Hmmm, ah yes, lost souls…like a 14 year old who goes to a rave, gets trashed, nearly ODs on drugs, and then hooks up with some guy for a few days. Funny how that was left out of the ad. Helping search for the girl was commendable, but warping the incident for his own political gain is sleazy.

I'm not swayed by these kinds of ads, I look at the bigger picture. Many people are saying this was misleading, but y'know what? The single fact that he helped that man…not whether they found her, or why she was missing…is the important point here. Good work and that says a lot about the character of Romney as a man.

Romney has gone blitz even before Iowa. Senator McCain just might BEAT you in both NH and Iowa Romney! Save your negative ads for Super Tuesday!! You will need a lot of help that day!!!

Go Hillary44 08!

Angel, Los Angeles of Anaheim: What was his daughter doing there in the first place?

Believer: He doesn't have a daughter, it was someone else's. Read the story more carefully.

Angel: That doesn't make sense. Rich Republicans kids taking drugs is killing America. Obama is the solution.

Believer: ??? You make no sense at all. But apparently you're convinced Obama can swoop in and save us all. Does he have a cape and drive an Obama-mobile?

Angel: uh… that's all I had - Republicans are evil.

I'm glad Mitt Romney's so afraid of New York - let's hope he stays away forever!

Stick with the issues.

ROMNEY FOR THE ECONOMY!
2008

Did Romney take his cue from TheHillaryIKnow.com website?

Maybe Mitt could send a team to Aruba to find Natalee Holloway?

Just a thought.

Many commentors here do not get the point. Mitt Romney's business partner's daughter essentially ran away. Mitt was committed enough to his sphere of responsibility and concern, that he did whatever it took to solve the problem. That's what he does, he solves problems, just like he will solve the problems in Washington.

This story wasn't about Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, slamming NYC or anthing that various comments have accused it of. It was simply to show a candidate for president who is a profoundly decent man who values family and people above money or status, and has the leadership abilities to get the job done.

I found this one line particularly interesting:

"The 14-year-old had disappeared after attending a rave in the city in 1996, when Rudy Giuliani was still mayor."

Nice dig on Giuliani, but I expect such underhanded behavior from Romney. Why didn't you mention that when you were Governor on MA in 2006 there were 186 murders and 1,742 forcible rapes? Crime happens, unfairly slipped in the ad. Not to mention New York was transformed under Giuliani. Anyone that's every lived in NYC knows the difference.

Good example Mitt. The best message of Christmas is to take action and DO something that JESUS would have us DO for our fellow man, instead of just talking about stuff from a pulpit. Sounds like a very Christian thing to me. Smart Christmas massage Mitt.

Wayne, how ignorant can you honeslty be??? Last time I checked, NO ONE was drafted into this war. NO ONE went into Iraq unwillingly. NO ONE made ANYONE sign up for the military! That was all done by choice. You are incredibly insulting to those men and woman who face bombs, guns, grenades and the like all while you sit on your duff and act like you know something!!

What does it matter that his kids never served in the military? When was that a requirement? Rembember, Romney didn't send us to war, Bush did. Maybe you should be attacing his daughters? SOmething tells me you wouldn't be above that!!

The comments here from various liberal democrats about this amazing story tells decent human beings all they need to know about the left. I know the republicans suck but each and every one of them has so much more charecter, values, morals, common decency, and love in their hearts than liberal democrats.

I hate to say it but it is the truth. If this girl is the daughter of a republican, then almost every liberal Democrat in America wishes that she would have been found dead. It hurts to say it, I want to think they are better, but read their comments all over the net, they just are not. Ask yourself, is there really that much evil in you that it rots your soul to the point that you can be a liberal Democrat? Know the type of people you are siding with and what it is that you really are supporting when you vote Democrat, if you accept the truth then I welcome your republican vote next November. Thank you

For someone to use the resources they have available to good end is what ordinary people do every day. Look at it like this: if a boat sinks in the ocean it's tragic. If the largest boat sinks (Titanic) it's still tragic, the story just seems more dramatic. It is when people go above and beyond their means and commit to self sacrifice that actions become heroic. Though this story sounds big, his actions required no real self sacrifice, Mitt still had his hundreds of millions in his bank accounts. Was what he did a good thing? Yes. However, if Mitt truly exemplified self sacrifice for the common good surely you would think at least one out of his five sons would have become motivated by his father's example and would have decided to serve this country in uniform. Especially as so many other sons and daughters in this country have since 9/11. Oh, that's right, when asked about this Mitt said "his sons are serving the country by campaigning for him"(you can look it up). Want to look at a candidate and a family who exemplify self sacrifice? Then look at John McCain and his boys currently serving in uniform, risking not a minuscle amount of their money, instead risking their very lives for this country. I welcome any Mitt fans to respond.

He brought a team of people from Massachusetts to NYC. On whose dime? For a business associate?

And here is this guys Daughter, who is FOURTEEN years old, off somewhere, anywhere, attending a Rave? OK, we konw what's going on here.

Yet Mitt feels it the smart thing to alienate New Yorkers with his comment "The partners, however, are still taking stock of their visit to the dark corners of New York, putting up posters and talking to runaways outside seedy nightclubs and peep shows. Romney said he can't escape some of the images he carries with him from his week in the New York underworld. 'It was a shocker,' he said. 'The number of lost souls was astounding…" Where was she found? In some seedy nightspot? In a shooting gallery full of crack addicted wanton women?

NO! She went missing after she traveled to New York from Ridgefield, Co. on her own, took Ecstasy at a concert on Randall's Island, ended up at a party under the Whitestone Bridge in The Bronx, where she met a boy there who took her to his house in New Jersey, and stayed with him for a few days, too embarrassed to call her parents and have them come get her.

Yet this is the picture Mitt wants America to have of NYC? I'm sure the MILLIONS of visitors we have here every year know much better than that!

I dub this the "Tawana Brawley Factor" for the obvious spin of the missing young girl, who went out on her own, and got more than she wanted and went too far!

HaHaHaHa Mitt, you ass! You phony arrogant moron!

Wayne, Greenville TX:

You are not impressed with anything about Mitt Romney because 1) you don't want to be impressed, 2) you are not looking for anything that would impress you and 3) you hate every single Republican out there. You are a sad soul, Wayne.

As to Gov. Romney, one of these days he will make a great president for our beloved country America. He's got the necessary LEADERSHIP and executive EXPERIENCE to lead us into the future.

Good work, Governor! Keep it up!

Is this an indication of what we can expect from his "inspired" leadership? Is he gonna go into crisis mode at every turn?

Some of you folks may see evidence of fine leadership in this story - I see a hotshot who decided to do the Police department's job.

I'm still not impressed with anything about Mitt Romney. And don't tell me about his business skills - George W. Bush has an MBA from Harvard, and he's the worst leader this country has ever had.

The girl was not Romney's daughter - she was the daughter of a business associate. Romney has five sons, none of whom have served in the military. In other words, Romney is another chickenhawk who has no trouble sending other people's kids off to die.

Posted By Wayne, Greenville TX : December 19, 2007 3:13 pm

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, I present to you what is wrong with this country in a nutshell.

I would be the FIRST to say "good job" to any other candidate that did this REGARDLESS of the party affiliation, but not old Wayne here, nah, Mitt panicked and somehow this young girl was saved and her FATHER thinks enough of Mitt in "crisis mode", that he wants everyone to know about it.

Mitt actually balanced a few budgets, ran a few companies, saved the Olympics etc, etc, but he is as dumb as Bush because, well, he is a Republican, achievment means nothing even when the facts prove it.

Just for the record Wayne, my two beloved Senators, Kerry who had worse grades than Bush and Ted Kennedy, who got thrown out of Harvard for cheating are not in Romney's league when it comes to intellect.

As for Mitt not "sending his kids off", the last time I checked the military was a volunteer one, at least it was when I proudly volunteered and served allowing Wayne free speech on any subject.

But then again in "Wayne's world", words mean more than actions as in "ready to lead, from day one".

Nuff said.

any one who runs as a christian candidate is making an oxymoronic statement. what would jesus do?

Would Mitt have considered doing this for the 14 year old daughter of an inner city slum dweller? I guess it really is "who you know" that counts and unfortunately, those who "know" are those who will reap the benefits of a Romney presidency.

Poor Melissa! Hey, I dislike Rudy just as much as I dislike Mitt, but come on… telling me that this happened in 1996 when Rudy was mayor; seems to me the problem would be with Robert Gay, the girl's father, for allowing a 14 year old girl to attend a rave in the city. It's the same double standard that is used with Natalie Holloway. What were the parents thinking? What kind of people does Mitt Romney hang out with?

Why did he let his 14-year old daughter attend a rave in New York City? Is this really something he wants to publicize?

Posted By anon New York, NY : December 19, 2007 12:03 pm

The girl was not Romney's daughter - she was the daughter of a business associate. Romney has five sons, none of whom have served in the military. In other words, Romney is another chickenhawk who has no trouble sending other people's kids off to die.

This is an awesome story, if you get a chance, watch the video or read about the story in it's entirety. Romney stopped everything at his company and transported a whole lot of people to New York for the express purpose of recovering this 14 year old girl.

Posted By Shawnie Cannon, Grants Pass OR : December 19, 2007 11:00 am

Is this an indication of what we can expect from his "inspired" leadership? Is he gonna go into crisis mode at every turn?

Some of you folks may see evidence of fine leadership in this story - I see a hotshot who decided to do the Police department's job.

I'm still not impressed with anything about Mitt Romney. And don't tell me about his business skills - George W. Bush has an MBA from Harvard, and he's the worst leader this country has ever had.

The fact that the kid shouldn't have been in NYC for a rave is exactly the point. I'm sure Romney recognized allowing a 14-year-old to go to a rave in NYC was a bad idea, but he still went beyond the call of duty to rescue her.

It's absurd to think he was taking a passing shot at Rudy Giuliani (via his "lost souls" comment) fully twelve years before either of them decided to vie for the presidency.

I wonder if one of the lost souls was Hillary looking for Bill.

This does nothing to show why anyone would vote for Mitt. I guess if you park your shell companies off shore you can afford to fund rescue operations to that evil New York city.
The fact that he did this is really a great thing. The fact that he is now using it as a political ad is disgusting. Mr. Romney, you have already earned your reward for this event. Too bad it won't get you elected President.

"I do rather enjoy the comment about the "lost souls" in NY though. Get the hell over yourselves, they're "lost" according to you. You, a slave to the doctrine of a recently reformed racist, polygamist, bigoted organization, are a "lost soul" to me, an agnostic."

haha… love it. I really can't understand how people can't see this guy for the scumbag he is…

We should all know by now that
spoiled rich white girls are the
most valuable commodity in the world.
Would he had done this for the
poor black or latino family who
empties the trash at his offices or
cleans his house?

This is just another cheesy plow by
a guy thats mainly image and little
substance.Not that Hillary is any
better whith her phoney boo-hooing
the other day.

"Get the hell over yourselves, they're "lost" according to you. You, a slave to the doctrine of a recently reformed racist, polygamist, bigoted organization, are a "lost soul" to me, an agnostic.

Posted By Tom, Palm Beach, FL : December 19, 2007 11:58 am

——————–

Dude, get some help. Your name didn't appear in the article and Romney was refering to homeless kids and the seedy areas of NYC. I imagine you likely applaud homeless 14 yr olds that prostitute themselves to get drugs, alcohol, or whatever "fix" is required?

Brings a tear to my eye, yes it does. So…what is it he is selling? Oh yeah, he wants to "also" be the compassionate conservative we've heard so much about. What a windfall for the private sector–as all those federal programs are being outsourced creating "windfalls" of profit–and the loss of thousands of dedicated hard working, ungreedy civil servant jobs. Compassionate conservatism–keep the dependency programs of the government–just outsource them and sell stocks for profit–yeah!! Go capitalism!!

See Mr. McCain–you can still be a hero without having to be a POW! Look at Mr. Romney.

Believer,
That's total crap and you know it. Every rich Repub has kids that do nothing but promote the disgusting rch kid drug culture that is permeating America. They must be stopped. Barack has been there and escaped that life. He is the only one that knows how it works and how to stop it.
I don't know what you 'believe' in but it sure isn't the future of America.

Angel, Los Angeles of Anaheim - your lack of reasoning is shining through. It wasn't Mitt's daughter - he doesn't have a daughter. Not sure of the political affiliation of the man who worked for him, but should that even be important, the fact is his daughter was lost and now is found. Thanks to Mitt and a lot of good people who went to find her. That's all there is in this story. God Bless America.

This ad is ridiculous!

"Less talk, more action" is what this guy is all about.

I support him and I admit that, but look beyond the admitted buttoned down, clean cut persona and you have someone whose actions speak a lot louder than his words.

This happened just the way it is described, sorry if Rudy is offended.

He has PROVEN to be "Ready to lead from day one" and it is not some slogan simply written by a campaign, he has actually done it.

The simple FACT is that he has been in charge or taken charge of many types of situations, (Business, Government, Olympics and crisis’s).

What's her name was put in charge of Health care and her family, how well did those things get run?

And Steve from Charlotte, New Haven is in CT and it is the girls father who is thanking Romney in the ad.

What have you ever done to help save someone?

Nuff said.

If the Repubs want to push themseleves as America's conscience and the perfect parents, why was this 14 year old out of state at a freaking rave?
If that's how they control their kids, how are they going to control our country?
Oh yeah, the Bush twins have already answered that question.

Never mind, just vote Obama.

Why did he let his 14-year old daughter attend a rave in New York City? Is this really something he wants to publicize?

Posted By anon New York, NY : December 19, 2007 12:03
—————————————
Hey Anon,
How's your reading comprehension? It wasn't Romney's 14 year old daughter. He doesn't even have a daughter, he has five sons. Sheeesh where have you been? It was an employees daughter.

It doesn't surprise me a bit that Mitt Romney would do something like this. The man is outstanding! How many would re-route their business, personal life, and finances and organize an entire staff to find a missing child.

Meanwhile Huckabee is in SLC bashing millions of people in his anti-Mormon rally.

And Huckabee's running as the "Christian candidate". What an oxymoron.

Once again, Mitt Romney stands out in a race of otherwise mediocre candidates!

Yes, I realize New Haven is really in Connecticut… MY BAD.

You get my point though. This guy irritates me so much I forget my geography.

Steve From Charlotte:

New Haven is in Connecticut, but Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Lynn, etc….all fit the bill for sleaze ball cities, if we are to use Mitt's analysis

Why was a 14 year old girl at an all night rave on Randalls Island? Don't think NYC was the issue here. Seems like lax parenting to me.

What a sleazeball… To use this poor girl as a campaign prop, and at the same time try to smear one of his rivals in the guise of a "heartwarming" story. All the words I have to describe this guy would be rightfully censored by CNN.

Oh, and I'm sure no cities in Massachussets had a "seedy underbelly" while Sleazeball Mitt was governor… Boston, New Haven anyone? All becons of prosperity and hope for all citizens no doubt.

"Less talk, more action" is what this guy is all about.

I support him and I admit that, but look beyond the buttoned down, clean cut persona and you have someone whose actions speak a lot louder than his words.

This happened just the way it is described, sorry if Rudy is offended.

He has PROVEN to be "Ready to lead from day one" and it is not some slogan simply written by a campaign, he has actually DONE it.

The simple FACT is that he has been in charge or taken charge of many types of situations, (Business, Government, Olympics and crisis’s).

What's her name was put in charge of Health care and her family, how well did those things get run?

"I did not have sexual relations with that woman"…..

Nuff said.

Fox News is a huge Rudy supporter, Romney an incredibly successful executive shut down his company to look for a child and he is a sleazeball. Romney has accomplished things in business, he has raised 5 sons who have all been successful and support him. There is no question NYC city is a better place than it was back then and Rudy deserves credit for that but this story shows Mitt is a man of action and results.

Why did he let his 14-year old daughter attend a rave in New York City? Is this really something he wants to publicize?

He'd drop everything to help one of his close friends and fellow rich white guys. Thats not spectacular, thats marginally above average. That doesnt give me any indication that he'd be a good president, just that he's loyal to his friends and concerned for the well-being of them and their families. An admirable quality, but then again W meets those qualifications and we saw where that led us.

I do rather enjoy the comment about the "lost souls" in NY though. Get the hell over yourselves, they're "lost" according to you. You, a slave to the doctrine of a recently reformed racist, polygamist, bigoted organization, are a "lost soul" to me, an agnostic.

People following Mitt have heard this story. I'm glad it's finally making it out more publicly. Mitt is the real deal. It's the same skill he used to motivate thousands of volunteers on the fly to save the Olympics and what he's done in organizing a campaign. The man's the son of a successful CEO and is a natural leader himself. Standing back and looking at the candidates, I think all the other republicans were doing a good job and should go back to their old jobs: McCain's a great legislator and we need him there. Mike H. is more suited to be the governor of a conservative state. Ron Paul can be a gadfly in the Congress. Mitt's our best candidate for the executve position of President.

I lived in New Orleans for a few years, and I found it hilarious how Republicans and Southerners in general mythologize New York City as a dark, evil place that represents the opposite of everything they stand for. I guess Mitt knows how to exploit that misinformed belief.

Besides, New York isn't evil because of the seedy nightclubs and peep shows; it's evil because of a dual inferiority/superiority complex and the Yankees. And by the way, Rudy– any year the Yanks made it further than the Sox in the playoffs, I ALWAYS rooted for the other team, just as the opposite is true for every Yankees fan I know. There is no such thing as an "American League fan." If you are Yankees fan, you hate the Red Sox and hope they lose no matter what the circumstances.

Mitt may not be a smooth talker on the camera but he's a man of action and results. My vote goes to this candidate for his ability to make things happen. Most powerful ad of the year!

I have no love lost for Giuliani, but Romney is really a sleazeball. I like how he uses this supposedly positive ad to take a shot at Giuliani and "the New York underworld". Compare NYC in 1996 — just two years after Giuliani became mayor — to NYC a few years later and you'd see a difference.

This is exactly why I'm voting for Romney. A guy with a good heart who knows how to get things done. Anyone who would close down his business to help find an employee's daughter is someone to respect. My vote's for Romney.

This is an awesome story, if you get a chance, watch the video or read about the story in it's entirety. Romney stopped everything at his company and transported a whole lot of people to New York for the express purpose of recovering this 14 year old girl.

Yes, New York City is EVIL! Therefore Rudy Guiliani, the cross-dressing former mayor must be evil too (but we won't say that, officially he's Mitt's "friend", just like Mike Huckabee).

Mitt has all the money, but is short on popular support, so he can do a lot of commercials. But the real heavy lifting is being done for him now by the republican talking heads in the media (Glenn Beck, Fox News, hate radio) beating back Huckabee. But some of them like Rudy (9-11), so tearing him down is the next job.