Jun 22, 2007

Governor Romney on Iraq

Gov. Romney Stresses The Importance Of Winning In Iraq And Defeating Radical Islam Globally. "The congressional debate in Washington has largely, and myopically, focused on whether troops should be redeployed from Iraq to Afghanistan, as if these were isolated issues. Yet the jihad is much broader than any one nation, or even several nations. ... The jihadist threat is the defining challenge of our generation and is symptomatic of a range of new global realities." (Gov. Mitt Romney, "Rising To A New Generation Of Global Challenges," Foreign Affairs, July/August 2007)

Iraq Questions for Governor Mitt Romney

  1. George Stephanopoulos
    1. Do you keep Bush or let him go?
    2. But how do you explain why all that planning wasn't done ?
    3. Yet, you support the president's decision to send more troops right now ?
  2. Are you confident the surge is going to work?
  3. Bill O Reilly
    1. Would you agree that we can't stop the Iraqi from killing each other?
  4. Tom Bevan
    1. What's your impression of the job Rumsfeld did ?
    2. Do you believe it's still fixable at this point?
    3. What happens if Iraq is not successful?
  5. Chris Wallace
    1. Where do you disagree with Bush on Iraq ?
  6. Wolf Blitzer
    1. Do you have a time frame in mind?
  7. Hugh Hewitt
    1. Do you support sending more troops into that country?
  8. Robert B Bluey
    1. Do you think right now the US is losing the war in Iraq?
  9. Katherine Jean Lopez
    1. What did you make of the Iraq Study Group?
  10. Mary Katharine Ham
    1. What do you think about Harry Reid saying the war is lost ?
  11. Greta Van Susteren
    1. Would you have gone into Iraq?
    2. Do you think enough questions were asked in March of 2003 ?
  12. [1st Debate
    1. Should we be in Iraq when the American people do not victory is possible?
  13. ''2nd Debate''
    1. Can you foresee any circumstances under which you would pull out of Iraq without leaving behind a stable political and security situation?

Governor Mitt Romney on Iraq

ABC'S GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: "National security, you're a management consultant again. You've come into the United States looking at the commander-in-chief. Do you keep him or let him go?"

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Well, you have to look at Iraq and Iraq was superbly executed in terms of taking down Saddam Hussein's government. But I think everybody recognizes, from the president to Tony Blair to Secretary Rumsfeld that post the period of major conflict, we had major problems in the way we've managed the war in Iraq, and that has contributed to much of the difficulty we have today. It was under-planned, under-prepared, under-staffed, too low a level of troops, under-managed."

STEPHANOPOULOS: "But how do you explain why all that planning wasn't done? President Bush is a Harvard MBA, too."

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Well, everybody has their own management style and their own approach and I respect enormously the approach other people. Mine is just different. And if you read "Cobra II" and "Assassins' Gate" and "Looming Tower" and some of the reports of the events leading up not only to 9/11, but to the conflict itself, there's a sense that we really weren't ready for the post major conflict period. And that has resulted in a blossoming of the sectarian violence, of insurgents within the country and from without, and a setting which is a very troubled, difficult position."

STEPHANOPOULOS: "Yet, you support the president's decision to send more troops right now."

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Yeah."

STEPHANOPOULOS: "How much time do you give it to work?"

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Well, it's not years. I think you're going to know within months."

STEPHANOPOULOS: "Mayor Giuliani said the other night he's not confident it's going to work. Are you?"

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Well, you know, I think it's hard to predict whether this troop surge will work, but I'm absolutely confident it's the right thing to do."

Press Releases

Quotes

2007

  • "She can do what she likes – but I take exception to her conclusions. I don't think we should run our foreign policy based upon elections, election schedules or anything of that nature. We should look at the interests of America and our friends and our citizens and our solders and do what it's our collective best interests. This president has taken action which he believes is calculated to make America a safer land. We should not make decisions based on an election schedule...I would not move to those choices unless we were convinced there was no prospect of success with the current strategy...A number of mistakes have been made and those mistakes have contributed to some of the challenges we now face...I'm glad we're seeing a change in strategy. I'm glad we're adding to the mission of our military the protection of the safety of citizens in and around Baghdad., I don't know how you could rebuild a country and an economy if you have your capital city is literally all covered by what we call a red zone. You know you've failed if you have a red zone. The conduct of our policy in Iraq has been fraught with a number of mistakes."
    • Governor Mitt Romney, Adam Nagourney, The New York Times, January 29th, 2007
      • In Responce to Hillary Clinton, who said that President Bush needed to resolve the war he started before he left office and not hand it off to his successor

2006

  • "I wouldn't presume to present a plan different from that of the President. But I believe he was right to take on the war on terror on an aggressive front rather than a defensive front. We toppled the government ... walking away would mean a humanitarian disaster. We're there and we have a responsibility to finish the job." Response to Bill O'Reilly Sept, 27 2006

"I agree with the President: Our strategy in Iraq must change. Our military mission, for the first time, must include securing the civilian population from violence and terror. It is impossible to defeat the insurgency without first providing security for the Iraqi people. Civilian security is the precondition for any political and economic reconstruction.

"In consultation with Generals, military experts and troops who have served on the ground in Iraq, I believe securing Iraqi civilians requires additional troops. I support adding five brigades in Baghdad and two regiments in Al-Anbar province. Success will require rapid deployment.

"This effort should be combined with clear objectives and milestones for U.S. and Iraqi leaders.

"The road ahead will be difficult but success is still possible in Iraq. I believe it is in America's national security interest to achieve it."

Romney on Iraq Videos

Governor Romney On The War In Iraq

Thursday, May 03, 2007 08:29 EST

Link to YouTube Video #1
Link to YouTube Video #2
Link to YouTube Video #3
Link to YouTube Video #4
Link to YouTube Video #5
Link to YouTube Video #6
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Mitt Romney talks about China

http://myclob.pbwiki.com/Competing+with+Asia

Governor Mitt Romney and Asia


Quotes from Governor Mitt Romney on Asia

* "China and Asia are on the move economically and technologically. They are a family oriented, educated, hard-working, and mercantile people. We must be ready and able to compete. This means ensuring our children are educated to compete in this new market, our trade laws are fair and balanced, and our economy and tax laws welcome new investment. If America acts boldly and swiftly, the emergence of Asia will be an opportunity. Trade and commerce with these huge new economies can further strengthen our economy and propel our growth. If America fails to act, we will be eclipsed."
o Governor Mitt Romney,



* "We have to keep our markets open or we go the way of Russia and the Soviet Union, which is a collapse. And I recognize there are some people who will argue for protectionism because the short-term benefits sound pretty good, but long term you kill your economy, you kill the future. What you have to do in order to compete on a global basis long term is invest in education, invest in technology, reform our immigration laws to bring in more of the brains from around the world, eliminate the waste in our government. We have to use a lot less oil. These are the kinds of features you have to invest in, you have to change in order to make ourselves competitive long term."
o Governor Romney, Kudlow and Company, March 22, 2006



“Our generation has not had a Sputnik moment…yet. But our Sputnik is on its way. It is coming from Asia. One of the great developments of our time is the economic emergence of China, India, and other nations of Asia. Their poverty is thankfully being reduced. And new opportunities for our employers are opening, but so are new challenges. Asia is not content with making our Christmas tree ornaments: they want to build commercial jets and MRI machines, create software and breakthrough drugs. They are planning for the innovation and technical capital of the world to move from America to Asia.”

“And it is on its way. Corporate investment in Asia is exploding. CEO’s in my high tech state tell me they plan to transfer major operations there, not for the low cost, but because of the highly educated, highly motivated and plentiful workforce. Bill Gates reports that Microsoft’s new ideas come increasingly from Beijing.”

“We take comfort in the fact that we spend many times as much as Asian nations on R&D but don’t forget that our engineers cost about ten times as much as theirs.”

“Two decades ago, American citizens and Asian citizens were awarded about the same number of Ph.D.s annually in physical science and engineering—about 5,000. Today, 4,400 US citizens receive those Ph.D.s compared with 24,900 Asian citizens.”

“America and America’s youth are less and less competitive. Yes, fixing our schools is a social responsibility. It is also a national economic and national security necessity.”

* Governor Mitt Romney, Oral Testimony of Governor Mitt Romney House Committee on Education and the Workforce

"Now America is also under attack economically if you will. Not really an attack but we got some challenges, some opportunities, but also an attack. I had lunch not long ago with the chief executive officer of one of our major corporations. He said something which gave me some concern. He said you know we've always lost low-end jobs in the United States. We've seen low-end jobs go to other countries. But now we're seeing high-end jobs--engineering jobs, software jobs, technical jobs. And I asked him, well you're a big employer here in Massachusetts, ten years from now how many of your manufacturing jobs--this is a high tech manufacturer--will still be in Massachusetts? He said 10 percent; 90 percent will move to Asia. I said why are they moving to Asia? Is it because of the low wage rates over there? He said no, it's not wage rates, it's because they're able to have an educated workforce with the skills we need and their suppliers are making cutting edge technology products. That's where we have to be to get those products. I said that can't possibly be true."

"Then I read some books about what's happening in China. Do you realize China is graduating five times the number of engineers that we're graduating in this country. Only 15 years ago the Asian citizens of the world and the U.S. citizens graduated about the same number of PhDs in math and physical science a year--about 4,500 a year. This last year we graduated about 4,700 American, United States citizen PhDs in math and in physical sciences and the Asian countries graduated 24,900. Indeed it's a place committed to higher education, to entrepreneurialism. This is a group of folks who are highly ambitious, who are committed and this is a nation which is thankfully coming out of poverty, China is."

"It represents a huge opportunity for American employers, but it also represents a competitive threat. And we're going to have to be serious about waking up to that threat. I remember what Will Rogers said. He said even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. And America for too long has just been sitting there. We got to get serious about what we're facing on a global basis."

"Let me tell you some things we need to do."

"Labor. Labor needs to recognize that it needs to be just as concerned about the viability of the companies where they work as they are about get more money for themselves..."

* Governor Mitt Romney, 06-03-2005, NH Federation of Republican Women's Lilac Dinner


China and Asia Debate:

* China and Asia are on the move economically and technologically. America must be ready and able to compete with Asia.
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Jun 21, 2007

Policy Briefing: Governor Romney's Global Initiative For Values and Freedom

Thursday, Jun 21, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kevin Madden (857) 288-6390

Key Excerpts (As Prepared For Delivery):

Governor Romney: "I know that our liberal friends shake their head when a conservative talks of a nuclear Iran, or bio-terror, or global Jihad. But for conservatives like me, facing reality is not a source of fear. It is a source of confidence. I am convinced that America - and our friends - can overwhelm any threat, but only if we acknowledge it, confront it, and respond thoughtfully and strategically." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The AEI World Forum, Beaver Creek, CO, 6/21/07)

Governor Romney: "But the integration, sustainability, and breadth of this war against violent Jihad must now take on a new dimension. We must move from tactics to strategy." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At AEI World Forum, Beaver Creek, CO, 6/21/07)

Governor Romney: "I believe America must establish a Special Partnership Force, with a core leadership drawn from Army Special Forces personnel training in working with civilian governments and Intelligence personnel. This force would work hand-in-glove with local host governments. Together, in partnership, they would seek to target and separate terrorists from the local population, and to disrupt and defeat them. They would have the authority to call in all elements of civil assistance and humanitarian aid. And, where they felt it was necessary, they could call in Delta and SEAL resources. Their goal is to build national institutions of stability and freedom, and to promote the rule of law and human rights." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At AEI World Forum, Beaver Creek, CO, 6/21/07)

Click Here To View Governor Romney's PowerPoint Presentation: http://www.mittromney.com/News/Photo-Albums/AEI_PowerPoint  

Governor Romney's Global Initiative For Values And Freedom:

Today, Governor Romney Outlined His Global Initiative For Values And Freedom – A Comprehensive Strategy To Defeat Radical Jihad, Ensure American Security And Advance Freedom And Human Rights Across The Globe. To defeat the global jihadist threat, Governor Romney believes we must have a truly global strategy that combines our efforts with others, brings more tools of our national power to bear and implements specific, tailored strategies for every nation at risk. The strategy includes the creation of a new force to undermine jihadist efforts and win hearts and minds in contested areas.

Governor Romney Will Create The Special Partnership Force (SPF) To Mobilize All Elements Of Our National Power In Contested Areas To Defeat Jihadists. To meet today's challenges, we must mobilize and integrate all elements of national power in unstable areas where traditional civilian agencies cannot operate effectively and traditional military power alone cannot succeed. The Special Partnership Force will integrate all elements of national power under a new force with leadership drawn from a core group of our Army Special Forces trained to work with civilian governments and intelligence personnel to form a new capability that is: 

- Focused On Locally-Targeted Efforts To Win Support In The Community While Identifying, Isolating And Eliminating Terrorist Elements. 
- Highly Integrated And Able To Mobilize All Elements Of National Power, Including Humanitarian And Development Assistance And Rule Of Law Capacity Building. 
- Closely Coordinated In Partnership With Local Governments. 
- Intelligence Driven. 
- Agile And Flexible In Its Operations. 
- A Sustainable Effort In Contested Areas And Sanctuaries Of Jihadist Groups.

The SPF Will Build On A Long History Of Successful Efforts Against Terrorists And Insurgent Groups. While a new capability, this force draws on the lessons learned from a long history of successful efforts against terrorist and insurgent groups, including U.S. efforts under the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in World War II, post-9/11 efforts in Afghanistan, and recent Special Forces efforts in the Philippines.

As Part Of His Strategy, Governor Romney Will Strengthen American Capabilities And Revitalize Partnerships. America must move beyond our response to 9/11 and build a foundation for future security by acting to: 

- Protect The Homeland: While there has been much emphasis on protecting facilities and responding to attacks, a key priority must be prevention. Today, protecting the homeland must begin far from home. Intelligence and law enforcement efforts able to address threats before they reach our shores must be a priority for U.S. and international action. This will demand new U.S. capabilities, stronger international alliances and integration of our federal actions with international, state and local efforts. 

- Strengthen Intelligence By Eliminating Bureaucracy And Moving Resources To The Field: During the Clinton Administration, our intelligence community was critically weakened. The CIA workforce was slashed by almost 20% and recruitment reduced dramatically, undermining effective human intelligence. We have started to restore resources but Washington's response has focused on creating a new, expanded and duplicative bureaucracy in the Directorate of National Intelligence. We need to eliminate duplicative efforts, revitalize recruitment and prioritize efforts. 

- Strengthen The Military: The Clinton Administration also devastated our military capabilities and left us dangerously unprepared. Today we need to add at least 100,000 more troops and commit to spending at least 4% of our Gross Domestic Product to the defense of our country. Promises to support our troops mean little without devoting the resources needed for the equipment, modernization, training, and health care that is critical to our military and their families. 

- Strengthen Civilian Efforts And Strategic Planning: Many of our civilian national security and foreign policy structures were created decades ago. The lack of adequate planning and preparation for Iraq is one illustration of the breakdown of these Cold War capabilities. We need to ensure our civilian instruments have the ability to build joint efforts among our civilian agencies, and we need to empower Regional Deputies with clear lines of authority, budgets and responsibility to develop and execute regional plans and strategies. The National Security Council (NSC) needs strengthened capabilities to strategically integrate all elements of national power. NSC staff must be empowered and accountable for reaching out to divergent viewpoints and challenging policies and proposals. 

- Strengthen Global Alliances: The failure of efforts such as the United Nations Human Rights Council has given multilateralism a bad name. But America's strength is amplified when it is combined with the strength of other nations. We need to expand alliances such as NATO and efforts among the world's leading nations to face the new threat of radical Jihad and increase our homeland security. We need to build global and regional capacities and networks of law enforcement and intelligence officials to confront Jihadists and other transnational threats. 

- Launch A New Type Of Marshall Plan Unifying Non-Military Sources Of Power To Support Moderate Muslims: As President, Governor Romney will call together our Middle East allies and the major nations of the developed world to establish a Partnership for Prosperity and Progress. This Partnership will assemble the resources of all developed nations to assure that threatened Islamic states have public schools, micro-credit and banking, the rule of law, human rights, basic health care, and competitive economic policies. Resources would be drawn from public and private institutions, and from volunteers and NGOs.

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Jun 19, 2007

GS Gregory said...

My Romney Experience
Romney does not just talk about problems; he fixes them. In 2001, I attended a training meeting for thousands of Olympic volunteers where Romney gave an inspiring speech. Afterwards, the parking lot exiting into a busy street was so backed up that hardly anyone moved for 20 minutes. Suddenly, traffic began to flow. Upon arriving at the exit, I saw why the gridlock had ended. In what is probably the purest example of leadership I have ever witnessed, there was Mitt Romney, the CEO of the Olympic Games, directing traffic in the middle of a frenetic six-lane road. He did not send an aide; he did not form a 'gridlock amelioration' planning committee. Romney headed into the traffic personally, and solved the problem effectively and immediately.

GS Gregory said...

During the Olympics, I was driving with the President of the Italian Ski Federation. He asked me how I thought the Games were going. I replied, "I think pretty well." He responded, "No. These are definitely the best organized and best operated Games ever. And you can take it from me. I have been to every one for nearly the last 40 years." Such efficient administration and excellent operations are the result of Mitt Romney's tremendous leadership.

Once Romney declared his candidacy, I estimated that Mitt had better than even odds of becoming the next US President. I expect Romney to win this contest because he has been successful in essentially everything he has ever done.

Consider Romney's historical trend:
- Education: Harvard MBA Baker Scholar & Harvard J.D. cum laude, BYU graduate with Highest Honors
- Career: Launched hundreds of impressive companies, such as Staples, Domino's and Brookstone; led one of the world's most prestigious management consulting firms; earned billions of dollars for others
- Olympics: Led one of the best organized and financially successful Olympic Games
- Family: Raised five productive boys and maintained a single, successful marriage while also serving in his faith
- Politics: Won as a Republican the Governorship of Massachusetts where Romney took every possible measure to protect the institution of marriage; now Romney looks to be the leader in key early states like Iowa and New Hampshire while possibly also leading in delegate-rich states like California.
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Jun 18, 2007

Sunni vs Shia: Brownback vs Romney?

WASHINGTON - An aide to GOP presidential candidate Sen. Sam Brownback, R.Kan., has been reprimanded for sending e-mail to Iowa Republican leaders in an apparent attempt to draw unfavorable scrutiny to rival Mitt Romney's Mormon faith.

Emma Nemecek, the southeastern Iowa field director for Brownback's presidential campaign, violated campaign policy when she forwarded the June 6 e-mail from an interest group raising the questions, the Brownback campaign said Sunday.

Nemecek asked a group of Iowa Republican leaders to help her fact-check a series of statements about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including one that says: "Theologically, the only thing Christianity and the LDS church has in common is the name of Jesus Christ, and the LDS Jesus is not the same Jesus of the Christian faith."

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Jun 17, 2007

Mitt Romney on Iowa PTV

I had to download the "real media player" to make it work, but it was well worth it. Anyone know how to put it on YouTube?

Duration: 27:46
Play Count: 1295
Other Formats: RealAudio MP3
Play in External Player

Original TV Air Date: Jun. 1, 2007
Episode: Iowa Press #3440 (See showtimes)

http://www.iptv.org/video/detail.cfm?id=343&from=related
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Jun 16, 2007

Mitt Romney and the Military

Governor Mitt Romney Military Press Releases

2003

2005

In the News

Military

Gov. Romney Will Increase The Military By 100,000 Troops And Commits Specific Funding To Do So.

Governor Mitt Romney Military Quotes

2007

  • "We need to increase our investment in national defense. This means adding at least 100,000 troops and making a long-overdue investment in equipment, armament, weapons systems, and strategic defense. ... We are going to need at least an additional $30-$40 billion annually over the next several years to modernize our military, fill gaps in troop levels, ease the strain on our National Guard and Reserves, and support our wounded soldiers. ... The next president should commit to spending a minimum of four percent of GDP on national defense."

2003

  • "With these extensions to the Massachusetts Military Reservation leases, we are ensuring the continued presence of the United States military – a major contributor of jobs and revenues to the Cape's economy and a key component of our homeland defense network," said Romney. "At the same time, we are protecting the region's water supply known as the Sagamore Lens, Cape Cod's sole source aquifer."
  • "I support our troops overseas and recognize that families across Massachusetts are making sacrifices by having their loved ones away defending our nation," Romney said. "We don't want them to also worry about paying their bills. This will help ease that burden for state employees."

2005

  • "We reserve our deepest respect and admiration for those who volunteer for service and give their lives to help keep our nation secure," Romney said. "Now is the time for the people of Massachusetts to respond by offering a helping hand to the brave men and women of the Guard and their families."
  • "From the day that the colonists in Massachusetts took up their arms to secure their liberty to the present day, Americans have had to fight to protect the freedom that makes our country great," said Romney. "The men and women who have volunteered and who are now serving our country in the global war on terror deserve our support."
  • "Our men and women in uniform carry on a brave and noble tradition of service to their state and country," said Romney. "They sacrifice much through their service, and I'm pleased that through this package of benefits our state has properly recognized all that military families do to keep us safe." *
  • Governor Mitt Romney, 11-11-2005 Press Release

Subcategories

  1. Homeland Security
  2. Veterans
  3. War On Terror
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Mitt Romney In The News

2007

2006

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Tancredo on Romney

"I have to tell you. Governor Romney is the kind of guy that if you were to send to central casting and say, "hello, ah, send me someone that looks like president of the united states" you know their would be a knock on the door and it would open and their would be Mitt Romney he is tall nice looking guy and presents himself very well. And he is very smart, very competent, um, but I have to tell you that, to me, he, you know again, you go back to, well being, being, smart and competent and show-y, are those the qualifications that we as republicans want?"

Click here for the video.
 

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Mitt Romney: Good to go with the Illinois GOP Base, or is there a Kjellander issue?

In his first press conference with the Chicago media [held yesterday afternoon at the Hilton Suites Chicago in the Loop], Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney seemed at ease, disciplined and well spoken-- and he displayed a good sense of humor—an often undervalued virtue in politics. Romney is a Harvard MBA and Harvard Law School Graduate [cum laude, but unlike Barack Obama, not President of the Harvard Law Review]. He was a private sector entrepreneur, venture capitalist and turnaround artist who fixed the 2002 Olympics. After losing to Senator Teddy Kennedy in 1994, Romney found that the second time was the charm when he became Governor of Massachusetts in 2002, winning over the State Treasurer-- who Romney argued was somewhat responsible for the state's financial mess-- sound familiar?

Romney's short stint in Chicago included a late morning meeting with Mayor Daley on Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics and the problems of cities; a meeting with a half dozen or so potential donors followed by a 1:30 pm presser with about a half dozen cameras and a dozen members of the media; and then a 2:00 pm meeting with some "Republican Party activists." Then the Governor was on to St. Louis, Mo. Such is the life of a Presidential candidate. Fun, huh?

Mitt Romney began the presser with a three minute statement and then answered questions for about thirteen minutes on a wide range of topics. The questions related, but were not limited to, the Massachusetts universal healthcare insurance program that Romney promoted and passed [with some modifications by the legislature] during his 2002-06 gubernatorial tenure, the Iraq War and the emerging war funding impasse between the President and Congress, Romney’s reversal [or evolution] of positions on (a) abortion and (b) “Don’t ask, Don’t Tell,” the state of the Republican Party in Illinois and Romney’s leadership team in the Land of Lincoln. See generally here and here.

See here for the rest of the blog:
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Jun 15, 2007

Romney at the Chicago Hilton

I left work a little early and drove downtown to see Romney. It was free, and I only had to pay $6 for parking.

There were about 50 people in the room before hand. Here is a bit of his speech from Jason Bonham. If you get a chance, subscribe to his videos.

Romney in Chicago





That is the back of my head with the glasses, and the white shirt.

Romney in Chicago 6/14/07 #2


The guy with the pink tie was from The Economist. He wouldn't shake Jason's hand, maybe a germ-a-phobe. One lady in the background kind of made fun of one of their questions, and I did too. I hope I didn't embarass Romney. I'm the whiney voice that said, "let him answer the question". I have no idea why I said that. I worried about it all night. Now I made the press mad at Romney supporters, but if you would have seen them you would have been annoyed too.

Here is the portion where he discussed Massachusetts.



I was very disappointed with the press. They asked the same exact questions that had been asked at the last debate, and I was embarrassed for them for the crazy way that they act (yelling, shoving, jamming their microphone in front of each other... they kind of had this crazy look in their eye as they were barking questions at Romney) and they were interrupting his answers...

When he went to shake someone else's hand, I thought he was going for mine, and I felt awkward.





Dan Rutherford was there and introduced him. Romney went around and shook most people's hands.

The AP made it sound like they had a sit down with Romney and that Romney told them what he thought about policy. It was very self serving on their part. In actuality, they were just one of the crowd shouting at him, and his answer to a vaguely worded question should not have been seen as the policy statement, that the AP tried to make it sound like...

The person who asked the “how did you arrive at your decision, was it biblically based or some other way.”

Was this guy:

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_165195525.html

I guess he didn't get his story, and didn't write about that part.

What do you think of these press availabilities? Don't you think they should raise their hands and let Romney call on them? I wish I would have videotaped them instead of Romney, so that you can see it from his perspective. They were a weird bunch of people.

I sort of wish I would have given him my camera, to take a picture with us. One person was going to take a picture with Romney, and Romney took the camera, and turned on the flash or something...

Have you been to one of these? What were your thoughts? If you have a digital camera, I highly advise that you videotape the reporters asking the question, so that you can see the question and the answer in context.

~ Mike
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Jun 14, 2007

Mitt Romney on Iran

Governor Mitt Romney and Iran

Governor Mitt Romney and Iran News

Iran Questions for Governor Mitt Romney

  1. George Stephanopoulos
    1. Does the president have the authority he needs to take military action against Iran?
  2. Bill O Reilly
    1. Would you go to war if the Iranians say, we're going to develop a nuclear weapon, you can't stop us ?
  3. Tom Bevan
    1. Would Iran acquire nuclear weapons under a Romney administration?

* Governor Mitt Romney's remarks at the seventh annual Herzliya conference, Herzliya, Israil

My Thoughts on Mitt Romney and Iran

Mitt Romney and Iran Debate:

  1. Mitt Romney was right to denounce Khatami's visit to Harvard, decline to provide escort or other state support for his trip .
  2. Mitt Romney is right to call on the UN's International Court of Criminal Justice to charge Iranian President Ahmadinejad with \"inciting genocide.\"

Quotes from Mitt Romney on Iran

"Someone else considering a run for the White House recently addressed the Iran issue, and you won't be surprised to find out that I don't agree with her approach.

"In a speech last night in New York City, Senator Hillary Clinton said that she needs to quote 'understand' unquote Iran better – and to help her with her education process, that we should quote 'engage Iran' unquote.

"Friends, someone who doesn't understand Iran hasn't been paying attention – at this point, we don't need a listening tour with Iran. While I support gathering intelligence about our adversaries in any way possible, engaging is not the right policy. To the contrary, economic and diplomatic isolation must be our priority.

"Indeed, she argued that our strategy of engagement with the Soviet Union during the Cold War was a model for how we could deal with Iran. Now, for all the former Soviet Union's flaws, at least they maintained a commitment to national survival. They were not suicidal. The same cannot be said about the Iranian regime. And we must stop making analogies that are disconnected from the world in which we operate.

"And someone who wants to engage Iran displays a troubling timidity towards a terrible threat."

  • Governor Mitt Romney

In an interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on February 17, he characterized Iran as "a genocidal nation, a suicidal nation, in some respects."

"Well," replied Romney, "it's a nation where people participate in suicide bombing and that kind of a suggestion, I think it was former President Rafsanjani who talked about Israel being a one-bomb nation, meaning they could not survive one bomb, but they, Iran, could survive one bomb. It's like, 'Are you kidding? Are you suggesting that you'd be willing to take a bomb in order to eliminate another people?' This is a nation where the genocidal inclination is really frightening and having a nation of this nature develop nuclear weaponry is unacceptable to this country and to the Middle East."

Mitt Romney Press Releases on Iran

Video of Romney on Khatami

Links

  1. http://mittromney.com/index.jsp?do=search&q=Iran

News: In The News: Romney Talks Tough On Iran

"Mitt Romney, making a passionate appeal to pro-Israel voters, declared at a major conference on Israeli security yesterday that the United States must keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb, and he's helping a former Israeli prime minister lobby Massachusetts to divest pension funds from companies that do business with the country ..."

Wed Jan 24 2007
News: Press Releases: Governor Mitt Romney on Senator Hillary Clinton and Iran

On Saturday, February 3, Governor Mitt Romney will keynote the Kentucky GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. Governor Romney will make remarks on the right strategy to deal with the threat posed by Iran.

Sat Feb 03 2007
News: Press Releases: In Case You Missed It: Governor Mitt Romney On Senator Hillary Clinton's Iran Strategy

On Fox and Friends, Governor Mitt Romney said "Hillary Clinton really distinguished herself in a negative way these last couple of days by saying that she's fighting Iran by turning off lights. You know, 'Take that, Iran.' Fortunately, we have an administration who's using their strength to help convince the Russians to do the right thing in Iran, and to cut off nuclear fuel. But Hillary Clinton is not exactly burnishing her foreign policy credentials with her policy."

Tue Mar 20 2007
News: Press Releases: Governor Romney Sends Letters Urging Divestment from Iran

On Thursday, February 22, Governor Romney released a letter sent to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli urging that he pursue "a policy of strategic disinvestment from companies linked to the Iranian regime." Letters were also sent to Governor Spitzer and Senators Clinton and Schumer.

Thu Feb 22 2007
News: Press Releases: Excerpts from Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks at the Seventh Annual Herzliya Conference

On Tuesday, January 23, Governor Mitt Romney made remarks at the Seventh Annual Herzliya Conference on the nature of threat posed by Iran and the actions necessary to address this threat.

Tue Jan 23 2007
News: Speeches: Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks At CPAC

"The mainstream media is surprised that we're here. They wrote our obituary last fall. Course, they've written our obituary before: after Watergate, after the 82 midterm elections, after Iran-contra, and after Bill Clinton's election. The truth is that..."

Fri Mar 02 2007
Issue Watch: Defeating the Jihadists

Read about Mitt Romney's position on Jihadists.

Thu Dec 28 2006
News: Press Releases: Excerpts from Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks at the Conservative Members Retreat

On Friday, February 2, Governor Mitt Romney made remarks at The Heritage Foundation Conservative Members Retreat - a gathering of members of the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC).

Fri Feb 02 2007
News: Speeches: Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks At The Seventh Annual Herzliya Conference

"Thank you, Ron. It's an honor to be here today. I appreciate that introduction. Thank you also Uzi Arad for all you and Ron do together to make this conference possible. It's good to be with you today at the Herzliya Conference. It's been a busy day for me today. I began..."

Tue Jan 23 2007
News: Speeches: Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks at Yeshiva University

"Today, we can lead the world. We can and we must lead the world to do what it has sought for so many centuries-to accept different people and different cultures, to respect the inalienable rights of every child of God, and to welcome a time of peace and prosperity for all the children of our Creator."

Thu Apr 26 2007

News: Press Releases: Policy Briefing: Combating Nuclear Terrorism

Governor Romney: "We are faced with the horrific proposition that those who speak of genocide are developing the capability to carry it out. Radical, nuclear Jihad is the greatest threat that faces humanity. It cannot be appeased. It can only be defeated."

Thu Apr 26 2007
News: In The News: Romney seeks support from Kentucky Republicans

"Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney made a pitch for support Saturday night in Republican-leaning Kentucky, where he gained momentum by winning the endorsement of three GOP congressmen."

Sat Feb 03 2007
News: In The News: Romney: I'll Change Washington

"In a packed Bickford's Restaurant, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney told voters last night he would use his business sense to 'take Washington apart' and make it run more effectively if elected President.

Thu Apr 26 2007
News: In The News: Romney Touts His Business Experience

"Republican Mitt Romney portrayed himself as a Washington outsider bent on reforming government during a stop in Des Moines Tuesday, the opening day of his presidential campaign. "With a John Deere tractor in the background, the former Massachusetts governor said the federal government is in need of a transformation and argued he has the executive experience as a successful businessman and governor who could make those changes.

Thu Feb 15 2007
News: Speeches: Governor Mitt Romney's Announcement Speech

"Oh gosh, look at this group of friends, my goodness, thank you so much. What friends here! Boy this warms my heart to see you all here, to have my family over there to my side, my sweetheart introducing me, some extraordinary things around me. It's an honor...

Tue Feb 13 2007
News: Press Releases: Governor Mitt Romney's Presidential Announcement

In his announcement, Governor Mitt Romney made the case that he has the experience and the ability to transform the U.S. Government so that it is innovative and effective. Governor Romney addressed the need to build a New American Dream by calling on the strength of a free American people.

Tue Feb 13 2007
News: Speeches: Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks at the Frontiers Of Freedom Ronald Reagan Gala

"It is an honor to receive this award and to be associated in a small way with the legacy of President Reagan who fought tirelessly to lift the nation."

Wed Apr 18 2007
News: Press Releases: Policy Briefing: Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks at The George Bush Presidential Library Center

On April 10, Governor Mitt Romney will deliver remarks at The George Bush Presidential Library Center in College Station, Texas. He will address the four changes that America must make to meet a new generation of global challenges.

Tue Apr 10 2007
News: Speeches: Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks at the George Bush Presidential Library Center

Thank you for that welcome, and thank you President and Mrs. Bush for this invitation to speak at Texas A&M, a proud university with time honored traditions. I've only been here for a few hours, but spending that time with students here, I understand why you chose this place for your library.

Tue Apr 10 2007

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Jun 10, 2007

Romney is too perfect?

Reasons to agree

  1. Romney doesn't smoke.
  2. Romney doesn't drink.
  3. Ann Romney says Mitt has never raised his voice.
  4. People vote for candidates who are like them. They don't want their candidates to be too good, to smart, too handsome, too competent. They want them to suffer, because we live in an Opera world where we love to bask in each other's misery. If you don't have misery for the public to bask in, they don't care about you. That don't want to watch smart people who have overcome their life's problems, because that will make them feel bad about themselves.

Reasons to disagree

  1. "Too perfect" for what? It doesn't even make any sense.
  2. Romney doesn't smoke? Barak is the only person who does smoke? Are your really saying Romney not smoking makes him too perfect? Are you stupid?
  3. Romney doesn't drink? I bet brown back doesn't drink either? What is the big deal? Did the founding father's say you have to drink in order to be president? I know bush used to have a problem with alcohol, but I don't think he drinks any more. Did not drinking cause bush to be a bad president? People say some of the stupidest things.
  4. People say that because Ann Romney says Mitt has never raised his voice, that he is somehow too perfect to be president. I don't really think any real people think this. I think it is a democrat reporter that doesn't like Mitt, who's ex-wife hates his guts, who is jealous of Romney, and is trying to make others jealous.
  5. We are tired of folksy presidents who don't talk any better than we do. We are tired of nice incompetent people with a good heart. We want someone different who can tear Washington apart and put it back together right.
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The Washington Post ran a feature on Five Brothers.

The Washington Post ran a feature on Five Brothers.

The writer commented that "wholesome does not really begin to describe them . . ."

What do the writers want Five Brothers to talk about? Do they want Craig to start using crack? Selling Crack? Would that satisfy them?

The column claims they are more Brady Bunch than Simpsons. I don't get Jose Antonio Vargas, the staff writer for The Washington Post. Is the Romney sons talking about their dad's campaign supposed to be controversial? What are they supposed to say? That they hate their dad? That they don't want him to win? That they hate each other? That they hate the other candidates? Is this where they are supposed to confess all the problems they have had?

The media likes Paris Hilton. She at least gives them something to talk about.

Why can't these Romney boys be more like Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Britney Spears?

PARIS%20HILTON%20cry.jpg

Lis Wiehl of Fox News asks, "Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Britney Spears: Where's Our Generation's Jackie O?"

Getting jail time for drunk driving with suspended license? "That's hot!"

Millions of strangers watching you have sex? "That's hot!"

Snorting coke in a dirty bathroom at a club? "That's hot!"

Snagging a DUI while proudly dangling a sobriety shield from your rearview mirror, only to collapse at a club the next night and check into rehab a second time at age 20? ...Priceless.

Our daughters are bombarded with images of scantily-clad celebrities, stumbling in the street, only to take a drunk-driving joy-ride around town in their $400,000 Mercedes. Celebrity gossip is thrust upon us by radio, TV, magazine covers and pop-up ads. I am sickened by the messages that pop icons are sending my daughter: that underage drinking, drugs, and driving under the influence are tolerable. These celebs and heiresses should be setting a better example.

Gone are the days when our daughters looked up to a poised Mary Tyler Moore or Jackie O. Those women valued their public image built upon morality (even if it wasn't really the case). Once upon a time, it was embarrassing for celebrities to be caught doing something naughty. Today these wild girls have made it commonplace to misbehave. Web sites like Perezhilton.com even celebrate bad behavior. While some argue the effect of widespread exposure of bad girl antics won't lead "ordinary" girls to mimick their behavior, I disagree. If these are the role models for our children, it's very likely our girls will copy the celebrity behavior, especially because they are seen as the new "it" girls.

It seems that celebs are arrested for driving while intoxicated without so much as batting a false eyelash. Some of Hollywood's most notorious bad girls — Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Britney Spears — have all recently been accused of drunk driving and/or doing drugs.

The legal blood alcohol content for driving in all states is .08. That means for a 120 pound female, legal intoxication can be reached in as few as two drinks. Need I mention that celebutantes such as Richie are estimated to weigh 85 pounds? Meaning it takes even less than two drinks to legally intoxicate her past the point of safely driving a vehicle. Furthermore, though this is the legal limit, many people experience significant impairment before the legal point of intoxication! And let's be honest, who believes these girls are only having two drinks?

In Hollywood, overusing drugs or alcohol, followed by rehab, is commonplace and celebs do so with impunity. But unlike Hollywood-land, though real world employers are not as forgiving and many would face a chance of losing their job. Repeated rehab stints followed by a quick retreat back to bad habits have provided temporary sanctuary from retribution. But this isn't monopoly, and rehab should not be used as a get out-of-jail free card! This sets a horrible example for our kids. Spears and Lohan went drinking days after their "rehabilitation."

Until recently most of these girls have avoided any real consequences for drunk driving or doing drugs — thanks to their expensive lawyers. However, celebrities should not be above the law merely because they can afford clever lawyers. These Hollywood bad girls deserve punishment, not pity. If these emancipated youngsters are going to take part in adult activities then they must accept adult responsibilities. Having access to such providential lifestyles and tempting adult parties at such a young age should be considered a privilege, not a pardon for bad choices.

I'm not necessarily suggesting that hard time in prison is the best fit punishment for the crime, but whatever happened to community service? Public reprimand and apology? Something to show America that this behavior is not condoned? At the MTV Movie Awards, the pre-show host declared her deepest sympathy to Hilton for her jail sentence. That is absurd. That is what happens when you break the law Paris …you go to jail! Would anyone feel such sympathy if Paris were the town alcoholic driving around in a beat up car and terrorizing the streets by driving drunk late at night? I think not.

Authorities finally seem to be cracking down on this out of control behavior. Richie awaits her punishment after being arrested for DUI in December 2006. Hilton is in jail. Lohan was recently arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence after she crashed into the curb. Did I mention Lohan is not even of legal drinking age?

Must we remind police that these girls are not just endangering themselves but other innocent drivers and pedestrians? According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is an alcohol-related traffic fatality in the United States every 31 minutes and an alcohol-related traffic injury every two minutes.

"To whom much is given, much is expected." (Luke 12:48) These girls are given a lot at such a young age: money, fortune and fame. With this comes the scrutiny of the public eye and a responsibility to set a good example for their young fans and stop acting like heir-heads!

Way to go Lis! But this shows a big difference in the media. You have one media organization wanting more controversy and dysfunction out of kids these days, and ridiculing Mitt's children because they don't get in trouble, and then you have another organization looking desperately for examples of classiness and responsibility. Gosh, I wonder where we can find some good examples?

Well liberalism is a disorder. That is all I can say. Good is bad and bad is good. Liberals don't try to live good lives; they try to live counterintuitive lives, to prove that they are original. They aren't proud when their kids avoid drugs, out of marriage children, divorce, or rehab. They hate parents who raise kids who turn out alright. These things are interesting, and somehow prove that they aren't "too goody-goody".

I think one of the Romney boys said he liked little-miss-sunshine. I didn't. I hated it. I was so much pretence, of the liberal writers just saying how much better they were than everyone else. Our lives may suck. My dad may be addicted to heroin, he may be a pervert, my brother may have been committed for suicide, my 13 year old may have started her long career in S&M exotic dancing, but at least we aren't boring. At least we aren't goody-goody.

They throw in some good parts of the family being nice to each other, and making it threw bad times, but in the end they glorify living on the edge street cred. Which is a loosing game. Watch SLC punk and you will learn that everyone has to grow up. It's stupid to glorify having dysfunction in your life just so you are "cool".

Which brings me back to the media. You have to assume that newspaper writers chose that career so they can tell themselves how good they are. They weren't comfortable yet with the fact that they were good. They couldn't choose their profession with the goal of providing for their family as best they could, they had to choose a career that made them feel good about themselves. And how do liberals feel good about themselves? Just go back to high school, and look at the people who didn't want to admit doing homework because it was nerdy, who would smoke, just so others could see them as being "rebels", and who were always sluting around for that kind of attention.

~Mike
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