Kennedy Helped Shape Romney’s Career, and Still Haunts It

The New York Times ^ | March 24, 2012 | Sheryl Gay Stolberg

[2ndDivisionVet]

When Gov. Mitt Romney signed legislation in April 2006 requiring most Massachusetts residents to have health coverage, Senator Edward M. Kennedy stood by his side, beaming like a proud father. They were onstage at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston, a setting that had a special resonance for the two.

Twelve years earlier, they shared that stage as opponents in a bitter Senate race. Back then, Mr. Romney accused Mr. Kennedy of waging “untrue, unfair and sleazy” personal attacks. Now, the Republican governor was introducing the liberal Democratic senator as “my collaborator and friend.”

Mr. Romney’s complicated relationship with Mr. Kennedy, from campaign foe to health care partner, helped shape both his political career and his image. Today, as a Republican candidate for president, he is courting conservative voters, a constituency that does not look kindly upon Mr. Kennedy or the Romney approach to health care, which will come under scrutiny again this week when the Supreme Court takes up challenges to a similar measure championed by President Obama....

[2ndDivisionVet]

"...Mr. Romney accused Mr. Kennedy of waging “untrue, unfair and sleazy” personal attacks..."

Anyone else see the irony here?

[skeeter]

Willard celebrating the genesis of the destruction of the republic in Faneuil Hall?

What irony?

[the invisib1e hand]

Kennedy sired Obamacare, but the NYT can’t sink Romney by saying that now, can they?

[the invisib1e hand]

NYT dances close to the facts here: Kennedy delivered the Catholic vote in order the nationalized medicine.

[Linda Frances]

Kennedy’s haunting Romney? In his dreams, their house haunted?

[Still Thinking]

Twelve years earlier, they shared that stage as opponents in a bitter Senate race. Back then, Mr. Romney accused Mr. Kennedy of waging “untrue, unfair and sleazy” personal attacks. Now, the Republican governor was introducing the liberal Democratic senator as “my collaborator and friend.”

They write this like it should be viewed as a contradiction, but it's not. To Romney, “untrue, unfair and sleazy” personal attacks are normal campaign practice. Why would he not expect that even from his collaborator and friend? ;)

[television is just wrong]

I wish I had some help getting my career started. well not exactly ted kennedy, but a little help would have been nice.

[MileHi]

Policy wise, Myth is Ted Kennedy with an (R).

[2ndDivisionVet]

He had Ted Kennedy, his wealthy & prominent father and the Mormon hierarchy. It would've been amazing if he hadn't become rich and powerful.

[Rembrandt]

Let’s talk about the 1% - AKA Obama’s support base. Hollyweird and the high earners are where Obama always goes when he needs cash for more negative ads. $35,000 for a rubber chicken dinner - I don’t think the average Liberal Arts flunk out is gonna pony up for that.