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In late 1967 George Romney sank his presidential chances by stating in a television interview that he had been “brainwashed” by US officials when he visited Vietnam.

Great example of the media contorting an honest statement, hyperbole of course, but honest, against a republican.. Romney was trying to find facts about Viet Nam and the Johnson government lied to him. What he saw on the ground did not jibe with what he was told. Does any of this ring a bell? Still George Romney is treated like he was a shock therapy patient.

That was standard treatment for candidates back then. Recall Thomas Eagleton and Edmund Muskie, and even more recently Patsy Schroeder.
Any public sign of mental weakness was a campaign killer.

“Still George Romney is treated like he was a shock therapy patient.”

He was an absolute idiot and an Arlen Specter before his time. Mittens didn’t fall far from the tree.

In late 1967 George Romney sank his presidential chances by stating in a television interview that he had been “brainwashed” by US officials when he visited Vietnam. Great example of the media contorting an honest statement, hyperbole of course, but honest, against a republican.. Romney was trying to find facts about Viet Nam and the Johnson government lied to him. What he saw on the ground did not jibe with what he was told. Does any of this ring a bell? Still George Romney is treated like he was a shock therapy patient.

I agree with your interpretation. He was steamrollered by the poor use of words, when his substantive point was the LBJ DOD wasnt on the up and up. which was correct! .. And so it goes. Gingrich had to live with the 'wither on the vine' remark, Bush has to live down 'mission accomplished'... it's amazing how the media can use one phrase, overstate its importance and make it anchor around a politicians neck.