A Second Look at Romney

Townhall.com ^ | December 14, 2007 | Mona Charen

[Graybeard58]

Thanks for number 39, you have given me even more reasons not to vote for Romney, not that I needed more.

[marktwain]

“-—Sheriff Joe Arpaio - Maricopa County, Arizona:
“I like him,” Arpaio said of Mitt Romney. “He’s a man of principle, of good character. He did a great job in Massachusetts and I feel he’s going to make a great president.” “I’m sure the governor believes in my philosophy too,” Arpaio said. “He sure would not be asking for my endorsement if he didn’t believe in what I’m doing.”-—”

When I saw slick Sheriff Joe had endorsed Romney, Romney immediately dropped a notch in my regard. Joe is a media hound of the worst kind.

[1Old Pro]

I hear people say we need change, how about a “first” like the first woman or first African American President.

I agree we need a change and I think we’re ready for our first Mormon President. Go Mitt!

[donna]

Besides, Mitt Romney served as governor of Massachusetts. If anyone felt Joseph Smith's brooding presence during that time, they haven't mentioned it.

The state that has this:

Governor
Deval Patrick (D)

Senators
Edward Kennedy (D)
John Kerry (D)

[donna]

Sheriff Joe Arpaio is a good sheriff, but he’s an unlimited government guy. He used to be DEA.

[CharlesWayneCT]

It’s at least the 3rd time it’s been posted today, it’s already been discussed, and it’s an example of him pledging to keep promises. The promise was made in 2002.

Nobody, not even Mitt, is claiming that Mitt said he was pro-life in 2002.

None of your additional quotes supports your thesis that Mitt doesn’t take his promises seriously.

[marktwain]

“Sheriff Joe Arpaio is a good sheriff, but he’s an unlimited government guy. He used to be DEA.”

The “unlimited government” part disqualifies him from being a “good sheriff”.

[CharlesWayneCT]

You severely tax the meaning of the term “flip-flopper”.

In this case, he had a position in 1994, based on a belief that a policy would not work. 13 years later, he has changed that position, because it turned out his belief was wrong.

Fred Thompson had a belief in Campaign Finance reform in 2001, based on his opinion of what would work. Now he has a different belief, based on the failure of that legislation.

That’s not flip-flopping. We expect our candidates to seriously deal with issues based on the facts, not blindly adhere to past beliefs regardless of the facts.

And when the facts lead them to change to the RIGHT position, that’s to be applauded, not ridiculed.

[Antoninus]

And when the facts lead them to change to the RIGHT position, that’s to be applauded, not ridiculed.

Only if you believe them. I was in Boston in 1994 and I saw how Mitt Romney portrayed himself in his run against Ted Kennedy. I don't believe what this guy says on ANY issue. He's an opportunist whose core values shift with the political winds.

I'll have no parts of him.

[circumbendibus]

I like Sheriff Joe Arpaio, too, ever since I saw him on Lou Dobb’s TV show. Illegal immigration is an important issue for me and on this Romney is stronger than Huckster and Rudy.

[redgirlinabluestate]

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman Endorsed Governor Mitt Romney too.

Thursday, Dec 13, 2007

Boston, MA – Today, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman announced his endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States. Governor Heineman joins current Governors Matt Blunt (R-MO) and Don Carcieri (R-RI) in endorsing Governor Romney.

"In his campaign for the presidency, Mitt Romney has outlined the clearest vision to move our country forward. With exceptional leadership experience and outstanding values, Governor Romney is the only candidate who can bring true conservative change to Washington. I am proud to be a part of his team and look forward to joining him as he travels across this country discussing his strategy to build a stronger America," said Governor Heineman.
http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Endorsement_Heineman

[curiosity]

I want to vote for a CONSERVATIVE - SOCIAL AND FISCAL

Then Mitt's your man.

[curiosity]

She never mentions Duncan Hunter.

Because he's not a serious candidate. Congressmen don't get elected president. Period.

Let him run for Senate or governor. He needs to work his way up. You don't get promoted to CEO straight out of the mail room.

[SHEENA26]

“I want to vote for a CONSERVATIVE - SOCIAL AND FISCAL. Mitt seems to be just another smooth talker from the northeast, who thinks he knows more than us hayseeds in flyover country.”

That’s just your perception. All of the Romneys were and are decent, down to earth, hard working people of Mormon faith. I remember his dad (as Michigan governor) visiting my little Catholic school. He couldn’t have been more kind and gracious. Just a very likable guy.

[Capt. Jake]

Excellent point. I sense that many people around here derive more satisfaction from tearing other candidates down than in supporting their guy. I support Mitt, but as Mona Charen points out, we’ve got other candidates with admirable qualities and accomplishments.

[Servant of the Cross]

What you talkin' about Charles?

I'm trying to come up with a rationale of how you can say none of the quotes supports my thesis?!

Best I can do is to agree that maybe it doesn't prove that he doesn't take promises seriously, but it sure does prove he doesn't keep 'em.

[redgirlinabluestate]

That is silly

The silly list grows....

1. New Hampshire 2. Iowa 3. fundraising 4. announcing b4 Labor Day 5.ACU ratings 6. Fox News/Sean Hannity/O' Reilly/Carl Cameron 7. Hugh Hewitt 8. ground organization 9. attending debates 10. face to face campaigning 11. Ann Coulter 12. Michelle Malkin 13. Federal Marriage Amendment 14. Tort reform 15. George Will 16. Human Life Amendment 17. going to church 18. No new taxes pledge 19. GOP platform 20. Bob Jones 21. Paul Weyrich 22. Dr. John Wilke 23. National Review 24. The Heritage Foundation 25. Club for Growth 26. Mona Charen

[ClearCase_guy]

Congressmen don't get elected president. Period.

Historically, that is true. I recognize that it is unlikely that a congressman will make it to the White House.

However, I think you make a mistake in implying that the House is something of a lesser job than the Senate. They are different. Many have observed that the Senate is about compromise. You cannot be too idealistic in the senate. It just doesn't work. The House is different. It's big enough so that you can hold on to principles and still hope to accomplish things.

I want a President who puts principles first. I think being a senator is actually bad training for the job. But, as you say, voters seem more likely to disagree with me.

[redgirlinabluestate]

You are right. We do have some geat candidates IMO. However, Huckabee is not one of them. I cannot understand what some of our fellow GOPers are thinking!

[FreedomProtector]

Mitt is neither a social conservative or a fiscal conservative:

Mitt Romney: A Massachusetts Liberal for President
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/01/mitt_romney_a_massachusetts_li.html

Mitt Romney flip flops on Abortion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFMdK0TWtks

Romney does not support 2nd Amendment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzYTdM9b5F4

Romney on Abortion 2002
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4

Romney does not want to return to Reagan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pVqZzHm3Z4&feature=related

Mitt Romney Flip-Flops on hunting, abortion and iraq and dog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURfrORhWPc

Romney Flip flops/Duncun Hunter sets the record straight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AffxIfq4LWQ

Duncan Hunter/Huckabee stand up to Clinton/Corrupt News Network plant/Romney flip-flops on gays in military
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU-AFU_OiFo