"Let Detroit Go Bankrupt" column dogs Romney in Michigan

CBS News ^ | 02/17/2012 | By Brian Montopoli

[Responsibility2nd]

Back in 2008 - at the height of the financial crisis - Mitt Romney wrote an op-ed for the New York Times opposing the Obama administration's plan to bail out the American auto industry. The headline put on the column: "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt."

In the op-ed, Romney argued that a "managed bankruptcy" could benefit General Motors, Ford and Chrysler because it would "permit the companies to shed excess labor, pension and real estate costs." Romney did not suggest the Detroit auto industry be liquidated, and he called the industry "vital to our national interest."

But the striking headline - with its implication that Romney was willing to see the American auto industry disappear - has dogged Romney ever since. Democrats have used it to hammer Romney and other Republicans for what they suggested was turning their backs on the auto industry, as in the Democratic National Committee video at left.

[Responsibility2nd]

Heh.

As much as I'd like to post an anti-Romney article....

This ain't it.

[Responsibility2nd]

The column from 2008.

 

Let Detroit Go Bankrupt.

[Bubba_Leroy]

General Motors and Chrysler did go bankrupt, it was just that they did it under a sweetheart deal that allowed the unions to get paid over all of the other creditors and shareholders, instead of under the bankruptcy laws applicable to everyone else.

[Joe the Pimpernel]

Stopped clock.

[Irenic]

How about that....something to agree with Romney on.

[DJ MacWoW]

We're also going to try to replace some of our older servers and failing equipment this year so we're going to add a little extra to our FReepathon goals. John is estimating ten to fifteen thousand to do this and I'd like to get it all in place and working before the election cycle is fully heated up, so we'll try to bring in a little more now if we can and the rest next quarter.
Jim Robinson

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[Little Ray]

Right. Whatever issues I have with Romney, this ain’t one of ‘em.

[kjo]

Romney took this position because he was getting ready to run again...and he needed to look conservative; just as he was pro healthcare and pro abortion when he was running for Governor of Taxachussets.

He is a pretty simple guy really, he’s all personal ambition...the man has no core...he’ll do or say whatever it takes to get elected.

[RitchieAprile]

I guess he would know about BK strategies..

[Socon-Econ]

When the media attacked one of his more principled statements for showing a supposed bias against the poor, he responded by proposing to index the minimum wage. Now, I fully expect him to run away again, perhaps by proposing to bail-out Detroit.

[sono]

Gerald Ford didn't tell NYC to Drop Dead, either. But this Headline hurt him in 1976.

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[Harley]

When Romney loses in Michigan, this election is going to be wide open again.

[GeronL]

Something we agree with Romney on??

Or has he flipped flop since then??