CNN

Chris of FL writes:
“Can we stop using the word flip flopper?! Why not say "Changes their mind"?” “Please use correct English.”

I think you’re right , Chris. Flip-flopper is far too gentle a word for Mitt Romney.

But the problem with saying Romney “changes his mind” is that he always changes it to match opinions wherever he happens to be. He flips from liberal in Massachusetts to conservative in Iowa. It’s an amazing coincidence. Romney always seems to agree with the folks he’s trying to get to vote for him, no matter what he’s said in the past.

I agree that we should try to use correct English. So perhaps we should call Romney a “panderer” or a “hypocrite” or how about just a “phoney”?

To Chris, FL,

What? ebonics bother you that much? I didn't hear you complaining when it was used successfully against John Kerry in 2004, shouldn't the phrase bother you regardless of where they are applied? Furthermore, you said it doesn't affect you or other supporters of Romney, so what's the fretting all about??

You use remark, "We're fighting for America here, not Ebonics,"that phrase is sooo misused by just about everyone who is not actually in the military fighting but loves to bask in that phrase's glory. If you're serving, thank you and disregard the following remarks, if you're not, don't take advantage of such blanket phrases, some of us are ACTUALLY fighting for America here, we could care less about ebonics that bother you!

Those of you from Mass. who are still unhappy with Mitt's performance as governor need to grow up. You all sound like a bunch of liberal dingbats who wouldn't know a program that is good for your state if it hit you over the head. Governor Romney may be despised by those who believe in cradle to grave government funded entitlements, but he represents a stark contrast to that mindset in his governing style. I'm sure he set out to run business's out of your state and cause you to lose homes and have to take minimum wage jobs. I'm sure he must be crazy for trying to fix the health insurance problem by having people buy their own plans, while getting everyone covered.

If he gets elected, and I concede that it will be a long uphill battle, many a big government program will be gored and the hate that is spewed at him now will seem small in comparison to what will happen when he starts leading our nation.

The comments posted here about the leader of the early church being a murderer are unexcusable and will be answered for at the judgement bar of God.

At least Romney isn't lavish with his money. Why would someone who is impoverished like a guy who gets a $400 haircut?

"I was PUNISHED FOR BEING SICK AND MISSING TIME BY NOT BEING ASSIGNED ENOUGH DELIVERIES!" ~ Pat Sharp, MAine

Good grief, Pat, you were a PIZZA DELIVERY PERSON. Did you think you were getting into a cushy job with major sick/vacation and executive benefits? Your "skillz" were driving from the pizza store to the customer. Collect the money. Go back to the store. And from your entitlement attitude – sounds like you were LUCKY to get THAT job!

Can we stop using the word flip flopper?! It's sooo 2004 and frankly a disgusting word.

Why not say "Changes their mind"? You don't affect myself or others by saying our candidate is a "flip flopper"!

Please use correct English. We're fighting for America here, not Ebonics.

Rob Rob Rob. You make it sound so easy to just jump up and get a job. I also enjoyed the way you imply wealthy households are being victimized by the lazy poor. It almost made me want to cry for wealthy people.

Mitt's stance for personal responsibility is actually a fancy way of saying Mitt will do nothing for the poor. It is the poor people's responsibility to do for themselves. When daycare costs exceed the amount of income a person can make, because raising the minimum wage is a bad thing, there really is no alternative for some families other than drawing on social programs. This is one reality Mitt completely overlooks. Instead Mitt would make permanent the tax cuts Dubya gave to the wealthy, because as we all know the wealthy are victims of the greedy poor people.

Mitt can make all the comments he likes regarding any other candidate, republican or democrat. It won't make any difference to me. I won't vote for Mitt based on his own record simply because he is a waffler. Yesterday he was pro-choice today he is pro-life. He was committed to not change existing law on abortion as govenor of MA and did not. When Romney ran against Senator Kennedy he declared that abortion should be safe and legal in this country.

"I promised that if elected, I'd call a truce – a moratorium, if you will...I vowed to veto any legislation that sought to change the existing rules...I fully respect and will fully protect a woman's right to choose."

Now he says he has been pro-life all along and that it would absolutely be a good day for America when Roe v Wade is overturned. What will Flip-Flop say tomorrow?

I can't vote for someone who would double Guantanamo so the prisoners “don’t get access to lawyers they get when they’re on our soil.” What are you afraid of Mitt, that some of the prisoners at Gitmo might actually be innocent? Gitmo removes any social responsibility the administration has when they take prisoners to Gitmo. People have languished for years at Gitmo then released back to their countries of origin without any explanation or recourse. I'm all about stopping terrorism. The problem with Gitmo is when an innocent person is locked up for years they undoubtedly become terrorists. Gitmo is a self defeating project. It only exaserbates the problem of terrorism. Keep Gitmo but make darn sure the prisoners truly are terrorists, which hasn't been the case in the past. In that light there is no need to double the prison.

Too bad McCain nuked himself with the immigrant issue. He would have made an excellent president, unlike flip-flop Romney.

You know if a guy doesn't have sense enough not to follow a religion created by a murderer, you have to question every decision he makes. I wouldn't even consider putting him at the helm of this great country.

Wow!
Mark of Princeton NJ,
Yes Romney created jobs: Staples & Domino's
I had one of those wonderful Domonios jobs once, when the economy crashed post Reagan Bush 41 economy debacle!. I was a 51 year old single woman with an $800. per month mortgage, accustomed to earning no less than $25. per hour with my own small business, until all the clients, and contacts disappeared, were down sized, forced into early retirement, or moved out of NJ. So I took anything that I could get until I sold my house and moved out of state! For $4.50 an hour working for an "18 year old boy boss" I delivered pizza along the Deleware river ( which froze that winter) That first 2 months I made out OK, because the kids all had DUI's and they couldn't find more than 2 drivers to hire, so the tips were pretty good ( I got $5.00 on Christmas Eve) but then they found another 5 or 6 drivers, some niights you only got one run........( tips) and then...........
I caught a bad cold because they MADE you wear that open mesh baseball cap, no knitted cap covering your
ears........ When I came back to work several days later,
I was PUNISHED FOR BEING SICK AND MISSING TIME BY NOT BEING ASSIGNED ENOUGH DELIVERIES! Same thing happened to another mature woman I worked with ( she had 2 kids at home she was providing for)
When I hit a time conflict between a staff meeing ( no tips) and a meeting for my own business, I told the KID to take the mesh cap and shove it. ( Well only after he said I would be fired for not attending)
You DO KNOW DON"T you that the owner of Dominos is one of those 'DEVOUT CHRISTIANS" He's starting a pious christian communiy in FLa.!

Mitt stands for personal responsibility and individual opportunity and empowering a person to make their own success. Of course, that requires that average citizen to break free from government help such as food stamps, WIC, link card, welfare, free health services and stealing taxes disproportionately from the wealthy. In other words, get off the couch and GET A JOB!

Romney has erased no debt in Massachusetts. Turns out it was all a shell game. We're broke. He accomplished nothing as governor, ZERO! All he did was travel around the country making jokes about "liberal" Massachusetts while laying the groundwork for his presidential run. I'm not saying this as some left wing democrat either. I voted for the guy. I won't make that mistake again. He's like the republicans' version of Edwards, a pretty boy with perfect hair, a lot of money, and not much substance. If you're a republican, don't be fooled by this guy.

To JOhn, Houston TX

If you read Mark's (NJ) post on Mitt, he clearly implies that Romney was the club owner, I was merely replying to that particular post and had no reason to doubt or double check his facts. All the same John, if Romeny's help to search for a friend's daughter is one of your strong points for favoring him then I must say he doesn't have much riding on him. As for your people at work, sorry, I know my boss would shut down the office to help me out, does that make him presidential material???

No matter which Republican candidate speaks or eventually is nominated, you have to ask 'can we take more of the same?' They try to distance themselves from any connection to the Bush administration who for six plus years have boldly and arrogantly consistently focused on a private agenda to benefit a select few while giving the majority nothing but subterfuge, apathy and the costs. But the reality to be seen, once any bias is put aside to avoid being manipulated, is the rich and powerfull, the select few, aren't about to give up what they have gained, including the control. That reality is trouble for America!

"Republican Candidates are George Bush on steroids."

John Edwards

Couldn't agree more.

No matter which Republican candidate speaks or eventually gets the party's nomination the real issue is, 'can this country take more of the same?' They are all trying to distance themselves from any strong connection to the Bush administration who for six years plus has demonstrated a consistent bold and arrogant focus on a private agenda to benefit a select few while giving the majority little more than subterfuge, apathy and the costs. But the reality to be seen, once anyone puts their bias aside to avoid being manipulated, is the rich and powerful who enabled, supported and facilitated all the Bush administration has done aren't about to let go and are just going to offer the same to their choice to keep what they have gained, including their real control. That reality is very troblesome.

Bag on the guy all you want, sure he's a multi-millionaire, maybe you don't agree with the way he made his money. Most attacks on him on this board come from what I perceive as the 'left' side of the aisle. All complain that he has no foreign policy experience, the list goes on and on. Many dislike him because he is Mormon (many that deride this administration for taking away constitutional rights, yet ignore the first amendment in this case...does he not have freedom of religion?)

As far as I've seen, he hasn't imposed his beliefs on the state of Massachusetts.

As a previous poster mentioned, he did erase a large budget deficit in MA, turned the financial situation for the 2002 Olympic around and helped create jobs in the private sector.

On a key hot-button issue, health care, Massachusetts has recently enacted a system to provide health care for all of its citizens through the private sector. Those that can't afford health insurance will have it paid for by the state through use of funds that were previously used for "free care" (care that is given to uninsured perons where the hospital or provider bites the bullet on cost anyway). As the state conducted analysis turned out, it is cheaper to buy insurance for uninsured persons than it was to provide the so-called free-care.

The jury is still out on how effective the system will be because it just started, but it is a step in the right direction wouldn't you agree? (why/why not)

I don't know if this guy has earned my vote for president, I'm still evaluating candidates and probably won't decide until some point next year (my state primary, and then November come to mind), but give credit where credit is due.

Several of the candidates on both sides make some good points, they also have some flaws (which of us don't?).

I remember someone running a few years back saying..."It's the economy, stupid!" and doing quite well. Maybe Mitt could serve us well in the economic sector of the government instead of being president. Who knows?

I think people have over-reacted to his remark about his sons "serving the country" by campaigning for him. I think it was just a poorly delivered, bad attempt at some levity on his part. And, since when is it his fault and somehow unpatriotic that his sons didn't join the military. Do they not have the "right to choose"?

I was in the military, in theatre for Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I've got the 'SW Asia campaign' medal in my closet, but I don't think any of my friends that have never served have any less a right to do anything than I do.

So, lighten up and give him a chance, find out what he's about. If at the end of the analysis you don't like him because he's a flip-flopper, Mormon, rich guy, whatever, cast your vote for someone else.

Have a good day,

Chip

Mitt is critical, yeah sure. As opposed to his Spanish Inquisition for America platform.

Mitt will say anything to anyone to get a vote and once elected it's anyone's guess what he'll actually stand for.
He's changed his position so many times it's a wonder he remembers his own name.
Just ask anyone from MA.

hey mity, why dont you and joe smith take a hike!!! thats the most retarded coment i have heard. f the republiucans. why dont u tell the trueth. your party wants to burn, set on fire, everyone but the rich!!

This man has no credibility, he's a chameleon. NO core. That's why someone like Guiliani, even with all his personal baggage is still leading Republican national polls. Money can buy votes but it can't buy authenticity.

I have read Mr. Romney's comments. Giving a vague, general, and unfair assessment of a debate tells who he will be as a president.

No one, on either side of the political spectrum has as much experience as New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. If you look at his vitae it will blow you away. Forget about Clinton, forget about Obama, look at Richardson.

This is to all those clowns who keep talking about Romney's blunder about his sons in the military. If that is the best u guys got he will definitely do well in the primarys. He's too perfect. Family pet on the roof of the car. Clean cut family. Mormon. Money. He is the best candidate on both sides, and his organization will continue to grow. Be very afraid Democrats... He's coming. I really hope Hillary makes it to the general, because Romney will eat her up. She has skeletons no one has talked about yet.
GO ROMNEY!!!

It's patently ridiculous for anyone to claim that Obama has "...almost no experience." He has significant experience and, better yet, he is a leader with the good judgement and character needed to make good decisions. He has a record of bringing people together and inspiring people to act in a positive way; from his community organizing days in Chicago to passing ethics reform in the state of Illinois.

With Mitt having an MBA, he should appreciate a good case study, so let's consider the case of the Iraq vote. Barack sure nailed that one, didn't he? He had the foresight to see that it was a bad move. He had the same general information we all did and he chose wisely, despite the prevailing political winds at the time.

From what I know about the Republican candidates, I'd have to say Ron Paul is probably the only one from that group that I'd vote for. Perhaps McCain or even Huckabee, but definitely not Romney, Giuliani or the others.

All you Mitt fans should check out his record as Governor of Massachusetts, as this one four year term is the sum total of his experience in politics.

During Romney's tenure he raised property taxes and corporate taxes (hurt middle-class and workers) while attempting to cut the top state income tax rate (looking out for himself and his rich friends). The voter backlash against this self-serving flip-flopper was stunning in 2006 - for the first time in 17 years, there is now a democrat governor in Mass, and he won by a landslide.

Mitt Romney should worry about his own short-comings. He has to answer the flip flop charges. In this age of Youtube and the Daily Show, its hard hide the embarassing statements from the past. Then, he has to decide how much distance to put between himself and George Bush. Does he really try to defend the last seven years of ineptitude? Finally, there's the war in Iraq. If George Bush gets his way and we are still in the middle of this quagmire next year, it will be the number one issue in the election. It will also be the number one issue in the exit polls in November of '08. Romney is on the losing end of that discussion.

Mitt Romney is the ultimate chameleon who'll say anything and pander to anyone in order to get elected. Run for senator in Massachusetts and you're pro-choice, run for president as a Republican and you're pro-life. I'm afraid I can't take the "life-long" hunter seriously.

Wait wait wait wait. Romney was governor of a state for four years, the latter part of which was spent pre-campaigning for president rather than governing, and he has the balls to criticize others' experience? And ROMNEY criticizing DEMOCRATS' ideas? The insanity of it is borne out by recent history, facts, and popular sentiment, which is in agreement with Dems on every issue. CNN, please don't publish this drivel.

Wow! Evan, Boca Raton... I've been following your thread as well and noticed you just love to attack people with different views from yours. Chill! Everyone is entitled to their opinion – including you. Now for your questions, maybe I can help. For a long list of Governor Romney's accomplishments please visit his website: mittromney.com. You know what else? Unlike Hillary's healthcare proposal, Governor Romney's actually passed here in Massachusetts.

Eddie, OH... Romney's Mormon faith is just old news. We all know that he is a proud member of his church.

How did Mitt vote on the Evolution question?

I have yet to see a republican debate that was actually that a "debate" its normally a bunch of name calling, Bill Clinton hating,and pretty much the same crap that this country has been doing for the past 8 years and thats nothing! I wonder when mitt will actually say something that has to do with changing this country

Romney, you are inexpereince candidate. For the domestic and international issues, it is so complicated for you ! May be you can only take care of your family business and become a very rich man again. And you won't win people's voters.

When Glove learns how to take care of a dog I will listen to what he has to say. Until then, his opinions aren't worth the gum on the sole of my shoe.

Dear Jake, you have only one vote, how do you know million people's mind? I see, you are Republican. Also where did you get that idea "Mitt accomplished more than Hillary? Are you talking about success of faith, business or governor? We are talking about PRESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATION.
Maria, Obama wishes but there's no comparison between JK and BO. SORRY!

I think it was the wrong idea to strap your dog in a crate on top of the family truckster and take a long road trip, Clark Griswold, er, Romney. You'll never get my vote.

Gotta love the guy who says if called upon he'd serve – now there's a patriot . . . when he feels he has no choice!

Rock oN!

I like how Romney crafts his comments. He speaks in a gentlemanly way when he criticizes and does not hit harshly or unfairly. He seems like a strong man, well grounded and with an enviable track record as a husband and Father. He is also intelligent and very articulate. I am liking him more and more as I hear him speak.
J

Brad of Dixon, CA writes:

“In response to David from Salinas, CA…
Joe Biden has more foreign policy experience in his index finger than Senator Clinton, or any of the Democratic Nominees. So if foreign policy is important to you (and I hope it is) then why defend Clinton?”

Brad,

I defended Senator Clinton because I admire her and she was unfairly attacked. However, if you look at the postings under the Biden story on this page you’ll see I praised his foreign policy positions as well, and even posted a link to his web site. I think he’d make a great President.

I am still undecided but I am delighted with the quality of the Democratic field. I see no point in attacking fellow Democrats.

Let’s save the criticism for those that deserve it: the failed incumbent administration and the highly unqualified Republican candidates who support Bush’s irresponsible Iraq policy.

Thanks for your comment.

At first, Romney's switch to the offense – taking on all of the Democrats en masse – seems about as much a foible as Barack Obama's knee-jerk agreement to meet with a list of rogue nations during his first year in office.

But in the world of politics, Romney has just hit a solid single, if not a double or triple.

For far too long, Romney has been tagged "the Mormon candidate." It's a label he can't win with. His initial response was to pull a JFK and say he doesn't take questions about religion, but standing mute has only created a mystery.

And why? Because nice-guy Mitt, the affable Republican-next-door, is so easily forgettable that the only way he'd stand out is as "the Mormon candidate."

So now Mitt is learning to stand out, to be a flavor, to kick up a storm if he must, so that people will have something to grab onto other than "Mitt the Mormon."

Of course, starting a brawl with all of the Democratic candidates may not be the answer. The world already has one Bill O'Reilly. It doensn't need more. But if Romney can find these openings in which to stand out, he might have a chance of doing more than financing barbecues in Iowa.

The media takes no hesitation in labeling Obama inexperienced, reminds me of how they negatively portrayed Al Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004. So one must wonder why they do not attack and keep in front of the people Romneys documented flip flopping? Must be that old 'liberal bias' at work again I guess.

In response to David from Salinas, CA...

Joe Biden has more foreign policy experience in his index finger than Senator Clinton, or any of the Democratic Nominees. So if foreign policy is important to you (and I hope it is) then why defend Clinton? You've got the wrong person for the job.

I'm glad Mitt Romney has come out to call the Democratic Debates what they really are: a load of nonsense.

Next thing you know the Romney supporters will be talking about how voters are allowed to ask question when 'Ask Mitt' comes to town. Only a slight problem, you have to be Mormon or a vetted volunteer to asked a question.

Several of the people on a conference call in a State where my sister lives heard the ground rules and when asked questions about them were told that's the way it is.

At one event his campaign claimed 4500 when it was 350 people there and some real Republican activists walked out at the Ask Mitt event when all the questions were softball.

Mitt has experience to be President? Guess if we want a flip flopper that compares his sons supporting his run for President with serving in the military, he would qualify.

To Steve, TX

As for the war in Iraq, I hope the country stabilizes as soon as possible and that we can gradually start bringing our troop home.

Whatever you think of the rationale for the war, the decision we have to make today is what to do next. A failure to stabilize Iraq would lead to genocide and could spill over into a much wider regional war. We cannot afford that.

Often, many people who argue in favor of a rapid US withdrawal say fail to consider what the costs and consequences of such an action would be. They are, unfortunately, disastrous.

As for the volunteer army vs the draft, each has its benefits and disadvantages. I agree with your point that politicians could be more likely to drag us into wars if they knew their families would not be affected. On the other hand, a volunteer army allows us to have a smaller, better-trained force composed of people who want to serve their country. It is probably easier to fight wars with a well-prepared military than to deal with all the draft issues. It also gives us more flexibility to intervene when we see a problem – just think about all the political hand-wringing we'd have to go through if we had to act against an argent threat but also needed to use the draft. Little would get done. And in a time of unconventional and asymmetric warfare (as opposed to the earlier clashes of large, conventional armies), that is pretty dangerous.

The net benefits of a volunteer army, in my opinion, outweigh the net benefits of the draft. But if draft was reinstated (which is quite unlikely) and I was called upon to serve, I would.

This, btw, will be my last post in this thread – not because I don't think we're having an interesting conversation (we are!) but because I need to get other things done today and I've spent enough time on the web.

In any case, it's been a pleasure and I wish you all the best.

Steve,

Just an FYI Mitt was not the owner of the night club. The daughter that was missing was the daughter of one of his employees in Boston. She had been in New York and went to some night club and went missing. When Mitt found out he shut down his office and flew to New York and brought several of his employees with him to help search for this girl. Because of his efforts they were able to find the girl. I am pretty sure that if I told my work my daughter was missing all they would do is give me a card. It takes real integrity and character do do what he did. Next time make sure you know the facts before you speak about somthing.

John

Mitt Light aka"Flip-Flopper....now that's a good candidate for you. Keeping in step with the Republican mantra of attack the opposition. I am so sick of all the divisiveness. Mitt has accomplished "what" in politics. I think the Repubs bite the dust in this one.

Posted By Ann : August 19, 2007 4:24 pm.

I consider myself asked, he is an exceptional human being, good family man, outstanding businessman, smart and the best part is that he has no problem hammering this President when he disagrees with him.

Easily the best Republican candidate and along with Joe Biden for the Democrats, would make an excellent next President.

I agree with him on many things, but not all, frankly the only person I agree with on everything is me...

I wouldn't even buy a "new" car from the Mittster

Rock oN!

Every time I see so called "experienced" candidates throwing shots at Barack Obama I wonder what's the trade off – what posts in future administration were they promised to do dirty job for Hillary?.. as for Mr. Romney, he probably just needs to divert attention from his ridiculous comments about his sons not fighting in Iraq.
Just a thought: John Kennedy was 43 when he was elected president.He remains one of the most inspiring U.S. Presidents.What was his "executive" experience?

To Mark, NH

Funny that you should use the "lighten up" phrase, I mean I probably should but Romney the other day said that to a critic not remembering that the "Snowman" at the You-Tube had said the same thing to him for critisizing the entire event, particularly politicians having to answer questions from a snowman.

Anyway, more seriously, you say that you're sure that I support an all volunteer military, well I just happen to support the draft and here's why. I don't know your opinion of this war but I can decipher form your comments that you support it. Which fits well with your support for Romney because he happens to want to expand the military to sustain troops in Iraq. If these are his plans, and he has said as much, why should he continue to wage a war whose only casualties are the troops and their families? Which is where my support for the draft comes in, if this war is truly a war for the future of ALL our kids, like we're often told, then the burden and sacrifice should be by ALL of us, if you disagree with this rationale, please give me a reason. It's easy for people like Romney to want to keep troops fighting, his kids and loved ones will never be in harms way, so to that I say, let's bring back the draft and see how eager Romney and the like are to wage unnecessary wars. Why should only some people's sons and daughters continue to pay the price while others sit back and cheer as loud as they can, "We support our troops!!?" And by other people I mean the poor and middle class citizens.

Look Mark, you seem to be a reasonable, guy, but having boardroom experience doesn't make a good president, it might make one, but they won't be any good, we've all seen that over the last 8 years. As far as the experience you quote goes, it doesn't supercede good judgement, and Romney fails in that aspect. All the experience in the world couldn't win John McCain a presidential election if hell froze over. In addition, Romney does not resonate with the man on the street, his corporate background will not let him and to top all that up is his lack of freshness, he's not bringing anything new to the table, he's pledging to do all the things that we're doing wrong now. I think you're backing a losing candidate mark.

There goes Mr. Flip Flop – at it again. He is just jealous that he is out of the spotlight today and had to throw a little mud. Why at Obama? I agree with Lavelle – because he is threatened by him and his ability to unite...a true threat for all Republicans who thrive on just the opposite.

OBAMA 08!

For some reason im trying to figure out why is it that Obama is getting so many shots thrown his way. He must be either leading or just a threat. But He must be doing something right if Romenator keeps talking about him.

Jake,
yes, I read Marks comments and I still very much agree with Steve... Not long ago in Texas we actually had a governor who was elected president, his name is George Bush...so much for a great "executive" experiences...no,at this time the world and our country does not need another rich businessman in the oval office...

Ask the folks of Mass. if they like Mr. Romney.

Mark,
Well said. Whether you agree with Romney's positions or not, any intellectually honest individual would have to admit that Romney is extremely qualified to serve as President. In fact, there isn't any other candidate in the field currently that has a more successful record than Romney.

Hello Mark, Princeton, NJ,

You say Romney is the best choice for you, but can you tell me why you chose Romney over Ron Paul..

Thanks.

Mitt is an idiot.

David – Sorry man, but being part of a committee is no experience at all. These senators don't even show up their committee's meetings and when they do nothing gets solved. There's nothing like going out there and actually meeting with people and seeing the globe. Being part of Congress is in no way preparation for the top position in the executive branch.

Sure Romney doesn't have the experience either. But how many actually do? Only one that comes to mind is Rudy Giuliani who has consulted with something like 70 nations on their soil about security (as part of his business venture).

Mark of Princeton, NJ writes of Gov. Romney:

“Yes, he is a millionaire but he *earned* his money.”

Romney’s fortune of approximately $250 million was acquired as a corporate raider, doing leveraged buy-outs with junk bonds, bankrupting American companies, firing union workers and sending their jobs overseas.

I’d rather not see Gordon Gekko in the White House.

To Steve, Houston, TX

Lighten up slightly. Why the vitriol?

My post was meant to show that Romney has executive experience (much needed in a president), is a proven leader and has character. I stand by that.

Yes, he is a millionaire but he *earned* his money. He is a successful businessman with great judgment.

I agree with you that misspoke about his sons. But if you go back to the video of that answer (at one of the Ask Mitt Anything) meeting, you will see that his remark has been exaggerated and taken out of context. He, of course, honor the sacrifice that American are making (and whose effort, by the way, the Democrats are intent on undermining – some of them apparently believe that the success of the surge would be bad news), but he also realizes that America has a volunteer army. Let's keep it that way. I'm sure you agree.

Now tell me which Democratic candidate even comes close to Governor Romney. Especially when it comes to running things and getting things done. I just don't see any.

And by the way, I am a fiscally conservative, socially moderate/liberal independent who wants to vote for the most competent candidate with the best vision for American and the experience to make things happen – and I don't particularly care what party the candidate is from. From what I've seen so far, Governor Romney is the best.

Maria,
Did you read Mark's comments?? You know, the long list of qualifications Romney has.... I'll bet if you actually looked at his record you'd be impressed. There's not a democrat that holds a candle to Romney's record of successes other than Hillary (whom has admittedly accomplished much- see how that rational thought process works) but let's be honest, Hillary can't win a general election, too many Americans hate her!

Please people, Republican, Democrat or whoever, look at the issues that affect Americans and see who has the most logical answers for our problems...not just short term, but long term as well and also why we have these problems...

Ron Paul is the only canidate who has not only the logic and answers, but the solutions which would take this nation back to a status in which other nations and citizen would like to emulate.

Ron Paul 2008

To Mark, Princeton, NJ

Your examples of what Romney has done is absolutely laughable, he's an obscenly wealthy and successful businessman so that qualifies him to be president??? Ha haa....I know 20 other millionaires in America, are they experts in foreign relations too because they may run international businesses? A colleague's kid disappears from one of HIS clubs and he's a hero because he shut down his office to help look for her? Please, it's the least he could have dine being the owner of the club, it's called damage control, and don't think for a second he would have bothered doing the same for my or your kid simply because he doesn't know you and doesn't care. Oh, and whatever you said he did as governor of MA, that was his job for heaven's sake, that is exactly what the good people of MA paid him to do, so don't give him kudos for doing exactly what he was paid to do.

I'll tell you what though, Mitt Romney thinks that his sons driving around in SUVs to campaign for him is equal to patrolling the streets of Baghdad, he said as much, how could he possibly be all those nice things you called him?? I'll give you a fact, the only reason Romney is where he is in popularity is coz he has money to burn, we all saw what money can do for you in the Iowa straw poll. He has flip-flopped on key issues like abortion rights and immigration, he will say anything to get elected, he did it in Massachusetts when running for Gov. and he's doing it again now. Good thing that most folks can see through that and because of such good people, Romney will never set foot in the WH as president.....sad for you and the rest of the 13% support he hold with Republicans, which translates to 13% nationwide), but also VERY TRUE.

Joe Biden was the most impressive along with Obama and Clinton was a let down at the debate. The problem I have with Romney is that he will attack a Democrat but will not say how or what he would do on the issue. Seriously, is doubling Gitmo and another surge in Iraq realistic

What right does Mit Romney or any Republican candidate have to critique a Democratic debate? The Republicans are only handed softball questions and and wont even discuss such important issues as global warming, healthcare, etc. These guys talk about four things, abortion, gay marriage, terror, and stay the course. That's it. They are about as inspired or aware of the world around them as an overripe watermelon.

Especially Romney. He deals only in whats convienent. He says nothing new. He says stuff like his sons are best serving their country not in Iraq but on his campaign.

God help us if they retain office.

...and Mitt Romney is just another pretty face...that's also pretty much all he has going for him (despite his millions).... Those 1000 votes in Iowa sure gave him a lot of confidence, so please, just focus on your Republican gang, you will need it...

Evan,
I'm not xtina but I can answer your question.

Anyone who examines Mitt Romney's long record of success and concludes he is unqualified to be President, does not know what he/she is talking about. This guy has founded a private equity firm which has been instrumental in getting companies like Staples and Domino's Pizza started (and yes, that creates jobs). He has erased the budget deficit in Massachussetts. He has saved the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, a few month after the shock of 9/11 and after a string of corruption scandals had compromised the previous administrators of the games. He has character – he once closed down his office in New York to search, along with his investment banker friends, for a colleague's teenage daughter who was missing after a party at one onf the clubs. He is also unfailingly polite, positive and optimistic about the future – unlike the Democrats who are all doom and gloom these days.

Go Mitt!

Wow, Romney took a shot at Democrats. And this is news why?

Mr. Romney compares his sons' work for his campaign to serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan, so obviously his views on the Democratic debates are to be given all the attention and consideration they are due. That is to say, none.

Romney should be critical. The Democratic Debate was horrible, far beyond JUST bad. Not one 'so-called candidate' has any 'Presidential Presence' or Presidential Speech delivery....nothwithstanding....NO QUALIFICATIONS to be the next President.

xtina...here you are again showing your bias...I knew I would find you in a mitt romney thread! Let me ask you again xtina since you seem to hide from answering the question I posed to you in 4 other threads...Since you are so critical of what qualifies the Democrats to be President, what qualifies a flip-flopper like Mitt Romney to be President??? Or Fred Thompson? You won't answer because you are clueless.

Senator Clinton was a senior policy advisor in the Clinton White House and has been on the Armed Services Committee for two terms in the United States Senate. She is one of the most recognized and best informed political leaders on the planet.

Gov. Romney has no foreign policy experience.

I could look at Mitt for eight years. He's purty.

Mitt is right because if you listen to the questions posed at the Democratic-led debates, they are all about what "would" you do as President. Well, anyone can get up there and say what they "would" do.

Ask these candidates "what have you done?" that qualifies you for the Presidency. That forces them to tell us about their successes, instead of making promises.