November 28, 2007
Posted: 12:30 PM ET

Romney took some time off the campaign trail for some touch-football.

ST. PETERSBURGH, Florida (CNN) — Mitt Romney used a little physical activity to prepare for tonight’s CNN/YouTube Republican presidential debate. The former Massachusetts governor joined in a game of touch football this morning with his sons and supporters at a park in St. Petersburg.

Romney is on top in the most recent polls in Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two states to vote in the primary process. But here in Florida, he’s in second place, 21 points behind former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll that released yesterday.

– CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser

Filed under: Mitt Romney


Jan, Boise, ID   December 1st, 2007 4:09 am ET

Romney's sons stayed home from Iraq to work hard and pay taxes to fund the war. Someone has to stay home and pay the bills. One of my sons flies A-10s and served in Operation Enduring Freedom. The other son started a business, pays taxes and supports his brother's efforts in defending our country. We all have our roles to play. Romney's sons are great citizens too. Thanks to all who do whatever they can do!

Anonymous   November 28th, 2007 8:56 pm ET

If Romney made a touchdown, I would vote for him; otherwise, I might choose Richardson as he might be a better ping pong player.

Steve, Tampa   November 28th, 2007 8:45 pm ET

Scott, I served from '66 to '70 and my daughter's husband commanded a Bradley for 15 months in Iraq. Like Dan in Athens said, why shouldn't the rich kids be willing to defend their country. And who's going to pay for this war? Our kids and grandkids, that's who. Anyway, may your daughter come home safely.

Scott, Yokosuka Japan   November 28th, 2007 5:10 pm ET

Steve, what is he supposed to do? Everyone who's children aren't in Iraq are supposed to shut down their lives in a show of support?

My daughter is in Iraq. Where are YOUR kids?

Dan, Athens GA   November 28th, 2007 4:55 pm ET

Seems to me that if his sons can play football, they can contribute to their country's defense in Iraq. I lost a leg over there and for these pampered rich kids to just goof off boils my blood. Their dad claims that thier service on his campaign equals my service in Iraq. That disgusts me.

Dan, Ocean NJ   November 28th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

Why don't you try listening to the man, not unbasedly critizing him. He is not George W. Bush. Even though I disagree with Romney and Bush, at least I give them the respect of evaluating their ideas. Please grow up America, this isn't a shouting match, this is the Presidential election of the United States.

Vote Mormon   November 28th, 2007 4:22 pm ET

Hey Jake Paterson, Fairfax, VA & Steve, TAMPA its a voluntary military his sons don't have to be in Iraq if they don't want to be…

That's why we live in AMERICA "Land of the free"

Idiots…..

Todd, Phoenix   November 28th, 2007 4:19 pm ET

As far as Mitt and his sons avoiding the military, shouldn't we criticize every young man and women who doesn't?

karen nj   November 28th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

no fair tackling !! it's supposed to be touch football

aj huntington ny   November 28th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

WOW ! he appears much younger than his 60 years and very athletic . Thanks for the news that he leads in NH.

If the mitt fits you must commit

Jon B Olathe KS   November 28th, 2007 2:57 pm ET

Rochelle…

John McCain can't lift his arms above his head because of the TORTURE he was subjected to in Hanoi, while Romney was dodging the draft in France…

Who know's maybe the government can just be another NFL franchise…god knows it has enough sponsors to please.

Joseph, Grand Rapids, MI   November 28th, 2007 2:54 pm ET

What is rare about this story is a father taking the time to do anything with his sons. Maybe we can all learn something from Romney and his family. Whats wrong with a little bit of physical activity? If it was Thompson playing he would have a heart attack! He looks like he will kill over at any minute! :)

Nick, Bournemouth, England   November 28th, 2007 2:43 pm ET

Playing ball with your kids in front of a election banner is political, but think about it, his sons are there with him on the field. A strong America needs strong American families and if people cry out that this man has spent some time with his grown sons playing an all American sport, let them ask themselves, when was the last time they did?

Dan (Columbia, MD)   November 28th, 2007 2:08 pm ET

It's a all volunteer military, Steve. Did your father force you into military service? Why would you expect Romney to do the same. Last time I checked his sons were not running for President.

As far as Romney playing football goes - cool. I'm sure he's putting long hours in campaigning. Nothing wrong with blowing off some steam and getting some exercise. If more Americans did the same thing we wouldn't be the fattest nation on the planet.

J. Stiles, Trenton, NJ   November 28th, 2007 1:56 pm ET

Instead of "Let them eat cake." it's now "Let them play and watch football." while the republic falls apart and war rages on. Enough of smarmy politicos! We need statespeople. But … where are they???

Jim C., Atlantic City, NJ   November 28th, 2007 1:54 pm ET

That's some tough-as-nails journalism right there.

And, ya, like it wasn't just another photo-op. nothing says wholsomeness like the whole family playing flag football. Reminds me of the old Zima commercials.

Jake Paterson, Fairfax, VA   November 28th, 2007 1:50 pm ET

If he is so "fit" then how come he dodged service in Vietnam by being an annoying Bible salesman in France? Why aren't his sons in Iraq?

Rob Wilms Los Angeles, Ca.   November 28th, 2007 1:50 pm ET

That's flag, not touch, football. Who's your fact-checker?

Scott, WP, CO   November 28th, 2007 1:44 pm ET

Seriously. Why do they even use terms like "taking a break from the campaign trail." Lame. It was totally a political thing.

W. Rick Garr, Fort Lauderdale, Florida   November 28th, 2007 1:37 pm ET

That's not touch football. That's flag football. I'd say they need some unelected federal judges to referee.

Dood, Reality USA   November 28th, 2007 1:29 pm ET

When Al Gore did the football game for the cameras thing, CNN criticized him.

When a Repub does it, it's a wholesome thing. Thank you, "liberal media".

D. Endo, Honolulu HI   November 28th, 2007 1:28 pm ET

I think his politics are the stuff made of too many football games without a helmet.

Patrick, Minneapolis, MN   November 28th, 2007 1:27 pm ET

Sure, he can throw a ball, but can he play political football in Washington? We've already suffered through one President who doesn't play well with others, I'm not sure America is ready for another.

M.R. in L.A., CA   November 28th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

Romney didn't take "some time off the campaign trail" Look at that giant banner in the background. The football field is the campaign trail!

Rochelle, Milan   November 28th, 2007 1:10 pm ET

He's definitely athletic. I saw him on a New England sport fishing TV-show and he randomly offered to jet ski from the boat, which he did with prowess, far better than the host could I might add. I also hear he eats carefully. Everything else aside, at least he's physically fit to be president. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of Governor Bill "Double-Chin" Richardson, 71-year-old John "I Can't Move My Arms Above My Head" McCain, Ron "Goofy Old Geezer" Paul, and Mike "Taco Bell" Huckabee, not to mention Vice President Dick "I Have Heart Troubles Even Though I Don't Have a Heart" Cheney.

Gordon, Boston, Ma   November 28th, 2007 1:07 pm ET

Hopefully he's more coordinated than John Kerry was… ha, he was hilarious.

Dean   November 28th, 2007 1:05 pm ET

sign him up, i hear the dolphins can use all the help they can get right now.

Steve, TAMPA   November 28th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

How nice that Romney's sons have time for football while other peoples' sons (and daughters) are dying in Iraq.

Matt, Sarasota FL   November 28th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

looks like it was flag football to me

JC Ohio   November 28th, 2007 1:02 pm ET

Who cares? blah blah blah blah blah…

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