To me, "conservative" would apply abroad as well as at home, and would mean staying within the US Constitution. Would you agree?

Go get them Mitt.

Most of the media is against him because he is the only conservative out there. Conserv- meaning low taxes and not over spending the dudget.
Romney will bring a solutions attitude to the executive office.

Well, he won MI tonight. I am kind of glad. It should keep it interesting. I don't like any of these guys thinking they have it won at this point.

Re. abortion, he may well be pro-life if he makes it to the oval office. In fact, all the "flip-flop" charges may cause him to be even more solid on this & other things.

Actually, the more I see of old Romney, the less I object to him. I think it may of helped him to be humbled some.

Re. abortion again, to convince me, here is what I would have to hear from him: "I promise I will appoint ONLY pro-life Supreme Court Justices."

—Chris

Chris in Silicon Valley -

Thanks for your postings I appreciate it -

I think what it boils down to is that fact that he as an individual probably due in part to his faith does not condon nor agree with abortion. However, as a religion, they also encourage their members to voice an opion and share those beliefs, but do not force that opinion on others.

American Political Network
Abortion Report
Volume 6 No. 69
Copyright (c) 1994 by American Political Network, Inc.

October 26, 1994

ELECTION 1994 MA SEN: ROMNEY TELLS THE ORIGIN OF HIS PRO-CHOICE VIEW

BOSTON HERALD's Miga reports that pro-choice Sen. Ted
Kennedy (D) and mixed-record businessman Mitt Romney (R) clashed over abortion in the first of two debates. Kennedy: "My opponent is multiple choice." But Romney insisted that his personal Mormon beliefs "would not dilute his support for abortion rights": "I will not impose my beliefs on other people. I will not waver on that" (10/26).

The script I believe you are refering to goes something like this:

____________________________________________________________

Romney Fairytale Script

Once upon a time there was a man named Mitt who said a very bad thing:
Romney: "I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country"

____________________________________________________________

I Can't Wait 2008 : I believe that statement may be somewhat out of context, but a woman has the right to make this choice due to the laws as they currently stand, and the safety of the process is important – he lost a member of his extended family to an back room illegally performed abortion in the 60's. That does not mean he agrees with abortion, he is simply concerned about a human life whether it is that of an unborn child or the mother who is making what many would consider a bad decision by having an abortion.
____________________________________________________________
Romney Fairytale con't:

Then he thought of campaigning in Utah and said something different. "I am NOT pro-choice!"

I Can't Wait 2008: Utah already knew this

_____________________________________________________________
Romney Fairytale con't:

But when he came back to liberal Massachusetts:

Romney: "I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose."

I Can't Wait 2008 : That is the law as it currently stands – he has sworn to uphold it whether he agrees with it or not.

- Governor Romney, Boston Globe, Op-Ed, July 26, 2005

"I am pro-life. I believe that abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. I wish the people of America agreed, and that the laws of our nation could reflect that view. But while the nation remains so divided over abortion, I believe that the states, through the democratic process, should determine their own abortion laws and not have them dictated by judicial mandate."

I Can't Wait 2008: Where the state of Massachusetts may choose to uphold the abortion laws as they are currently stated, I am sure states like Utah would ban abortion except in cases of incest, rape or to save the mothers life.
____________________________________________________________
Romney Fairytale Con't

The spell must have worn off.
Now he's on the campaign trail again, and he's back to being pro-life.
Romney: "I was pro-choice; I'm pro-life." … "I changed my position" … "I never said I was pro-choice."

I Can't Wait 2008: the "I'm pro-choice, I'm pro-life" … – the dots usually mean something was omitted – I would love a clarification because " I changed my position" I don't believe he changed his position at all, it's always been pro-life in a state where he can't change the laws he has sworn to uphold.

Narrator: BR: Mitt Romney, willing to sacrifice children, lying for your vote.
Paid for by American Right-to-Life Action.

_____________________________________________________________
I Can't wait 2008 : I believe that Mr. Romney is not flip flopping on a personal level – but as govenor he is sworn to uphold what the members of his state and the governing bodies in that state deem as law. Even attempting to overturn that would probably fail as any bill would be shot down by state officials and would be void anyway – as this law can only be changed at a Supreme Court Level.

As President I would like to think his personal beliefs would have some impact on the nation and that abortion would be a thing of the past, but he may never make it that far – We'll see where the vote goes tonight.

P.S. Sorry for the long entry – but you did ask me to do some research – go luck with your candidate, and may the best man win.

PS – I have to admit my post on 1/10 was kind of mean. While it was satirical, I apologize for it altogether. I don't REALLY think he would go that far.

That said, I really don't trust him to help the unborn. I can't. Sorry.

I Can't Wait 2008,

You said, "Not only are you not aware of his stand as a politician, but as a member of his faith."

What did I say – mistakenly or otherwise – about his faith?

But, since you brought it up, was he not Mormon all those years when he claimed vehemently to be pro-choice?

Speaking of research, American Right To Life Action has put out a video on this. Please Google them, as I can not post a link here. Are their claims wrong? I am sincerely open to admitting Mitt has been wronged here if you can show me. Help me "research".

Warm regards…

Mitt is the only qualified candidate (rep or dem) running.
He will …will…will ..be the next President of the United States.

Wishing you all the best Mitt !

You're the best candidate out there. . . . . . . Democrat or Republican.

How come only Romney is referred to as a "two-time loser"? Huckabee and McCain are also two-time losers in other state primaries. The media is just biased against Romney for some reason. Romney has the most RNC delegate votes of any candidate, which makes Romney the current winner.

Current RNC Delegate Vote Count as of 01/11/2008:
Romney 30
Huckabee 21
McCain 10
Thompson 6
Paul 2
Giuliani 1
Hunter1

Source: CNN, 01/11/2008

Chris in Silicon Valley Ca –

May I suggest that before you put your foot in your mouth again you do some research. Not only are you not aware of his stand as a politician, but as a member of his faith. And I quote " Then he can change into a pro-abortion…."

The statement proves you have no idea what you are talking about – So my suggestion to you is look both into his record as a politician and as a member of his faith – you might actually learn something about what he really stands for.

Well, I have to admit… one advantage Mitt has… he is a chameleon. Did you see him in the FOX News debate tonight talking about CHANGE? He watched the Iowa polls for Obama and determined that this is the candidate marketing buzz word for 2008.

The GOP should really get behind this guy. He can be a pro-gun, pro-life, pro-business conservative & wrap up the nomination. Then he can change into a pro-abortion, pro-gun-control, semi-socialist & outflank a Hillary or an Obama to win the election in November.

Who else in the GOP can do this!?

I am deeply impressed with Mr. Romney. That he is extremely competent when it comes to economic and business issues is without doubt. He has displayed great leadership skills both in Massachusetts as Governor and at the international level during his involvement with the Olympics. He has demonstrated the ability to treat other nations with dignity and respect while standing firm and with pride for our Country and its proud history. He is a man of morals who clearly understands and appreciates the importance of strong communities, homes, and families. He has demonstrated that education and the pursuit of knowledge are also of great importance to him. While he has been accused of flip-flopping on issues, I appreciate that he is open to changing his stand when new or better information is available rather than clinging blindly to outdated or inaccurate information. Likewise, he has demonstrated that he can and will represent the people that put him in office; his popularity in Massachusetts attests to this fact. He allows not only his own understanding to shape his actions, but the will of the people he represents. What trait can be more important in an elected official? Best of luck Mitt.

According to latest polls on Real Clear Politics, Huckabee is leading both nationally and in Michigan.

USA Today / Gallup has him up 5 points nationally (Jan 4-6).
Rossman Group has him up 1 point in Michigan (Jan 6-7).

AJ, IL ,

You brought up a good point (January 9, 2008 11:42 pm ET): "Romney is pledging to win Michigan. OKAY! If Romney doesn't will he drop out of the race?"

If he loses his pledge, are there any consequences?

Spiritof76.

Yes! it was even a bigger farce when the "O" and Billary said in this election we need to make sure EVERY vote counts.

What a farce and fraud the Mich primary is. Dem party bosses disallow any delegates to Mich Dems, and Rep party bosses grant Rep voters only a half a vote. If this is how party bosses treat their own members who happen to think and act independently, then how will they treat the American people, the overwhelming majority of whom are neither Dem or Rep? This is a democracy?! Jefferson and Lincoln must be rolling over in their graves.

NJ…

Why should the state finance the cities?
If the cities want it, then they should find a way to pay for it.

Elmer< MA January 9, 2008 6:55 pm ET
I am a resident of Massachusetts and so have 12 years of direct experience with Mitt Romney. I hate to admit it, but I voted for him. Mitt pledged to us repeatedly, publicly and privately and with much vigor:
1. that he would defend a woman's right to abortion
2. that he would be a stronger defender of gay rights than Ted Kennedy
3. that he strongly supported gun control
Did he lie to us or just change his mind at an opportune moment? How do you know he won't "change his mind" regarding the promises he is making now?
RE: Taxes: According to Mass Taxpayers Foundation, Mitt raised fees $700 million. Much more serious though was his shifting of the tax burden for basic services, like schools and roads, off to the local communities. After laying off every person they could, virtually every town in Massachusetts had to raise taxes to make up for the loss of state revenues under Mr. Romney.
The Lesson: Here in Massachusetts we have learned never to buy another used car from Mitt Romney! One of the reasons he didn't run for re-election was that after four years of him, the residents of Mass., both Dems and Reps had enough. We hate to foist this crass, self-serving phony off on you.
_____

Elmer,
I lived in Massachusetts from 1985 to 2006 and I can tell you Mitt was one of the worst governors in that state. Did you hear him defend the pharmaceutical companies in the debate when John McCain criticized the pharmaceutical companies because of the high prices of medicine? Old Willard Mitt Romney told McCain to "quit picking on the pharmaceutical companies because they do a lot of good things for America." HA HA HA

All the democrats in Michigan who would rather run against Romney than any other Republican in November, please feel free to prove it. Do us all a favor and cross over and vote for Romney this Tuesday.

At least the Democrats sincerely believe that their candidates are better. Anyone who truly believes that Huckabee or McCain is what Michigan, or any other state in this country needs, is just blinded by ignorance or bigotry against Mitt.

If Mitt loses my only option will have to be Giuliani, who is looking like a decent alternative now.

The postings here are like the wolves that are foaming at the mouth to rip and tear with no logic to their behavior. No logic, just powerful emotions.

And so it is with you people who are rabid and foaming at the mouth about Mit Romney. It would be nice of just one of you could come up with a real reason to not vote for Romney.

And all of you who are in denial about his accomplishments……. quit talking, you just look dumb and dumber.

I hope people in Michigan watch the Fox debates today and that they listen to Ron Paul. He's the only one that will tell them why they really lost their jobs. McCain had alot to do with it. It's called greed. Dr Paul is the only one that never put his focus on personal wealth, just for the love of his country. He does this in spite of the slanderous cheapshots from the rest of the cowards

I think they want Americans to be out of work, so they will be more likely to join the military.

No one will support Romney. Didnt you see the debate? They are all against Romney. THat is representative of the republican party. Are you blind?

Michigan Results

Ron Paul- Gold
MCCain- Silver
Mitt- Bronze

Romney is not good for this country, HUCKABEE ALL THE WAY!!!!!

HUCKABEE 08

What Mitt needs to do is get a bus load of college students (and promise them they will be on TV) and have them fill the bleachers behind him when he speaks to attract the young voters…. ah dang! Hillary already did that in NH…

I don' t think I want the Britney Spears generation choosing my next president….

Jason Anderson,

Where is your "fact" comes from? You dream I suspect. Romney is actually one of the worst GOP candidates against the three Democratic candidates. Look up the polls. There are many general election head-to-head general election, and he performs much worse than Guilaini and McCain. This is reiterated in NH primary when independents flock to McCain and not Romney.

Daniel, NY

Yeah, but you forgot to mention another poll by Strategic Vision came out having McCain 8 points ahead of Romney.

Romney is pledging to win Michigan. OKAY! If Romney doesn't will he drop out of the race?

Mitt Romney is a good man with a good record who is trying to get elected. He might have made a bad move to try to set himself apart from other candidates, as he explained it. But by far, he is the most electable.

John McCain is not a man of values, and Huckabee is too soft. None of the current Republican candidates really have what it takes to make an impact in our world political theater.

Do some homework; don't just think with emotions in these elections. To some of the previous bloggers: Please get an education! Your bad speach and bad grammar explains who you are and how you vote.

The media and all the polls are for the birds. Mitt Romney is a well spoken outsider who has a long history of getting the job done. You can all poke at the millions he has made, he did not trip and fall into that sucess. He got the job done and was rewarded. I did not think I would have been saying this a year ago, but my vote is for Mitt!!!

While I am gratefull for all who have served, Macain is a has been.

GO MITT!

No Massachusetts politician has ever lost the NH primary. Until Willard lost last night. Even Paul Tsongas won! My goodness, how do you Romney people think he can win if the people who know him best reject him as a phony and a flip-flopper?

I'll be voting next Tuesday. Eight years ago Michigan delivered for McCain, and we'll do it again.

Romney would be a cake walk in the genreral election. His phony tack to the right has alienated countless independents who otherwise might have considered him.

Between the flip flops and massive negative attacks, Romney sold his soul to win the GOP nomination. The sad part is that he didn't have to do it. The truth is I don't recognize Romney anymore, he is a sad, lost man. Go home to your family and try to figure out what you stand for, and maybe we'll give you a chance in 2012.

Even if Huckleberry wins MI, he still is not ahead of Mitt…..

Some of you can be sooo dumb. Must be a Huckleberry thing….

Hey Alice in New Hampshire,

We've heard all we want to hear from the liberal losers in NH. You had your minute in the news, you were idiots, now go back to your holes.

I've never -never- seen a sadder boat full of phonies than the dynamic (so they tell us) duo of toy soldiers: Mitt Romney and Rudolph Giulian, and the pathetic McCain, who wants to be president so bad he'll compromise with anyone to get there. Straight talk my ass. I've got no stake in either party, but these Republicans aren't the Republicans of Eisenhower, nor of conservative principle. These are opportunists and betrayers of our Constitution. And they loooooove, love war. But not history.

Seriously, anyone supporting these hyped-up dopes ought to read some history, read between the lines, and follow the money. But then again our economy wouldn't work without dopes to buy up all the slop. Romney and Giuliani are counting on you!

Fact is..Romney is the best general election candidate. What Republicans needs this year is draw contrasts with Democrats on substance. Romney's campaign has been all about substance. Conversely, we see Huckabee's trading off of his religious identity, and McCain playing off of his misplaced outrage and moral authority (e.g. "I can't believe we dare torture a terrorist").

Simply put, Romney has the highest acumen of anyone running for president.

We actually got a poll in Michigan today with Huckabee leading followed by Romney and then McCain. A very tight race that could go down to the wire.

Romney supporter here who is pissed off that Mitt let the team make him appear to be something he is not. Too much pandering to EVERYONE and your left with no core base.

Mitt should just talk about what he has successfully done and what his future ideas are. Some comparison ads are needed, but they should not be his focal point.

He did save our COUNTRIES Olympics.

He did mount all his resources to help a co-worker find his lost daughter, NO QUESTIONS ASKED and FOR NO PUBLICITY.

He is the ONLY candidate on either side who reached across the aisle in the bluest of states and got HEALTHCARE reform PASSED. Not perfect, but it is a start.

He did do an incredible job after the tunnel collapse in Mass (after the Big Dig workers and higher ups used BAD EPOXY) and he took charge, LEARNED the design on the fly and got things back in order.

He did try to break the hackdom in this state, but the entrenched politicians in this state fought him every inch of the way, NO MATTER WHAT, Deval Patrick who is a Clinton Crony is having problems getting things done and he is one of the flock.

He has balanced a budget in Government unlike others in this race.

He has been in charge of companies and they were succesful.

The economy is starting to be PROBLEM number one on peoples minds and this man is a business and financial genius. He should FOCUS on that.

He has NEVER cheated or strayed from his wife of 35 plus years and when the bleep did it become bad in this country to marry your sweetheart, provide for your five children and be successful?

People mock this nowadays as if it is bad, it is either jealousy or stupidity to do so.

He has NEVER done drugs or took alcohol.

Is he perfect, NOPE, has he changed positions over a period of years, YES (not debate to debate or poll to poll like "others"), but I care about where the thought process is NOW.

I am NOT Mitt Romney, but I approved this message.

Something to consider…. Bain & Huawei (Chinese) bought 3COM.

Do some internet searching on Huawei & counterfeit.

I can't believe the media is not investigating this link between Romney's company and a Chinese electronics company that has been charged w/ theft of intellectual property from American companies — especially in an election year when off-shoring of jobs is supposed to be a big deal.

That's what I meant when I said, "I wonder how that story would play in Michigan". Original post didn't clear moderators, I guess because it had URLs.

Romney did a good job on the Olympics, and if he genuinely wants to serve his country, he can take on similar challenges in the future. He's a capable administrator, but he's just not suited to hold high political office. To be a political leader, you have to have conviction and integrity. In changing his beliefs to match whatever the data says the people want, Romney has proven that he has neither.

PS – I wonder how that story would play in Michigan, where jobs have left like birds for the winter.

mitt romney is going to win michigan! mcain is a washington insider! go mitt go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff, there is no way in the world any democrat got a chance against romney. Whether the crook clintons, or the born again christian with no religion till the age of 30 and suddenly christian at 31 Obama, or the ambulance chase Edward.

Look at Romney's success in every aspect. Democrats scared of him, are planning on droppin bloomberg as an independant so he can cut a fair share of republican vote in November.

If only media was giving proper coverage to Mitt rather than moaning about him being a mormon, Republican Nomination would have already been decided.

Romney has most delicates 1 day after new hampshere and with micigan being winner take all. if he wins there he will win the nomination because alll he needs
to do then is finish 2nd every were. florida is winner take al too could pose a problem.

I thought Romney was OK back when he was in charge of the Olympics and governor of Mass., but the more I've learned about him, the less I think he's somebody I would want as the Republican nominee. His flip-flopping has been blatant, and appears to be done primarily to advance the cause of Mitt Romney, not the causes he claims to be championing at the moment. For example, the NRA thing: If Romney truly believed in defending the rights of gun-owners, why didn't he join the NRA before he ran for governor of Mass., instead of waiting until he ran for president? And what is this deal about claiming to be a life-long hunter when he wasn't?

Just a week ago, Romney was aligning himself with Bush administration policy. This week, he claims to be the candidate of change. That is a complete contradiction.

I'm not about to vote for Romney.

Whoever is suggesting Democrats are afraid of running against Mitt Romney need to reconsider. I am a Democrat, political strategist and media consultant. Romney is the guy I WANT to run against.

Jeff

This is an awkward spot for Mitt to draw his line in the sand. The democratic primary doesn't count–so all the independents can freely vote for McCain.

PS – He seemed to stake a lot on IA & NH in 'early state' strategy. He planned on using the momentum to carry him forward. He must wish he could take those words back. If he loses MI to Huck, then loses NV to Rudy, then loses SC & FL to Huck, he's not looking too sharp going into Super Tues. I am not sure who's leading in Maine.

I like Romney, Thompson/ Hunter & Paul. Did like Joe Biden, sorry he got out of the race. At least Romney isn't a Washington Insider , He doesn't support Amnesty and doesn't want to see us continue to support all illegal immigrants.
John McCain would make us into a Third world country.Romney at least specifies how he wants to change things, He explains what and how he wants to do things, I think he'd be an okay President. Thompson / Hunter is our first choices though

Obama: he scares me, He seems to be to much Like Jimmy Carter who really ruined this country. And the first time the guys I work with say Obama on T.V , four of them , At the same time Said: He's the Anti Christ. And looked at each other in amazement , wasn't a planned responce from any of them. But we are begining to think they might be on to something.

Wow, Tom Master and Ken Fields, you two are really jealous of Mitt's success,aren't you? Well, I don't blame you, Mitt is great looking ,rich, intelligent (graduated from Harvard with a doctorate degree, master in business with honored),and not to mention a wonderful family. Mitt is truly the person we need to have in the white house,so get over it. Do you really think Mccain can make it to the White house? Let's don't forget, Mccain is at the bottom of his Naval class. The only thing that make him noticeable is that he was a POW, Come on, do you really want someone looks like Star war's Seth Lord in the white house? He was in Washington for 27 years, what has he done that is good. He can't even fix his own state's immigration problems. What make you think he can fix our country.

Go, Mitt.

If Mitt loses home state of MI, is he finished?

Tyler wake up bro, I'm not shallow enough to be your example. The point wasn't that he has money, the point was made once again by you. You say he has this plan, great, what is it? Exactly, and thank you. He is a negative beastie and is not of the character I would vote for. The very little he's said, using all the hot wind in the world to hear himself speak, proves his pompiety. You can like him all you want, but thankfully, HE WILL NOT BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.

I have total respect for the point you were making about people not being haters, but when someone misses the mark as much as Mitt has, he disqualifies himself as a plausible candidate, so I poke fun since I cannot take hime seriously.

Now, if he would stop talkin' trash and let me know what his 'plan' is I'd listen, but I've been waiting for him to say something important for months, it's not gonna happen. He's running to be part of history, because he can afford to, he should stop waisting everyone's time. And he's not the only one in that boat. I think the same of Obama, two wannabe front runners, with absolutely no chance. lol

I am a resident of Massachusetts and so have 12 years of direct experience with Mitt Romney. I hate to admit it, but I voted for him. Mitt pledged to us repeatedly, publicly and privately and with much vigor:

1. that he would defend a woman's right to abortion
2. that he would be a stronger defender of gay rights than Ted Kennedy
3. that he strongly supported gun control

Did he lie to us or just change his mind at an opportune moment? How do you know he won't "change his mind" regarding the promises he is making now?

RE: Taxes: According to Mass Taxpayers Foundation, Mitt raised fees $700 million. Much more serious though was his shifting of the tax burden for basic services, like schools and roads, off to the local communities. After laying off every person they could, virtually every town in Massachusetts had to raise taxes to make up for the loss of state revenues under Mr. Romney.

The Lesson: Here in Massachusetts we have learned never to buy another used car from Mitt Romney! One of the reasons he didn't run for re-election was that after four years of him, the residents of Mass., both Dems and Reps had enough. We hate to foist this crass, self-serving phony off on you.

He actually *is* in first place, on votes cast and delegates. So this isn't so much a thing he told reporters as, you know, a fact. Isn't it worth noting in the story that what he says is in fact true?

I'm not actually a Romney supporter but it seems the actual number of delegates should be reported alongside the meta-narrative of the expectations game.

When did it become a bad thing in America to earn money from good investments, good, hard work, good education/training, a little luck, and more hard work?

That is the American ideal.

Good for him. He helped create companies that employ tens of thousands of Americans.

Instead of merely pointing out problems, Mitt solves them. He has done it. That is what people are afraid of. He will cut government waste. How? Nearly every major agency in DC is under the Executive branch (The President, for those who did not watch Saturday morning cartoons…I'm just a bill…) and completely under the control for their implementation by the President. If he doesn't like certain divisions…bye bye…he finds redundancy…au revoir…needs to bolster certain areas…can do…Congress controls the purse, but the President implements the law.

Mitt has the executive experience and he was successful while as an executive.

Mitt is presidential and will be a great president.

Wyoming–you rock!

Just like you were going to win Iowa and New Hampshire. LOL

Romney is by far the best candidate. He is exactly what this country needs right now. He is a man that has proven by his record that he can take a nation and turn it around. I feel very confident that he would get our country out of the massive debt that we have incurred. His leadership skills are just what we need to bring congress together. The news fails to report that he is in the lead with the greatest number of delegates at this time. Go Mitt, I am pulling for you!!

I live in Michigan and I have my entire life. Mitt does not know what it is like to live in this state. But I suppose it does not matter really since our primary counts for almost nothing.

His position on illegal immigration is clear? Are you kidding me? He has no solution. Clearly all Republican contenters want a more secure boarder, but they differ what to do with the illegal immigrants here already. Romney accused McCain trying to give amnesty to them, but when asked what will he do. He has no solution. He admitted it is impossible to deplore them all or even most. He will just use attrition. Attrition? That is not a solution. That is the statue quo. He never has any solution. His solution in Iraq is "victory in Iraq" — that is not a solution. If attacked by terrorists, he will consult his lawyers… that is not a solution neither.

Romney promised to win Michigan, huh? He also promised to win Iowa and New Hampshire. He is exceptional negative which made every other candidates hate his guts and all their supporters also dislike him — real results from the NH exit poll — not some made up accusation.

I alot of people secretly dislike Romney because of his Mormon religion. Well, let me tell you my secret too. I dislike him for his moronic ideas.

I can't stand this guy.
On the YouTube debate, a caller asked about what the candidates thought about the confederate flag that was displayed behind him. Romney said that "I don't believe there are two Americas as John Edwards does"

There are two Americas. The South is one America which flies the Confederate Flag and the remainder of America. Have you not been to any websites from the
South where they use the Republican Party as part of the name of the website and right below it they picture the Confederate flag.

Stop with the Romney buying votes thing….people are smarter than that. He is a genius at organization and making things happen. People vote for him all on their own.

Stop with the flip flop thing. His record in MA shows he did not do one thing that was pro-choice. All of his legislation was otherwise. He moved his "label" to pro-life after studying on stem cell research. He made an informed decision.

Stop with the silver spoon thing. Are you not working to build a legacy for your family? His father started out as a car salesman. Any place in this world would give this family kudos for this type of achievement.

Stop with religious bigotry. This country is made of many faiths. Romney's actions speak louder than the evangelical words. He has served without pay 5 years as a bishop, 5 years as a stake president, and 2 years as a missionary. He may not have your doctrine, but he has your values.

Hucklebee is only motivated "to keep a Mormon out". He is clearly not qualified to be the leader of this country. He needs more education and a might change of heart towards God's "other" children.

"Mitt Romney is the only true conservative left in the race, based upon the actions of the candidates." Atwoodray

There is no such thing as Conservatism. There are at least five groups with mutually exclusive agendas that all claim to be "true" Conservatives.
1. Corporatists who want to weaken the federal government so that it cannot regulate them or tax them.
2. Libertarians, who have made a bizarre economic fundamentalist religion into a political philosophy. They are the loose cannons of this race.
3. Evangelical Christians who care little for economics but are very concerned about reproduction. They are against gay marriage, abortion, short skirts, sexy movies, sexual expression in life or literature and they are for manger scenes in public parks.
4. Southern racists who object to federal civil rights activities
5. Goldwater Conservatives who prefer regional or local economies, politics, cultures, mom-and-pop small businesses, local banks (not local branches of Global Megabank Corp), etc. Everything to Goldwaterites is local, but the global economy is destroying the regional cultures they so love.

I like Goldwaterites, myself, but the other four give me the creeps. They all call themselves the only "true" conservatives, but they have nothing in common except for a passionate hatred of Liberalism.

In response to John McCain's criticism of the pharmaceutical companies' part in blocking the American people's access to cheaper medicine from Canada, Willard Mitt Romney jumped all over McCain for “picking on the pharmaceutical companies” because, Willard Romney said, pharmaceutical companies do a lot of good and help the American people.

I hope people will pay attention to what phony hypocrite Willard Mitt Romney said last night. I am not crazy about McCain, but he is a lot better than Willard.

I would not vote for Willard Mitt Romney and I would not vote for the adulterous skirt chasing Giuliani.

I was listening to the news earliar today and Mitt was promising Michigan the World. He will fix their economy etc. etc. Mitt is getting worse than the Democrats at trying to buy votes with lies about throwing money at everyones problems. Mitt is the only Republican that makes Hilary look sincere by comparison. Democrats historically fall for the give you the world promises of their candidates but I think the Republicans in Michigan are much more astute.

Gotta love the Right wing posters who dimiss the writer because of her race. Romney is nothing but the Republican verison of John Kerry. He belongs to a church a calls non-whites evil and the spawns of Satin and he cant figure out wheather he is coming or going. Huckabee is just as bad since he is nothing but a shill for Dobson, Perkins, Robertson and their cronies on the religious right. The only man that can lead this country is John McCain. He doesnt politicize God, he doesnt belong to a racist church and he doesnt give a damm about the shock value issues (ie gay rights). McCain is our man. Face facts more moderate Republicans have become sick of the Southern Stratgey and believe everyone must come together Romney and Huckabee are about division, McCain is about uniting.

McCain in 2008

About delegates…

If this keeps up, NONE of the candidate will have a majority (Mitt doesn't now, and if Rudy stays alive til Feb 5, then he will be in good shape – NY, NJ and other big states are winner take all….) What does that mean? Brokered convention! If that happens, Mitt is hurt. McCain, Huckabee, Rudy, even Fred can't stand Mitt. They will coalesce around one or the other. Mittens will be left out in the cold! Boo hoo! (Maybe he can hit the airport bathroom with his old buddy Larry Craig)

An actual Repub in Michigan here: No way does Mitt get my vote. I've had enough pandering, transparent, say-anything-to-get-my-vote politicians. I'll take McCain, warts and all, over the focus group phony anyday. Go McCain!

I am an ardent supporter of Gov. Romney and I truly believe that he would take care of our country with love and passion if elected president. He is a genius when he talks about economy – no other candidate (Republican or Democrat) is as strong as Romney when it comes to our country's economic issues. He does indeed have a great vision for America – America needs him in these troubled econimic times. If he does not get a nomination it's not his loss – it will be America's loss.

I truly hope that he stays in the race – sounds like he's got great support – and keeps his strong message out for American people to hear. Huckabee has got nothing but his folksy talk, which is a short-term attraction to some voters – his folksy talk however will not fix our country.

Gov. Romney keep up the good work! Forget attacking Huckabee – it's not worth it – it's just free publicity for him anyway.

Michigan – the future is now in your hands – we believe that you will make the right choice!

Can anbody really expect for the future president to pay your bills, buy you clothes and groceries? Come on!!! Why people think that the goverment has to do everything for them… you are sopposed to do your part, how?…. SAVING YOUR MONEY!!!! people spend and spend their money like stupids, get in debts and when a tragic situation happens they have no resources to take to get over the problem, why?…. because while they have been getting in debt for vacations, or getting their tummies full of fast junky food, they forget what's suppose to be more important. So then they talk bad about the system, saying it doesn't work for us…because we are poor. If the system doesn't work is not beacuse is bad, it's because it's getting broke because of irresponsable people.
Now we have a man who has good ideas, especially saying thta we have to play the game and he is treated like a moron…. what a idiotic thing to say about him. Mitt Romeny knows how to fix the problems this country is having, he is prepared for that, but we as responsable citizen have to play the game together with him, and not expect that he will resolve all my problem just because he will be the president.
Mitt Romney has accomplish wonderful and succesful thing in his career as a governor, let him do the same for US. He is honest and his hands are clean.
He is the right choice for America as the next president.

I have to agree with Mitt. HE IS A TRUE AGENT OF CHANGE! McCain has been part of getting us into the situations we are currently in. Huckabee is an absolute joke with his religious hoax of a campaign. Mitt literally has a proven success record. AMERICA NEEDS MITT ROMNEY. Obama is good infront of a crowd … yet he lacks the historical background comparitive to Mitt. Clinton is a great senator, not a great president. She does not have the background or the know how to address our nations issues and it shows with her every move.

LET'S FACE IT! If a democrat is elected we better be ready to hold onto our checkbooks and savings for atleast 4 years. If we elect Mitt we can have the same results as a nation that came from the turnaround in MA, the 2002 Olympics and all of the successful businesses Mitt has run. I was not for Mitt in the beginning. But after doing extensive research on each candidate and reviewing their key stances on critical issues, MITT WAS THE TRUE AGENT OF CHANGE that all of the candidates claim to be. I have been a democrat my whole life. I am now starting to really look at these candidates because I honestly care about our issues as a nation. I challenge everyone to really look at the issues and forget about the republican/democratic stance and vote for the candidate that will really pull America back to the top.

I hope he throws away another carload of money on his trip to oblivion.

Mitt, you're delusional. Go into the weathervane business, or at least something that changes positions less often than yourself.

Time to quit, Mitt.

Everyone I talk to here in Michigan plans on voting for Romney. If he is half the man his dad was he will be great as president!

Speaking as someone who will be voting Democratic this year, I frankly think Romney is ahead in the Republican race. McCain is unpopular with religious voters and immigration issue types, Huckabee's aw-shucks routine masks some severe lumber shortage, Giuliani is done, Thompson was never in it. Romney is telegenic, has pots of cash, is better positioned to run a moderate general election campaign, and isn't tied (like McCain) to the administration's…controversial escapades…the way McCain is.

Also, it's been 48 years since America has elected a sitting senator – very difficult to maneuver around a Senate voting record in a Presidential race. Obama and Clinton will both face this challenge as well.

Well done Tyler. Tom Masters is way out of line and completely blind and wrong. America is in this situation because of these type of people who are so confused and off but yet they think they are right. GO MITT MITT MITT MITT

Mitt is certainly the "change candidate" – he's changed his position on every issue and will probably do so again!

Others may talk about change, but Romney is the only one with the experience and talent to actually do it! Think about his career: Bain Capital was a firm that bought companies, turned them around and sold them. Romney got rich not from ripping people off like a car salesman, but by doing what we need done in Washington, turning things around. The 2002 Olympics and his time as Governor show even more that he has the TALENT to turn big organizations around.

I can understand you being concerned about his changing positions, but that is the nature of politics. McCain has changed on immigration, Huckabee on Taxes, Hillary on Iraq. Positions change, talent is for the whole term of office. In his run for Governor, Romney had his campaign manager write down every promise he made. He kept every promise.

He has my vote 100%.

I do agree with "Tyler" … it doesn't matter how much money the man has, the onlt thing that matter is How efficient and honest president He will be. I believe that Mitt is the man for president. His position about immigration and health care are clear and good.
We need a good and honest man to run the White house.
MITT IS THE MAN!

I can't stand this guy.
On the YouTube debate, a caller asked about what the candidates thought about the confederate flag that was displayed behind him. Romney said that "I don't believe there are two Americas as John Edwards does"
In one sentence he demonstrated that he can't give a direct answer to a question, and that he attacked one of his opponents in regards to something totally different than the question asked! John Edwards is correct, there are two Americas – the greedy corporates and the people who are struggling to make ends meet. What's that have to do with the question asked?
Then on the ABC news/ facebook debate, Romney came to the defense of drug companies justifying their sickening greed and price gouging.
A few moments later he said that people who are are uninsured need to learn that they aren't going to be in for a free ride, and they have to jump in and play the game. WHAT? Play the game?? If you have cancer and can't afford to be treated, or if you are worried sick that if you get ill you will loose your house, or if most of your income is spent on insurance, yet you still can't go to a doctor or get medicine because that insurance is only catastrophic for hospital stays (and after a 5,000 deductible), it isn't a game! What an ignorant moron.
I can easily see how the other candidates don't like him.
I hope he loses and loses big time, only after spending more of his millions on his campaign.

I always enjoy reading comments of any article on this years election. Especially so I can see that people are still not using common sense. Take Tom Masters for example. He rambles off this intense hatred toward Mitt Romney by calling him a 'wretch' and addressing him as Mr. Superbillionaire.
Although comedic is still shows that some Americans can't evaluate a candidate based on his record and performance. Who cares how much money a candidate has. Just because he is more successful than you or I does not matter. Romney is the only one with a plan for the future and actually shows the ability to carry out a plan to improve the condtition of the US.
Huckabee is surprised people are still voting for him and his ten years of left wing actions. While McCain is adopting Huckabees practice of just use sophomoric one liners, make people laugh, and then they will forget about how incompetent you really are. Pundits say it worked but Romney still has the most delegates and the ability to go all 50 states.

I was sooo excited to hear that John McCain was the victor in NH. Hopefully, he can once again pull it off in Michigan aswell. I cant believe tho, that Romney has the most delegates so far. HOW? He has flip-flopped SOO many times on so many things, and he was a one-term governor from Mass. Whats his appeal? IN my opinion he has NONE. If only people could realize what John McCain could do for this country! Romney: your mormon butt is goin down!

Some people don't seem to understand how delegates work. Its not important who is ahead in these early days. The Republicans need 1191 delegates! Mitt Romney has 2% of those, Huckabee, McCain- 1%. Wins are what are important, the fact is Mitt Romney wasted millions of dollars in Iowa and New Hampshire and he lost badly in both.

Like them or not, Huckabee and McCain have proven they are better then Mitt by beating him in states he had invested so much in. The people of America are not going to rally behind a two time loser.

Joe! He bought those votes, he is NOT genuine, he doesn't have a snowball's chance in Equador of winning the White House, he CANNOT beat Mrs. William and the fact that his ads have worked on you is a little sad…

GO ROMNEY!!! MICHIGAN YOU BETTER VOTE FOR THE BEST ONE… YOUR HOME TOWN MAN…. MITT MITT MITT MITT!

Let's step back for a moment – All my friends and I talk about it the fact that we want to see a change. Listen more closely to the issues and pull your head out of the popularity contest that's being run. If you look at Romney's stand on issues like immigration – that's change ! Not the same old same old, sending back the same politicians, that as he puts it will do nothing more than change seats – that's not the change I am looking for.

I Can't Wait 2008

CNN I wish you would make some of your GOP information more blatent when it is soothing and pertinent. Schpeaking with a less than silver tongue . . . ROMNEY DOES LEAD the GOP RUNNERS in NUMBER OF DELEGATES BY LIKE 8 or more ACCORDING TO YOUR SITE.

He has a good, successful family. . . He has two Harvard degrees and Millions of dollars . . . He's a great guy . . . HIS ACTIONS PROVE IT — He's Done Somethings Right. Hey . . . MITT HAPPENS!

Mitt just ties the dog to the top of the car, checks which way the tail is pointing and heads west …

He plans to ride in on this father's reputation and coat tails … we've had enough of father and son teams … especially when the son is out to prove he's better than the ol' man!

Remember Mitt is a life-long hunter … or so he told us. He either approved the ad that accused McCain of amnesty ( he said so in the ad) or he didn't – as he said in the debate… can't have it both ways!

But his five sons will be there – serving their country by getting Dear Old Dad elected as Mitt makes plans to send other people's sons to Iraq and Afghanistan – or maybe Iran? Who knows?

Mitt is certainly the "change candidate" – he's changed his position on every issue and will probably do so again!

dave, it's spelle B-i-l-l-a-r-y, is that what you meant? Otherwise, I have to type quick, there are so many stories to comment on today. Have fun Everyone!!!

A word of advice regarding the Romney campaign advertising. Mitt Romney is intelligent, articulate and has a sound platform and has won a lot of the debates. If you saw the Fox News post-debate sampling poll of individuals, they all thought Romney won the debate. But they also did not like the negative campaigning. So you end up with "win a few, and possibly lose a bunch". If someone out there involved in the campaign is reading this – take note – stop the negative contrast/ads, issues/ads, whatever you want to call them. Just stick to your own message and show that you are positive, that you will bring people together, even in your own party. Let the people decide on their own differences between candidates. We are not that dumb and want to make up our own minds. Since Michigan is your last big chance, get rid of the negative ads and show that China ad which got rave reviews from the Fox sample. We want to see what you would do – not what others have done or even done wrong. You have a strong message but the press is capitalizing on your negativism – we have enough of that in Congress!

Plus, Romney and Giuliani are the only two Repubs with a chance against the Democrats. Huckabee and McCain have no shot! How can people not see this truth?!

Silver is as good as gold Mitt. Many silvers makes gold. You are honest politician.

Regards

Andrew

South Africa

Juan McAmnesty is a disgusting, sleazy politician. His anger management problems, combined with his questionable backroom deals, his amnesty bill, his anti-second amendment bill has really had an effect on this race, and it will be fun to watch him lose thanks to the rules he helped pass to restrict our right to free speech.

And why is the pro-illegal alien invasion/pro-Amnesty "GOPLatina" allowed to constantly spew anti-Mormon bigotry? Her vitriol is pretty disgusting. Don't those Report Abuse links work?

It's funny how leftist bloggers pretend that Mitt Romney's campaign is on "life support" when he is quite far ahead, percentage wise, in the delegate count.
Mitt Romney is far and away the best candidate for President of the United States. It's too bad New Hampshire allows "independents" ruin the Republican primary. This early on, Democrats posing as independents, as well as bigoted independents, have way too much incentive to take down Mitt Romney, the only guy with a snowball's chance of ending the Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton dynasty. McCain is far too much to the left to inspire conservatives. McCain Feingold. McCain Kennedy. McCain Lieberman.

Nothing John "Amnesty" McCain has done has been in America's best interest. He hasn't accomplished anything of note that was actually good for America. Fortunately, he has a third as many pledged delegates as Governor Mitt Romney.
I, for one, have been so disgusted by Mike "Clinton" Huckabee and Juan McAmnesty's anti-Mormon bigotry, I will not vote for them if they win the nomination.

Both of those candidates are party-splitters, and that is why the left wants to face one of them so badly. Wake up, Republicans! Mitt Romney is the only conservative, the only patriot, the only financial genius, the only turnaround genius, the only true agent of change in the race, and a vote for Huckabee, McAmnesty, Paul, or anybody else is a vote for Clinton/Obama '08!
MartinKOS really seems to want Mitt Romney to lose. Hate to break it to you, GOPLatina, but Mitt Romney is way ahead in the pledged delegate count, and this is all that matters at this point:

Mitt Romney = 30
Mike Huckabee= 21
John McCain = 10

..and the rest are in the low single digits. I'm just sayin' that your anti-Romney spin will only get you so far. When people actually take the time to look at delegate counts, it's clear Mitt Romney is way out in front, and he could absorb a couple more losses before it would sting, but I'd rather see him win Michigan. One gold medal and two silver, but way ahead in the delegate race (the only one that matters), is a wonderful place to be at this point.

Let's review: Mitt Romney is the only true conservative left in the race, based upon the actions of the candidates. It's too bad the early caucuses/primaries that the media focuses on so fervently are in "blue" states. New Hampshire voted for Gore and Kerry, so it's no surprise that McAmnesty won there. It's a miracle that Mitt Romney did as well there as he did. Iowa went for Gore in 2000, and Bush in 2004, but by less than one percent (751,957 to 741,898), so it's no surprise that Huckabee, the evangelical who leaned on anti-Mormon bigotry, won there. Once again, it's a miracle that Mitt Romney did as well there as he did, and got as many Evangelicals as he did to cross the line and vote for a Mormon. Wyoming, a solidly red state, went strongly for Mitt Romney, just as it went strongly for Bush in 2000 and 2004, voting strongly against Gore and Kerry.

Mitt Romney is the only conservative front runner, as well as the only conservative with a snowball's chance of holding together Reagan's conservative coalition to conquer the Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama threat to America.

George Romney was widely hailed as one of the strongest supporters of civil rights of any Republican governor. How has he not walked with humility, let's see he has a good family, married to the same woman for years, never had one eithical violations like Huckabee and been successful both in academics, business and at the Olympics. Huckabee lies repeatedly about all sorts of things but the press just eats up the home spun delivery and never looks at his record. Huckabee cannot answer a simple question whether taxes went up 500 million dollars.

Leave Mitt alone! He is by far the best candidate out there! The more you people talk, the dumber you all look. McCain is not competent when it comes to taxes, immigration and the economy. If the repubs go with McCain. then America is in great trouble. All McCain has proven to due is be intelligent in relation to the war but we need a President who is well rounded and balanced like Romney. He is an expert with the economy, taxes, immigration and a man of great character and strong leadership. He has been veru successful in every facet of his life. Huckabee is a racist and discriminates and is the dumbest candidate in the history of candidacy. He has no competence whatsoever. He can just speak well in public and lie with the best of them (see Bill Clinton.) Stop hating on the best candidate we got in Mitt Romney. The media hates him and gives him no respect but he will continue to rise and be a force that you cannot stop no matter how hard you try.

Tom Masters,

Maybe if you unmuted your tv you would hear the plans that he has. Just an idea.

Who said he is trying to buy the election? Since when is investing in this country with your hard earned money a negative thing. Where do you think all that money is going?

He said that he believed the Bible to be the word of God. Do you want him to start quoting it chapter and verse? If he did you would have a problem with that as well.

Those are some pretty weak comments.

Just because someone has applied themselves and is very successful dosen't mean that they aren't in touch. Having a proven leader as our Nations leader is a very very good thing, not something that should be rejected. We need a true family man that understands that the most important work is what is done between the four walls of the american home. Our families are under attack and I think that Mitt is the only one that truly understands this and is prepared to do something about it!

LAST CHANCE

I think it is interesting to note that CNN is just ignoring the fact that Romney won Wyoming. He also won more delegates in Wyoming (8) and will probably win the last two in May then the 7 McCain got from New Hampshire. The democrats are scared of Romney. His only real weakness is that he is Mormon which will be much less of an issue after the primaries since all the evagelical christians are not going to vote for hilary or obama and all the anti-religious bigots vote democrat anyway. Its pretty sickening seeing CNN warping the Republican primaries so that we get stuck with a candiate who can't win. Anybody who votes for Huckabee is a fool. Go Romney!

NH tells us what polls are worth….nothing.
Romney is far ahead in the delegate count!
Those are real votes, not polls.
That makes Romney the true Republican front runner!

Tom Masters, learn to spell.

Im glad he is focsing on what the most important issue…Hes' kicking butt in the republican race. McCains win last night was nothing compared to Mitt success thus far. (McCain currently has 10 delegates, Romney has 24). Michigan will continue to be a good battle between the two, but McCain would have to downright slaughter Romney just to come CLOSE to his number of delegates. Then we move on the S. Carolina and Nevada, all of which prove a diffucult for McCain.

The person Romnye needs to keep his eye on most is Huckabee. He is trailing Romney with 18 delegates. It could get tough for Romney when it comes to the southern states, but when he heads out west? Thats Romney country!!

JIM? Here is the answer to your question. Michigan won't get much coverage because they have been penalized for moving the date of their primary up. On the republican side, they now have fewer delegates the before, and the DNC penalized their party by not allowing any campaiging from democrats in the state. So the democrats are having to move on to other states, while it could prove to be another blood bath for the republicans. Sounds fun!!

McCain is on the verge of dying of old age and Huckabee is a religious crackpot who will erode the freedoms outlined in the Constitution. Mitt is a true fiscal conservative. He may be slimy, but he's the only one competent enough to do the job. Vote for Mitt, vote for America.

Micheal Bloomberg has expressed interest in this race. If it is Hillary in the democratic side and mcaain in the rep. then he will weigh in. This is the most election cycle I have ever seen.

Lots of luck, Mitt. I'm voting Republican in this primary specifically so I can pull the lever for John McCain – and against you

Chet M, Lansing, Michigan

"make all the promises you need to."

That pretty much says it all, doesn't it.

McCain in '08!

Keep up the good coverage, these are the most exciting primaries and CNN is providing excellent and detailed reporting. Many thanks.

"I'm in first place," he said.

At least that's what he remembers hearing his father say when he was marching alongside Martin Luthur King, Jr.

Stick a fork in this turkey – he's done.

Man, what a wretch! Mr. Super-millionaire, you cannot buy the spirit of America. You are a looser despite your financial success. Your used car-salesman skills are for not. You tear down other people's plans for the future, but don't lay one of your own out. Your fake smile is not enough to fool people. When I hear you on t.v. I have to mute you because you always have so much 'nothin' to say, we won't miss you after the campaign. You are as uninspiring as Lou Dobbs himself! A bag of wind is how people will refer to you when they can no longer remember your name. The only chance you have of winning this election is to buy it, and since that is not possible, I'll take a quote from Dolph Lundgren in Rocky IV, 'You will lose'.

I'm just glad to see it will cost you so much money to lose. A 'man of god' like you being rich, walking with no humility, and then grimacing when you revealed you believe the bible is true, if you believe it, then say you believe it in a confident manner, not just because you feel like you have to in order to be believed. You are the most fake I've seen, save for Obama.

I will not vote for you, if you win, I will vote for Billary.

Hopefully the republicans will back a winner.. Not Mitt Romney

Why no CNN state ticker or other info on Michigan when it appears to be a very important state?