Romney: Again Out of Touch
February 21, 2012
Admittedly few people have even run for President with the bankroll that Mitt Romney has, but one might have hoped that by now he would have learned that not all Americans were born with a silver spoon in their mouths.
During an interview when he was campaigning at the end of last week in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the state of his birth and early years, he once again showed no ability to relate to the less fortunate in society. First he had put down a wager with Texas Governor Rick Perry for $10,000 during an earlier debate; then he said he did not make much money with his speaking engagements, only $350,000; and now he sought to make all of America’s baseball fans feel equal when he discussed leaning over during a game as a child and discussing the virtues of Mickey Mantle and Al Kaline with the man in the next box.
Governor, tickets are so expensive that average Americans, might lean over to speak to speak to the person sitting next to them; but he/she certainly will not be sitting in box seats.
Michigan's primary is next Tuesday. Stay tuned
Comments
Ben A
February 21, 2012
Romney has a tin ear but the implicit suggestion that he is somehow unaware that many people do not have the same privileges he had is just silly. What is more depressing than his comments or contrived attempts to connect to the everyman is his running away from the moderate republican legacy of his parents and his own administration in MA. The “real” Romney loses with dignity, the “new” Romney may not only lose the primary but his dignity as well.
As an aside the relative wealth of the Bushes or the Kennedys—to name a few—does not make Romney’s wealth especially unique. His wealth is far more impressive than the wealth created by Santorum and Gingrich who recycle political access for personal gain—the height of crony capitalism.
Sam
February 22, 2012
Ben - I could not agree more. Romeny’s rise as a viable general election candidate has been or at this point was - his moderate platform. President Obama has created a climate where monetary successes have been equated with greed (unless they fundraise for you in California).
I would say your second point is spot on. Romeny’s success is the trademark of this country, someone whom built themselves up - not a greedy man. Santorum and Gingrich represent the true greed of insider deal-makers that enrich themselves on the back of the American tax payer.
In essence, being a Washington insider is the best job in the world. You get your neighbors to pay you money to go get rich in Washington. I might submit my resume.