned about the very rich. They're doing just fine. I'm concerned about the very heart of America, the 90-95 percent of Americans who right now are struggling.

So let me state unequivocally that I do not believe Romney intended any heartlessness or malice towards the poor. Nevertheless, he used a very poor choice of words.

First, Romney made a point of stating he was concerned about the "very heart of America, the 90 to 95 percent of Americans who right now are struggling." Well, presumably that 90 to 95% would include amongst the poorest Americans. The official poverty rate in this country is 15.1% comprising more than 46 million people. Now one might dispute the methodology in arriving at that figure. But there's no question that many of those people in poverty are working rather than collecting welfare and yet struggle to make ends meet. Is Romney really saying he's not concerned about the plight of 46 million Americans? I don't think that is what he means to say but saying it in that manner is very bad politics indeed.

Second, while it is true that the poorest of the poor have a safety net, it misses the point. What Romney ought to have said is that he wants to implement policies to help people out of poverty, rather than keep them mired in it. Now I realize that poverty will always be amongst us but I can see that most people who are in poverty do not want to be in that state. I'm not saying Romney should pledge "The Second War on Poverty" but where it concerns poverty he should emphasize spring boards rather than safety nets.

Speaking of spring boards, Romney's poor choice of words could be a blessing to Newt Gingrich. After all, Gingrich has spoken about the Conservative Opportunity Society for decades and, of course, his victory in South Carolina was aided in part by his reply to Juan Williams' criticism of Gingrich labeling President Obama "the food stamp President." Newt could convincingly argue that Romney would just be another "food stamp President."

But if Newt can't capitalize on this, you can bet that President Obama most certainly will. Romney has to stop handing Obama weapons that can be used against him. You could say that Romney is engaging in a "Fast & Furious" operation.

View all comments (25) | Leave a comment

Bob Grant| 2.1.12 @ 10:49AM

To make an issue of this is absurd.

If Romney is to be held at such high rhetorical standards, he might as well call it quits right now. That goes for all other republicans who are running or plan to in the future.

This is why I will not be following the race on television because of the pundits putting their little spin on everything out of the mouths of the candidates.

Wake me up in November and tell me which republican to vote for. I'll be spared all the stress and angst that goes with following presidential elections; especially for those who vote for the person with an R next to his/her name.

PCC| 2.1.12 @ 6:07PM

This is taking nitpicking to a whole new level.

W| 2.1.12 @ 9:53PM

Aaron
Can you be any less obvious in your support of Newt and attacking Romney? Romney stated clearly what he meant as the focus and I don't see how any conservative or any Republican would disagree with what he said. Do you disagree with Romney's statement?

beebop2| 2.2.12 @ 5:48AM

Until he filed his RIDICULOUS law suit in Florida for votes yesterday, I merely DISLIKED Newt Gringrich. Now I view him as a petty, malicious, spoiled brat not willing to play by the established rules. And isn't that what we have in 0bama? I thank GOD that Newt has as much chance to be on the ticket as Donald Trump -- zero.

W| 2.2.12 @ 7:15AM

Remember Algore filing suit in Florida?

martin j smith| 2.1.12 @ 10:57AM

on that his remarks are not as bad as you think but I agree he could have worded it a little better. What bothers me about Romney is his crowd look like rich suburbia and the there is the "great unwashed" this is the rest of us. I really do not believe he relates to the ordinary people. He is too wealthy. he could relate to Warren Buffet though.

Dorothy K Carter| 2.1.12 @ 11:10AM

Agree wasn't artful fact though his policies do help and opposite of Obama's Buffett Rule which kills upward mobility out of poor/middle class. Romney plan allows no tax on investments or savings for middle class & poor allowing them to amass wealth. Buffett tax kills upward mobility as wealth is made from investment NOT salary. Buffett tax guarantees permanent GAP bewteen the wealthly elite and the middle class/poor. The economy has 2 engines: 1) Middle Class spending & 2) Energy and Romney plan does both of the above.

randyinrocklin| 2.1.12 @ 11:11AM

Romney will lose to Bambi guaranteed.

beebop2| 2.2.12 @ 5:50AM

Don't really think so. Holder is going to be forced out and he's as petulant as his boss. Holder is going to sing his OWN version of "Lets Stay (in jail) Together.

Indy| 2.1.12 @ 11:22AM

He keeps writing the DNC ads for them

Why don't the Newt / Santorum campaigns dig this stuff up

http://legalinsurrection.com/2.....omneycare/

Bumr50| 2.1.12 @ 11:32AM

Kind of bursts the whole "electable" and "running to the middle" arguments doesn't it?

What's left?

WL| 2.1.12 @ 1:47PM

Nothing....except to lose in November. and he will...No doubt about it....he will.

Ken (Old Texican)| 2.1.12 @ 12:48PM

Aaron,
congratulations. Your blog was read on the air by Rush Limbaugh...again.

Hopefully your own following across the country due to your thoughtful remarks here at TAS will grow substantially.

You know, when Perry announced in, he had a war-chest...present and future to match Romney's.

I sincerely hope Perry encourages his donors to support Gingrich. Let's make this a contest of men rather than raw money.

colliemum| 2.1.12 @ 1:13PM

No ifs and buts - this was an exhibition of political insensitivity which goes way beyond what the tribe of politicians usually produce.
It isn't about being factually right - it is about telling poor people that they don't really matter in his grand scheme of things.
Worse - he said this twice.

Even his extra millions will not prevent the other candidates from using this video clip, nor can the GOP establishment prevent them. They, the bought media, and we all know full well that this will be a main attack ad for the Dems.

Romney has turned himself into a political liability, and together with the actual exit data of last night's primary, they may well ponder if it isn't time to pull the carpet from under Romney.

WL| 2.1.12 @ 1:45PM

Here we go...

The idiot will have this election lost before he is even crowned in Tampa as the Nominee to Lose.

Then of course, his supporters will blame us Right wingers...when they lose ANOTHER presidential campaign...

Then we'll do it all over again in 2016.

I don't even want to hear the crap about his remarks being taken out of context from all of you sycophants...It does NOT matter...

Any decent candidate would know not to say something that stupid...especially him...considering the headwinds he has because of his wealth.

We're gonna get blasted in November.

Bob Grant| 2.1.12 @ 1:51PM

I think you're being a little disingenuous. If you read his entire comment, and in context, the point he attempted to make - albeit inarticulately - was that the very poor shouldn't be concerned about a reduction in their entitlements.

It was an attempt to ensure, not disregard them.

But, of course, you knew that already.

WL| 2.1.12 @ 2:00PM

You are right, I did. I don't give a whit about his comment, and what he meant...

Mr. "Like to ...fire people" should know by now that he shouldn't say stupid things that can be taken and twisted...

He can't articulate crap. The only thing he can do is throw millions at other candidates...badger people and do his best to destroy them...That is a losing formula...because the media (who he thinks is on his side) will turn on him soon enough...and they will never let him out smear Obama's campaign...the ONLY hope a Republican has is to hit the electorate with undeniable conservative principle and sensible policy that will cause most of the eggheads to believe it (even when they try to ignore it, because they are innately partial to democrats...because the Dems feed them for FREE)...

But NO...that is the one thing Mitt the Robot can't do.

Ignore it if you want...but your defense of your candidate will do none of us any good, other than give you some solace when we lose.

WL| 2.1.12 @ 2:04PM

Same movie, different year...Did you support Dole and McCain too?

or did you support Romney when he lost that campaign too?

I say we nominate Arlen Spector 2016...or maybe even Lindsey Grahamnesty...

Doesn't that sound nice?

Bob Grant| 2.1.12 @ 3:16PM

I supported no one in the primary in '08. I have no idea who I will support this time. I may vote strategically to ensure the primary lasts a little longer or I will vote for who I think is the best nominee.

My gut feeling tells me Romney will be a pleasant surprise to conservatives because he has no choice but to run and govern as a conservative at this time. After all, he IS pragmatic. He understands the perilous situation our country is in and to continue on our path is not a viable option.

So no, I don't agree with your comment "same movie, different year" --- it's a different movie this time. An epic disaster movie at that.

WL| 2.1.12 @ 11:06PM

Mr. Bob Grant...

I must say, I truly hope your post is accurate and he is a pleasant surprise..I just believe he won't be. I'll vote for him in the general, just like I always do, but don't put your money on him doing well.

Sorry, it is the same movie.

Derek Leaberry| 2.1.12 @ 2:47PM

Obama smiles today. He may even spring for dinner at Komi's (aka Commie's) tonight for Michelle and himself.

former Republican| 2.1.12 @ 4:03PM

Probably the dumbest on air remark from the a supposedly polished and battle hardened candidate I have ever hear. This guy is awful. Bon Voyage, GOP

RJ| 2.1.12 @ 4:29PM

In 2008, Romney had a tendency of saying stupid things. In answer to a question about when to use military force, he said, "The first thing I would do is call in the lawyers." When questioned about none of his sons serving in the military, he said that they served the country by helping out in his campaign. He is just prone to ridicule by opening the door with stupid comments. Much worse than Sarah Palin or Dan Quayle and see what happened to them. Its hard when you talk all day long and one sentence can become today's story, but that is the challenge for the GOP candidates.

americanlp| 2.2.12 @ 11:00AM

Mitt is an honest politician... he loves to fire people and isn't concerned about the very poor
Is this who you want as our next President?
http://youtu.be/FQHSY2p620s