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In Case You Missed It: Romney Interviews
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In Case You Missed It: Romney Interviews
Romney Reading
Romney Books
"What we become depends on what we read after all of the professors have finished with us. The greatest university of all is a collection of books."
** Thomas Carlyle
I've tried to make a list of other books that Romney has read and referenced. I know he liked the John Adams book by Mccullough. What books have you heard him reference?
1. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, by Bill Bryson
2. The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, "But number five, the culture of America is under attack. Now some people say wait, when you talk about culture, Governor, that's not of the same order of magnitude as the things you just mentioned: jihadists and the emergence of Asia, spending too much money, using too much oil. And I disagree. There was a book written some years ago by a fellow named David Landis; he's a Harvard professor. The book was given to me. It's called The Wealth and Poverty of Nations. The jacket cover included an endorsement by John Kenneth Galbraith. I said, oh boy, this is going to be some liberal diatribe. I read through it and found it pretty scholarly. And after about 500 pages, he concludes with roughly these words: If anything can be learned from the history of economic development in the world, it is this--culture makes all the difference."
3. Does anyone know what book he is talking about? When he mentions "Jim" is he talking about, "James A. Phillips". When he says, Paul is he talking about "Paul Weyrich"? "The sea change applies to our military as well. At one time, we were content with the idea that the military was responsible for winning wars. Increasingly, we find ourselves responsible not only for winning the war, but also for keeping the peace. We play, increasingly, peacekeeping roles; how we prepare for those and train for those is something which Jim and Paul in their book have spent some time talking about." Governor Mitt Romney, Heritage Lecture #904
4. The World is Flat, "Amazingly, these rankings don't even include the countries that are our real competition. India and China, in the words of Tom Friedman's latest book, just brought three billion more people onto the playing field." Governor Mitt Romney, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce Hearing on "High School Reform: Examining State and Local Efforts"
5. Theodore Rex and The Rise of Teddy Roosevelt, "Well, I happen to believe that one of the most important things a president of the United States does is set a culture of integrity, character, vision, patriotism, that the values that a president is known for and lives by live on well beyond some of his or her policies -- I guess all his, at this point. His policies. And, you know, I will go back -- and read a couple of books about Teddy Roosevelt last year, "Theodore Rex" and "The Rise of Teddy Roosevelt," I looked at some of his policies and said, gosh, I have exactly the opposite view today. The Republic Party has a different view then it did back in 1900." Governor Mitt Romney, C-Span Transcript, BRIAN LAMB, HOST
- The Cube and the Cathedral by George Weigel,
- The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright,
- America Alone by Mark Steyn
- The Places in Between by Rory Stewart, and Bill Bryson's latest book
Average Driver To Save $120 Per Vehicle
Average Driver To Save $120 Per Vehicle
Click here for the story.
Click here for the rest of the story.
Insurance Quotes from Governor Mitt Romney
- "It's time to give our consumers more choice and the advantages that come with safe driving. The goal of the task force is to form a consensus for a fair and smooth transition to a competitive marketplace ."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 04-29-2004 Press Release
- "Residents of Massachusetts currently pay some of the highest insurance costs in the nation. We are saddled with a system that discourages competition, forces safe drivers to subsidize reckless behavior, encourages fraud and threatens lives. With this new law, we are taking a critical step forward in reviving our ailing auto insurance market."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 01-03-2005 Press Release
- "The vast majority of our health care providers are honest and law-abiding. But from now on, for those few who try to cheat the system by participating in auto insurance fraud, they won't just find themselves out of luck. They'll find themselves looking for a new line of work."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 01-03-2005 Press Release
- "With so few insurers doing business here, we can no longer pretend that our system is healthy and benefiting our citizens. This bill brings the flexibility to our system that exists everywhere else. It attacks fraud and excessive treatment costs, gives our good drivers some immediate rate relief and provides insurers with the flexibility to charge rates that reflect drivers' records. We expect our reforms here will yield similar results in the coming years"
- Governor Mitt Romney, 06-01-2005 Press Release
- "An achievement like this comes around once in a generation, and it proves that government can work when people of both parties reach across the aisle for the common good. Today, Massachusetts is leading the way with health insurance for everyone, without a government takeover and without raising taxes."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 04-12-2006 Press Release
- "This would not have been possible without the courageous work of Senate President Travaglini, Speaker DiMasi , providers, insurers, consumer groups and all the other industry stakeholders who recognized an opportunity to do something historic."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 04-12-2006 Press Release
Insurance Press Releases from Governor Mitt Romney
- 04-29-2004; Governor Mitt Romney turns ignition on auto insurance reform
- 01-03-2005; Governor Mitt Romney signs bill cracking down on auto insurance fraud
- 06-01-2005; Governor Mitt Romney files auto insurance reform legislation
- 04-12-2006; Governor Mitt Romney signs landmark health insurancereform bill
Photos
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney listens during a press conference in July 2006. Romney, a businessman and organizer of the Salt Lake City Olympics, has already snagged two of Bush's top former economic advisers, Glenn Hubbard and Greg Mankiw in his preparation to run for president. Photo:/AFP
(AP Photo/Steve Pope, File)
(AP Photo/William B. Plowman)
Was watching Return of the King Last Night...
Denethor: "My sons are spent."
[Denethor steps away from Faramir. Pippin approaches.]
Denethor: "My line has ended."
Pippin (looking at Faramir): "He's alive!"
Denethor: "The house of Stewards has failed."
Pippin: "He needs medicine my lord!"
Denethor: "My line has ended!"
[Denethor wanders to the edge of the courtyard. He looks down to see the orc army.]
Pippin: "My lord!"
Denethor: "Rohan has deserted us."
[Orc catapults fling boulders at the city. People cry and run.]
Denethor: "Théoden has betrayed me."
[More boulders fall.]
Denethor: "Abandon your posts! Flee! Flee for you lives!"
[Gandalf smacks Denethor with his staff, knocking him out.]
Gandalf: "Prepare for battle."
[Gandalf rides down to rally the soldiers.]
Gandalf: "Pull them in! To the wall! Defend the wall! Return to your posts!"
[The soldiers return to their posts. Gandalf looks out at the opposing army.]
Gandalf: "Send these foul beasts into the abyss!"
I am greatful for those in the Millitary who have not abandoned their posts!
Agreement permits specially trained State Troopers to enforce federal immigration law
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Boston, MA 02133Funny Stuff from 2002
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| main news history schedule get involved chicken cam quotes donate | Dear Massachusetts Voters, I'm just a chicken, but I know one thing: it's time for new leadership that works for the people of Massachusetts. And I know a chicken when I see one, which is why I'm furious at Shannon O'Brien and the other Beacon Hill insiders who tried to cancel this election by knocking Mitt Romney off of the ballot. What a bunch of chickens. The good news is there will be an election. It will be a choice between "business as usual" and change. Shannon O'Brien tried to take that choice away from the people of Massachusetts by using legal chicanery to keep Mitt off the ballot, but her legal tricks backfired and became a fiasco. She's nothing but a scared, little chicken. And I should know because I'm a chicken. I'll be hitting the streets to tell Massachusetts voters everywhere about Shannon O'Brien's attempts to deny voters an election this year. When the feathers start flying, I'll be there. This residency challenge won't be the only battle Mitt Romney will fight to clean up the mess on Beacon Hill. To be sure, there will be other battles. But Mitt's no chicken, and he'll win those battles, too. See you on the campaign trail. Sincerely,
The Chicken | |
| David Carl, Chairman - Zachary Spilman, Treasurer - MA College Republican Political Action Committee. Paid for by MACR PAC and not authorized by any candidate or campaign committee. Contributions to the Massachusetts College Republican Political Action Committee are not tax deductible. To comply with State law, we must use our best efforts to obtain, maintain, and submit the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per calendar year. | ||
A little something from the PAC... sign up for them, and you can get these e-mailed to you too!
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| Volume 1, Issue 6, 12/12/2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Romney and Gay Rights
It's a long-forgotten moment, but it was a poignant and revealing one. In the wake of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's discovery of a right to gay marriage that had been long–hidden in the Commonwealth's John Adams penned constitution, Governor Mitt Romney had vigorously protested both the substantive result and the judicial arrogance that led to the result.
On the day the decision went into effect, dozens of gay couples descended on Massachusetts' city and town halls to get married. The TV cameras sought out Governor Romney for his response to the day's events. The media no doubt expected him to toss some red meat to the knuckle-dragging conservatives that Romney was courting in anticipation of a presidential bid. Instead, Romney pleaded that the public and gay marriage critics in particular bear in mind that this was a happy and joyous day for many individuals, and act respectfully and accordingly.
If you saw him deliver that sentiment on the news, you could see it was heartfelt. You could also see that Mitt Romney would not square with the stereotypical (and of course mistaken) view of a gay marriage opponent. He was not a hater and not a homophobe. Rather, he was a decent man who thought the policy of gay marriage was an unwise one and, regardless of the policy's wisdom, was disappointed in the judicial overreach that brought it into being.
I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THAT MOMENT in recent Romney history while assorted pundits have been trying to sort through the Romney record when it comes to gay rights issues. Of special interest this week is a 1994 interview Romney gave where he was extremely generous on matters of interest to the gay community. Because I was volunteering for him in 1994 and spent considerable time with him, I think I can help shed some light on this latest "scandal."
When he ran for Senate in '94 against Ted Kennedy, the opinions of Mitt Romney's church was a recurring subject of discussion, thanks largely to the efforts of the Boston Globe. One of the things that the theologians at the Globe noticed is that the tenets of Mormonism regarding homosexuality weren't particularly accepting or tolerant. The Globe kept implicitly pressuring Romney to make the choice – gays or his church. (Oddly, Ted Kennedy's Catholic faith didn't trigger any similar demands or curiosity on the Globe's part.)
Romney spent a solid chunk of the '94 campaign expressing his tolerance and acceptance for homosexuals. Naturally, nothing he could say in this regard would satisfy his critics. If he didn't explicitly condemn the teachings of his church, his critics would continue to bray. And bray they did, from practically the first day of his campaign until the last.
It was in this context that Romney made his now-famous comments in a 1994 interview with Bay Windows, a Boston newspaper that caters to the gay community. Among his observations were these:
I feel that as a society and for me as an individual, it's incumbent on all of us to respect one another, regardless of our differences and beliefs, our differences in sexual orientation, in race and that America has always been a place, and should be a place, to welcome and tolerate people's differences.
I personally feel and one of my core beliefs is that we should accept people of all backgrounds and recognize everyone as a brother and a sister because we are all part of the family of man.
Fueling the current controversy is the question, How could so vocal a supporter of gay rights in 1994 be such a prominent opponent of gay marriage in 2006?
FORGET THE PART that in the same interview, Romney also said, "Bill Weld does not feel at this time that he wishes to extend legalized marriage on a same-sex basis, and I support his position." Those looking for a scandal here certainly have.
The question itself regarding Romney's putatively shifting views suggests Romney has a penchant for flip-flopping with such audacity that John Kerry should be envious. There is, however, an answer to the question and it's not a particularly complex one. I spent a decent amount of time with Romney in '94, and got to know him reasonably well. He's not a hater. He's not a bigot. He's not a homophobe. No one who has worked with him or who actually has known him in any capacity says otherwise. And this is a man who has led a prominent and powerful business life.
Romney is also a traditionalist. He does not believe that institutions such as marriage should be mucked with. And he certainly doesn't believe that such institutions should be playthings for a gaggle of unelected officials who happen to wear black robes for a living.
In other words, his opposition to gay marriage is based on good faith differences with gay marriage proponents regarding where a particular legal line should be drawn. And by good faith, I mean that he arrives at his position not out of hate, bigotry or political calculation, but out of a true sense of moral conviction regarding what is best and noblest for our society.
On where the legal line should be drawn on gay marriage, he and I happen to differ. Unlike Romney, and unlike most of the readers of this site, I have no problem with legalizing gay marriage. But unlike Romney's critics, I know that the difference is a good faith one, and not the result of those I disagree with making venal calculations or indulging their prejudiced natures.
The preceding is the part that some narrow-minded gay marriage proponents just can't get. They think that if you're against gay marriage, you are necessarily a hater and by definition a homophobe. That's just not so.
Another thing regarding Romney and gay marriage warrants mentioning: This was not a fight he sought. Even given the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's prior reckless disregard for precedent and the democratic process, no one foresaw the SJC discovering a pre-existing right to gay marriage in the Commonwealth's 220 year old Constitution. Even by the SJC's own lofty standards for such things, it was a stunning piece of judicial arrogance. In short, it was not part of a Romney master-plan to be the anti-gay marriage candidate.
Critics of Evangelicals and Fundamentalists think the key to winning their support is to be the most-narrow minded and hate-filled candidate in the field. These critics chronically lament the bigotry of these specifically identifiable communities while crudely and cruelly caricaturizing them; it is a perverse credit to these critics that they never betray any sense of irony while doing so.
One of the reasons Mitt Romney will be increasingly successful as more people get to know him is because he is the real deal – Mitt is a good, honest and decent man. And those are far from his only virtues. But those are the virtues that Republicans of all religious and ethnic affiliations hunger for most in their '08 standard bearer.
Compliments? Complaints? Contact me at Soxblog@aol.com.
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Deadline Approaching: 2007 RNC Calendar is Running Out
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Don't wait a minute longer to get your 2007 RNC Calendar - - copies of this limited edition are going fast. In order to receive your calendar by Christmas, orders must be placed no later than this Thursday, December 14. Your limited-edition 2007 RNC calendar includes monthly photos of our President, Vice President, and First Lady, and features little-known facts about our Party and the American Presidency. You can preview each month by going to our The holidays can be a hectic time of year for us all - - cross one more item off your to-do list by purchasing this limited edition calendar as a gift for your friends and family today. Not only will they enjoy this special commemoration of our President and our Party, but your gift will help the RNC close the books on 2006, and enter into the 2008 election cycle on strong financial footing. As a great supporter of our President and our Party, don't miss this last opportunity to get your RNC calendar in time for holiday gift-giving. Click Here to order your calendar before Thursday's deadline. Thank you for your continued commitment to our cause. Best wishes to you and your family in 2007. Sincerely, |
| Paid for by the Republican National Committee www.gop.com Contributions to the Republican National Committee are not deductable as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. |
Copyright 2006 Republican National Committee
From Nathan
Incoming House intelligence chief botches easy intel quiz
When asked by CQ National Security Editor Jeff Stein whether al Qaeda is one or the other of the two major branches of Islam -- Sunni or Shiite -- Reyes answered "they are probably both," then ventured "Predominantly -- probably Shiite."
That is wrong. Al Qaeda was founded by Osama bin Laden as a Sunni organization and views Shiites as heretics.
Reyes could also not answer questions put by Stein about Hezbollah, a Shiite group on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations that is based in Southern Lebanon.
Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington
Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington
By Matthew Rees
Friday, December 01, 2006
Mitt Romney, Massachusetts governor and Olympics savior, aspires to the White House. What does his background as a Bain consultant and hyper-successful venture capitalist tell us about how he'll perform? MATTHEW REES has the answers.
Click here for the full article:
and some of the most clever Romney art to date:
The episode highlights what would become the defining characteristic of Romney's career as a venture capitalist—and later as a government executive. He was willing to pursue—and analyze—data that others wouldn't bother to chase down. His dogged persistence paid off. During the 14 years Romney headed Bain Capital, the firm's average annual internal rate of return on realized investments was a staggering 113 percent. At that growth rate, a hypothetical $1,000 investment would grow to $39.6 million before fees. Few, if any, VC firms have ever matched Bain Capital's performance under Mitt Romney.
This article is one of the best 5 articles on about Romney. I consider myself an expert, but there were major things about Romney that I had not yet known in this Article.
I like the story were:
True to form, Romney became deeply immersed in crafting the health-care proposal. Moffit recalls that when he was asked to brief Romney, he found the tables turned. Romney was the one who gave Moffit the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. "In 25 years of briefing elected officials and senior government executives, this was the first time I was the one who got briefed," Moffit says. "It was like being in a private class with a very high-energy professor, and Romney was the professor and I was the student."
I think that it is pathetic that "22 percent said they would not vote for an evangelical Christian; 14 percent would not support a Jewish candidate; and 9 percent, a Catholic candidate."
~~~Mike
Romney reaching to right?
Here is the full path.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/REPOSITORY/612100304
Everything she says can be refruted by a quick 30 second Romney Google Search.
re: "The Mitt Romney who twice ran for statewide office in Massachusetts is a different politician from the Romney who will likely court New Hampshire voters in the 2008 Republican presidential primary."
He is the same man. You keep keep saying he changed, but the people of the United States, in general, want slightly different things than the people of Massachusetts. If Romney's job is to represent the people who vote for him, and listen to what they want, do you think he would advocate the exact same things for the citizens of Massachusetts and the larger United States? Abortion is the only stance which has changed, so stop making yourself look un-educated by overgeneralizing.
re: " As a Massachusetts candidate, Romney pledged to keep abortion "safe and legal."
He did keep abortion safe and legal in Massachusetts. He said that he believed in the Rule of Law and that he knew Massachusetts had decided on Abortion. We wants to let every state decide.
re: "He called on the Republican Party to provide "more support" for the gay and lesbian community and won the support of many gay Republicans."
He still says the exact same thing. On Octover 16th, 2006 Romney said the following.
"In fact, as Americans, I believe that we should show an outpouring of respect and tolerance for all people. I believe God loves all of his children, that no one is abhorred -- that regardless of the differences and different choices, we should show that same respect. As Americans, we must vigorously reject discrimination and bigotry."
re: "In recent months, he has made headlines for his efforts to overturn same-sex marriage in the only state that allows it."
This is exactly what Romney, the candidate, said he would do. When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. [6] "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate. He also voiced support for basic domestic partnership benefits for gay couples.
Photos
Romney in Asai
| Romney gets snickers, raves from Beijing college students Boston Globe, United States - 21 hours ago By Jehangir S. Pocha. BEIJING — Governor Mitt Romney's weeklong trip to Asia took him to the renowned Tsinghua University here ... |
| Romney gets mixed reaction in China Eyewitness News, RI - 7 hours ago BOSTON Governor Mitt Romney is getting a mixed reaction from Chinese university students as he wraps up his week-long trip to Asia. ... |
| Romney tries political hand in China Boston Globe, United States - 16 hours ago By Jehangir S. Pocha, Globe Correspondent | December 9, 2006. BEIJING -- Governor Mitt Romney's weeklong trip to Asia took him to ... |
The stupidity has gone too far
o Governor Mitt Romney, 06-22-2004 Press Release
* "Preserving the definition of marriage should not infringe on the right of individuals to live in the manner of their choosing. One person may choose to live as a single, even to have and raise her own child. Others may choose to live in same sex partnerships or civil arrangements. There is an unshakeable majority of opinion in this country that we should cherish and protect individual rights with tolerance and understanding. "
o Governor Mitt Romney, 06-22-2004 Press Release
I am trying to respond to this article, but I will do a better job later...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/09/us/politics/09romney.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Governor Mitt Romney and Evangelicals are together on this. They have never tried to advance families with both Mothers and Fathers by discriminating against gays. Saying that children need both a Mother and a Father is not discrimination, it is siding with the child, who needs both a mother and a father more than the gay couple need children.
Evangelicals teach that you need to love the sinner, but hate the sin. Evangelicals agree with Romney. You don't advance families with a mother and a father, by allowing gays to be discriminated against in the work place. They are two separate issues. We need to stop bigotry towards gays, and we need to preserve the right for catholic charities to provide houses for needy children, even though they do not give children to gay couples. We should all be able to agree on this.
You read in this article by ADAM NAGOURNEY and DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK of the New York times that "Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, who had praised Mr. Romney as a champion of traditional values at the group's conference in late September. "This type of information is going to create a lot of problems for Governor Romney. He is going to have a hard time overcoming this."
Is this quote from Adam or David taken out of context, because WHAT EXACTLY is Mitt Romney going to have to overcome? The belief that people should be treated with respect? Does the New York times think that this will become an issue with southern voters? The New York times keeps saying that it is Southern Evangelical voters that will not vote for a Mormon, but it is Liberal Democrats, who according to actual surveys who would never vote for someone who attends a Mormon church on Sunday. The New York times keeps implying that southern evangelicals who think children deserve both a Mother and a Father hate Gay people. It is liberal people at the New York Times that hate and demonize those that disagree with them.
<blockquote>Paul Weyrich, a founder of the modern conservative movement, said: "Unless he comes out with an abject repudiation of this, I think it makes him out to be a hypocrite. And if he totally repudiates this, you have to ask, on what grounds?"</blockquote>
People keep accusing Mitt Romney of Hypocrisy because he dares asserts that we should be nice to gay people but he does not define niceness by puting their rights to have children over the rights of children to have a mother and a father.
<blockquote>"But I believe we can and must do better. If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern. My opponent cannot do this. I can and will."</blockquote>
What is so wrong with this? It is the truth. Romney's dad always said that it hurts to be right too early, but this will not hurt Romney. It is not too early. Everyone knows that southern republicans will not want to listen to Ted Kennedy (the man who has killed more people with his car, than my gun has killed) preach to us about how we need to show gay people respect. But southern republicans will listen to someone who stood up for the right of catholic charities to participate in the adoption process, Southern republicans will listen to a man who thinks the rights of children are more important than the rights of adults, say to them that they need to show respect to gays. We can make this not just be an issue between the parties.
Joseph Mccarthy said that communism should not be made an issue between republicans and democrats. He said, and I think this is one of the times he was right, that if we made it a contest between our two great parties, that we will see one of the parties disappear of the face of the earth, and that would be bad for America. The New York Times is trying to make this an issue BETWEEN the parties. They are trying to make it look like everyone in the Republican Party hates gays. This is not the truth. We don't hate gays. We just think the rights of children are more important than the rights of adults.
Most gay people will tell you that they love both their mother and father, and they will tell you that they are glad they had parents representing the two great genders: Women and Men. Lets not make this an issue between the parties, were one party is assumed to hate gays.
There is nothing in Romney's statements that a red blooded American who is comfortable with his or her own sexuality has to be embarrassed of. Romney said that both parties should be nice to gays, show them respect, and hire them in the work place.
When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate. He also voiced support for basic domestic partnership benefits for gay couples.
<blockquote>But his emphasis has shifted in the last two years. As he moves into this new phase of his career, Mr. Romney rarely talks about the need to protect gay men and lesbians from bias, instead presenting himself as a conservative stalwart in the fight against same-sex marriage, arguing that legally recognizing same-sex unions endangers the cultural support for heterosexual families.</blockquote>
This is about the stupidest thing I have ever read. Look at the dates for this quote: OCTOBER 16th 2006
In fact, as Americans, I believe that we should show an outpouring of respect and tolerance for all people. I believe God loves all of his children, that no one is abhorred -- that regardless of the differences and different choices, we should show that same respect. As Americans, we must vigorously reject discrimination and bigotry.
These people at the New York Times are some of the stupidest people I have ever read. They say stupid stuff, like Romney is a hypocrite without giving any example of hypocrisy, and they say that he doesn't talk about equality any more, when it took me 30 seconds to find a great quote that shows how consistent Romney has been.
I would really like to cuss at them right now, but I won't.