January 14, 2008
Posted: January 14th, 2008 03:59 PM ET

DETROIT, Michigan (CNN) -– Republican Mitt Romney addressed the Detroit Economic Club on Monday, telling the assembled business leaders, “What Michigan is feeling will be felt by the entire nation unless we win the economic battle here.”

“Michigan is a bit like the canary in the mineshaft. What's hurting Michigan,” he continued, “will imperil the entire nation's economy."

The central focus of Romney’s pitch to Michigan voters has been getting the state out of what Romney calls a “one-state recession.” Many manufacturing plants in Michigan have either cut back their work force or shut down all together, resulting in the country’s highest unemployment rate, 7.4 percent.

“It is inexcusable to me to see these jobs going away again, and again and again,” Romney said outside a GM plant that had just announced 200 layoffs. “Where does it stop? Is there a point at which someone says ‘you know, that’s enough?’”

His plan to stimulate the economy calls for increased investment in research and development in science and technology, eliminating the savings tax, and working with homeowners to avoid foreclosures.

Crowds have been responding with applause when the Michigan-born Romney mentions his father George, a three-time Michigan governor.

A win in Michigan is has become central to Romney’s candidacy after losses in Iowa and New Hampshire, though he has said he will continue to campaign even if he isn’t victorious. Michigan holds its primary Tuesday.

Romney is locked in a tight race with primary rivals John McCain and Mike Huckabee in polls released this weekend.

– CNN Political Producer Alexander Marquardt

Filed under: Michigan • Mitt Romney


DoubtYourself   January 15th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

WHOAH... ok – to those of you who actually go through and read this thread again...

New Folks: Cover the news without the bias. We hate you as a people – and it just makes me turn the news off at night when I know you've got your heads up your butts.

People in this Thread: Give me a break. All of you are talking like you know these people... based purely on a limited view of their actions that you have had/heard or even invented. Some of the postings you can read through and tell exactly which article you have read in the last few days. Do you honestly think anyone is open-minded enough here to consider your posting as a valid, objective statement? Noooo – everyone knows who they want and is trying to convince everyone else.

IT SOUNDS LIKE WE NEED A LEADER IN GOVERNMENT – because of all the children in this country... including adult-children... honestly.

With that being said – READ THE STANCES ON THE ISSUES! Quit reading this stupid blog. Get your facts straight and learn how to make a decision by yourself.

Dave   January 15th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Can't support McCain's "Deal with it." attitude toward Michigan's recession. I am voting for someone who realizes that changes need to be made. I'm voting for Romney.

DoubtRomney   January 15th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Not my quote, but I really support it:

"Mr. Romney, you spoke today at the Detroit Economic Club and called for 20 Billion dollars of federal funds per year to go to U.S. automobile research – I.E. to be paid to the Detroit automakers.

Mr. Romney, currently the U.S. automakers haven't only lagged behind on technology to build gas-sipping low-pollution cars, they've thrown away what technology they had. Let's not forget that GM pioneered the practical consumer electric car, only to reposess and junk all of the units on the road once California was talked out of mandating higher pollution standards. Toyota went on to self-finance the development of "Hybrid Synergy Drive", the basis of the immensely popular Prius, the highest-MPG conventional automobile available in the U.S. today. Vehicle R&D is going to be a good investment for taxpayers only if it goes to automakers who are committed to use it. The so-called "U.S." automakers, who actually have no shortage of foreign-made parts in their vehicles, are still not up-to-speed on the technology, quality and economic practices of the Japanese. As customers we're not willing to tolerate that. We've voted with our dollars, Mr. Romney."

Mike Jones   January 15th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Uncle Bob's and the Clintons are at it again. I wonder what kind of "sweet" business deal Bob Johnson will get out of his naughty and distasteful attack on Senator Obama. You know Uncle Bob doesn't work for free.

I was deeply repulsed by the Clintons' strategy of using a rich Black man to attempt to tear down Senator Obama. Great strategy " Team Billary"! That's just what this country needs. Every Black Man is a DRUG DEALER and a womanizer... Oops sounds familar Uncle Bob and Cousin Bill?

Now, Uncle Bob has so many major business interests with his RLJ Companies (Hotels, Real Estate Development, Media, Banking, etc. headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland). He has exploited his "Blackness" to partner with White businessmen to create BET and road blocked other African Americans from creating competing Black TV networks.

Yeah, he's a billionare. But he does not get a free pass.

Let's hit Uncle Bob where it will hurt the most. In his "FAT" wallet. I recommending a national buycott of BET and all of RLJ's businesses. Just like the historical "Bus Buycott". Cancel your BET and remove your money from his Banks and Do NOT stay at any of his hotels (checkout google for the locations) or just avoid all Marriott Hotels.

Go work Uncle Bob! Way to go Team Billary! Sounds like you've hit a new low. You just LOST my VOTE and support. Time for CHANGE!

Lauren   January 15th, 2008 9:38 am ET

"other than lying and cheating his way into the White House…. and look how well America fared after the last idiot who did that…."

Who are you referring to? Bill Clinton?

Romney's smart. Harvard Business and Law, Bain & Co, saved the Olympics.

He's wholesome (married to the same woman for what? 30 years? 5 bright, well-adjusted children)... he has my vote.

ROMNEY '08!

Darrell   January 15th, 2008 9:12 am ET

Did anyone see CSPANs coverage of Romney's speech to the Detroit Economic group yesterday? Wow! I wasn't convinced Romney was the man until I heard it. The guy is a genius!

If you are undecided, look up the speech and try to convince yourself that Romney isn't the best man for the job.

He was also more genuine and real than I have ever seen him. Nice change Romney...maybe he is peeling back a bit of the shell.

When it comes to the economy, McCain and Hucakbee are amateurs. When Huckabee talks about the economy he can only reference China's lead-filled products (he read about that last week in the town newspaper), and McCain only shouts mean political rhetoric (which he has honed in the do-nothing Senate). McCain would be the worst President ever! He would be in bed with Nancy Pelosi before the honeymoon was over....so much for pluralism. Huckabee would be the second worst ever...America would be a theocracy and the oval office would be a theophony hot spot. Scary.

Give me Romney or a Democrat. Michigan is going to finally right the GOP ship today...Go Michigan!! The nation is counting on you!! Don't fall for the pundit crap and the political rhetoric. Look who is really capable of getting it done!! Romney or a Democrat.

I am convinced that over the next four years the economy will be where America needs the most help. Romney is the only GOP candiadate that has the experience and capability to manage it.

Mike Johnson   January 15th, 2008 7:57 am ET

I've been watching CNN's election coverage for the last 2 weeks and can hardly believe that Mitt Romney is still in the race. His name is rarely mentioned on CNN unless a coorespondent is explaining how "Romney must win... or he's out". While at the same time CNN is giving plenty of free coverage to both Huckabee and McCain?

Earlier today for example, CNN reported that, "If Romney loses Michigan he's out and if McCain gets the win, he'll be the front runner...".

If that's true, then how is it that Romney is currently ahead with 24 projected delegates, while Huckabee has only 18 and McCain 10? Does CNNs projection assume that McCain will win 15 or more delegates in Michigan while Romney will get absolutely zero? (both impossible)

Even if McCain were to win Michigan, Romney would still have more projected delegates... so how is it that Romney would be out of the race, when he is still leading with more delegates?

Signed,
Confused Romney supporter

Jason   January 15th, 2008 4:18 am ET

Mitt Romney still can't say how he'll cut spending. He wants to continue the endless wars, he wants to divide us further with his pandering on wedge issues like abortion and gay marriage. I don't see any positives here. Tell me this: How does having another big-business guy in the White House any good for America? What does he know about the common man?

You have to cut spendind somewhere, but Mitt keeps talking up the wars, talking up getting all the illegals out, talking up tax cuts, talking up money for job programs. Sounds like another big spending Republican.

I'd like him better if he just said what he believed instead of the canned soundbites and shifted positions of the last 18 months or so.

I don't trust him.
________
It's the economy, stupid, is a "term of endearment" coined by James Carville during Clinton's '92 campaign. It is meant as a statement of purpose that is so completely obvious that there is no bigger issue than that one at the moment. In headlines since then, whenever a big issue stares us right in the face, you'll often see it paraphrased like "It's the war, stupid" or "It's Moral Values, stupid" and so on.

Mark, B'ham., Al.   January 15th, 2008 3:50 am ET

The Unions did not help Michigan by pricing the auto workers out of a job. First it is $3,500.00 of your car you purchase that pays for UAW members and retirees medical cost, also the average hourly wage for the big 3 workers is $58.00/hr. I remember when I was a young enlisted man in the military (1976)and briniging home $190.00/month I watched a UAW worker who did not show the intellegence of someone with a 10th grade education and who was making $21.00/hr complaining on TV about getting let go because of foriegn imports and plant closings, i could not feel sorry for him or any other UAW. The Unions have also hurt America by road blocking schools and companies from getting rid of those who do not do their job such as bad teachers, nurses, fireman and police.

Tom, NY   January 15th, 2008 3:17 am ET

Don't throw your vote away for Romney. Vote Ron Paul, he's a true conservative who wants to save our soldiers lives.

Sam IA   January 15th, 2008 2:27 am ET

The Republican answer for keeping jobs. Work for less and lose your benefits. Yup, Let's keep traveling down that road folks.

Pedro   January 15th, 2008 12:17 am ET

Anonymous -
Stop kidding yourself and suggesting the UAW and Big 3 are victims of some federal trade policy gone awry. The situation in Michigan has sucked for several years now – joblessness, poor new construction numbers, long term lease vacancies, and artificial growth has created the current "doom and gloom" in the state.
Were in not for the sub-prime debacle, I'd hazard to say that the lousy Michigan economy would probably go largely unnoticed were it not for an election year.
And those record trade deficits you speak of are a direct result of carpetbaggers like Romney convincing corporations to open shops in China where production is so much cheaper – of course there won't be anyone left to buy their products.
If you want to point blame on the trade deficit, start looking at your non-consumables and count how many AREN'T "Made in China".

Vote08   January 15th, 2008 12:10 am ET

I believe that "Wayne, Greenville Tx." is a wino, not to mention a really big whiner, simply put...he's a weiner and I'm not talking Oscar Mayer.

Jones   January 14th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Sanjit,
I don't think that the Democrats are that concerned with Michigan, as they usually carry it anyway.

-And Mitt lovers. I really hope that you are going to be let down on election day. Because I'm not sure that the US can handle another leader who puts church before state.

Rebecca Pilgrim   January 14th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

Mitt has the experience and knowledge to get this country back on track economically. He is not a Washington insider, a religious right candidate, nor a war horse. Mitt represents the epitome of diginity and intelligence, everyone knows we need a lot more of that in Washington. I am ready to VOTE for Romney to be our next president, a sucessful future depends on it.

alex   January 14th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

romney/ thompson 08!!!!!!

Nate   January 14th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Jake, I understand the theory. I've also had the experience that the primary goal in any consulting is to put money in the pocket of the consultant, improving their clients business is secondary (of course the consultants I have to deal with are IT consultants). Really can't knock them for it. Everyone has the right to go out and make money the best way they can. My point is simply that it is not necessarily the best experience for political work because the goal is very different. While working for Bain Romney's primary goal was making Bain money, again nothing out and out evil about that. It would be false to think that Romney has vast experience thinking about what is best for the worker though, doing so would have been bad for him professionally. It would also be false to say all companies were better off for Bain's involvement. Some were essentially demolished, some improved their stance at the sacrifice of the workers, and some like Joe's company apparently had positive results. In any case Bain turned out well. Win or lose this election Mitt will turn out well also, he's got the money and can do other things. The question is, if he wins, which company will America most resemble Joe's or Ampad?

I think a second term as Gov. would have gone farther to proving the needed experience. Mike Huckabee served 2 plus terms as Gov of Arkansas being that he had a partial term due to being promoted from Lt Gov to Gov. I also think he makes some good points about focusing on trade agreements. Free trade without fair trade really hurts the American worker. On a level playing field I believe American workers are better than any in the world, but I don't think we have a level playing field.

arfisher, Midlothian, VA   January 14th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Michigan, you know the Romneys. Show the country your support so we don't pass up the BEST candidate ever. Please make sure everyone you can influence gets out to vote for Mitt Romney.

diane -providence ri.   January 14th, 2008 9:45 pm ET

'It's the economy stupid' is not a derogatory term and it came into such popular usage after Carville coined it, that it's just sort of a catch-all phrase and a way of getting someone to think about a point (not necessarily the economy btw)

Anonymous   January 14th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

"What's plaguing Michigan is NOT the federal taxpayer's responsibility,
The auto companies and UAW rode the gravy train just as long as they could – much like the sub-prime mortgage lenders – and now they have to start walking.
Why is the lack of response from Michigan's own government now a failure at the Federal level?"

Pedro, the domestic auto industry's problems are a direct result of lack of trade policy in the Bush administration. The US has been setting new record trade deficits almost every year of Bush's second term. Don't fool yourself thinking Michigan's problem is unique to Michigan. Given these trade deficits (which represent American money leaving the country) the rest of the country is not far behind.

Renaisauce   January 14th, 2008 9:35 pm ET

I think people are underestimating Mitt , and I'm glad to see that there is still so much support for him, at least online. All his critics were so pleased that he finished 2nd place in two states. But you know what? It's not like he was creamed. He's only losing by a few points in each race. He might have won New Hampshire if McCain had been campaigning there for eight years. People make such a big deal about how he loses in spite of outspending people, like that's what should have happened. The fact is that it has been a greater uphill battle for him then for any other candidate, and he's handled it wonderfully, with a few mistakes. I think the media has blurred his image, but now that there isn't so much frenzy, people are starting to hear him for who he is. His speech at the Economics Club was the most competent and convincing speech I have heard by any campaigner on either party. I spent the last 6 months confused about who to vote for, but I have firmly decided on Mitt. Forget New Hampshire and Iowa. They were wrong, and I hope that becomes clear to more people nationwide.

Mary, Michigan   January 14th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Amalea, the "It's the economy stupid" was the trademark slogan that James Carville came up with when Bill Clinton was running for president against George H. W. Bush in 1992. It wasn't a job at Romney. Perhaps you're not old enough to remember the 1992 presidential race when the economy ended up being the number issue.

Pedro   January 14th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

What's plaguing Michigan is NOT the federal taxpayer's responsibility,
The auto companies and UAW rode the gravy train just as long as they could – much like the sub-prime mortgage lenders – and now they have to start walking.
Why is the lack of response from Michigan's own government now a failure at the Federal level?
Why have Michigan politicians not stood up for their constituents?
Why haven't the people of Michigan done something to change the Big 3-centric economy they've all become so dependent on over the last century?
Greed.
Greed.
Greed.
Perhaps having a venture capitalist for president would help drive the final nails in the state's economic coffin, driving those who can yet afford to relocate out of the state much like the exodus of the early 1980's.
If Mitt is so insightful, then why didn't he do something sooner for his "home" state?
Michigan voters can either choose to continue believing empty promises and patronizing cheer leading, or they can choose to finally understand it's time to be weaned from the steel cow's teat.

JT   January 14th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Romney is winning the Republican base. If anyone still undecided will listen with an open mind to Mitt speak, it will only take ten minutes to see that he is brilliant. The dems and media know that Mitt would crush anyone in a one on one debate. Thus the dems and media are still talking up Ron Paul, the Huckster and other losers.

McCain is just another Sr Senator veteran who has no winning ideas like Bob Dole in 1996. Obama/Oprah or the Clintons would have a very big victory against McCain.

Now that the news is out that Rudy is low on money, Mitt is the only candidate that can go the distance and win in November. If the people of Michigan do not wake up and give Mitt a win that would make the dems and the media very happy indeed. A vote for McCain or the Huckster is a vote for the Democrats and economic & international failure.

Doug Tiderington   January 14th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Any one who believes that the U.S. Automakers have a $4,000.00 disadvantage/vehicle due to UAW members benefits is wrong. Yes, John Roberts and Mitt Romney, you lied. The disadvantage/vehicle was $1,500.00 before negotiations 2007. That is what GM has been reporting all along. Mitt and John should get their facts straight before they talk about my state and our hourly workforce. Mitt says that Michigan is a 1 state recession, has gas only gone to $3.00/gal. in Michigan??? I don't think so. Since Bush took office gas has more than doubled...why is that not being reported? Because Repub's will do the same...by continuing to give to the oil barons and taking away from the American people. What a group of liars!!!

Doug Tiderington
UAW Member
Swartz Creek, MI

Richard from Detroit   January 14th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

The root cause of our falling economic and industrial power is when you import more than you export.You can go all the way back to the Great Roman Empire. A great nation, a military powerful nation always produces the most and the best goods to be distributed around the world.Thats our problem!We import more than we export.What we are importing is what we, AMERICA should be exporting.Our government and industrial leaders have given away key important American products, that were once the best in the world, to countries like China and Mexico who in reality are not really friendly with us.The Communist Government of China is still thinking of being number 1 supper power while the corrupt Military style dictatorship of Mexico { its been like that since 1821 almost non-stop} is purposely helping illegals { many of them criminals } and drugs across our borders while training manuals for the Mexican Army say that one day they will have California,Texas,Arizona and New Mexico back as part of Mexico that was unjustly stolen from them.Stolen????The point is American citizens,John McCain likes them.McCains motto is whats good for China and Mexico is good for me and the American people.Romney is the best we have for Michigan.McCain would turn Michigan into another USS Kitty Hawk disaster.

Audrey   January 14th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Amalia,
I don't like Stupid being in the title either.. Not fair at all.

Vanessa   January 14th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

I'm sorry but almost all of you are being very immature, PERIOD. It's politics. Everyone is bound to disagree at some point, but to be pointing the finger at one another, the "are you smarter than a 5th grader" comment and so forth...forget it. Get a life.

Scott   January 14th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

It is foolish to think Romney knows something about economics just because he has run a business. Armand Hammer was a businessman and he was a communist.

Of the candidates, only Republican Ron Paul is an economics scholar. Only Ron Paul has been talking about the economic situation. Only Ron Paul saw what was going to happen. Only Ron Paul has a viable plan.

Other candidates have talked about jobs just because they are in Michigan. Paul has talked about the economic factors that take jobs away. Always.

Ten-term congressman Ron Paul not only has the economics knowledge, he has demonstrated wisdom and caring. He has outlined a transition plan to a sound economy that is good for everybody. He will open the doors for prosperity.

We should vote for what we want. Freedom, peace and prosperity. We should nominate Ron Paul for President. Vote for Ron Paul in the primary.

Lynn   January 14th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Well, it looks like Romney is giving the voters what they would like to hear, "we're going to take care of you" solution. The auto industry is in the same shape the steel business was in a short while back where bad management and union demands brought the industry to its knees, and bankrupted some like LTV Steel. So, here goes the American auto industry, similarly. Those workers need to listen to John McCain. He sees the situation objectively and had the right answer. Those steel jobs that were lost never came back, but were supplied by Russia, China and other third world countries.

Joe   January 14th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

To say Mitt had poor placement in previous races is absurd! He has the popular vote and the most deligates to date. Mitt did turned around the Olympics.

His company has done work for the company I work for and we did not down size as a result. We focused on growth areas and we invested significantly in technology that has helped our business over the past few years. Perhaps the companies that were listed by Nate above were in need of correcting their work forces due to many bad decisions along the way. If these companies had not made the changes they did, would both the employees and the stock holders have lost....that is the question. Clearly the employees are a large factor, but if both lose, it is even worse for the local economies.

When the republican party does rally around one candidate, I certainly hope that it is Mitt Romney.

Jake, Brussels, BELGIUM   January 14th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

No offense, Nate, but you have a very limited comprehension of strategy consulting and private equity. In both, the key is improving a business to the point that it is worth more. Sometimes this results in a merger, acquisition, or divestment. While on occasion, as may have been the case in the one example you cited, some jobs are lost. Net though many more are saved or generated.

I've noted that many of the funny mathemeticians out there criticizing Romney or promoting their guy rarely look at the net bottom line...just pick out a stat or two that makes them feel warm and fuzzy.

I'm just not buying that a turnaround artist is a shadier profession than attorney, the chosen field of most candidates. And it's DEFINITELY not shadier than a career politician.

Luciob1   January 14th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

I heard McCain say that we just have to accept that the jobs that are gone aren't coming back, and we need to re-train people...Doing what? There few decent jobs left in our Nation and those that exist are considered too difficult for Americans (thus tech companies importing "talent" via H2 visas), or have been taken from US citizens (McCain wants amnesty so that current illegals can keep their construction and factory jobs that US citizens lost due to the illegal actions of employers lowering wages and paying illegals who have stolen identities.)

xtina - chicago IL   January 14th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Mitt far outshines any candidate in business mgmt. and economics, but I fear some Americans cannot get past their prejudice about Mormonism and fear that he will somehow foist it upon us other Americans. It's a shame that Gov. Romney is in a position where he has to defend his religion, and it's just wrong to put him in that position.

Teacher   January 14th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

AMANDA. Can you say I am smarter than a 5th grader?You will be lucky if he doent out -source your job or bring someone in on a N1B1 VISA TO FILL IT.This man will do what ever the Elites tell him to do.

Jack   January 14th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Gee, after the last two contests I thought we were done with Mitt. His poor placement in both Iowa and New Hampshire demonstrate exactly what is wrong with our primary system. He didn't win the top spot in either race yet according to CNN.com, he has the most delegates of any Republican candidate. He is spending money in Michigan and is fighting for a place on the ticket yet in a survey announced this morning by that gorgeous Robin Meade of CNN Headline News, 6 out of 10 voters in this country will not vote for him. Fred Thompson is proof that a political marriage doesn't always help a candidate; he needs to go back to Law and Order and beg for a cameo appearance. While Rudy Giuliani did a fantastic job in NYC on September 11th, he has yet to place in the top three spots. I had never heard of Duncan Hunter until my daughter was required to write a paper about him last year. I found that he is an honorable man who should have never attempted a run for the office. Ron Paul is the Republican answer to the Democrat's Dennis Kucinich; both candidates are provided as an alternative for those who refuse to grow up.

That leaves the Republican ticket with two candidates. John McCain who has had a long and distinguished record of service in the U.S. Senate. Unfortunately, he is part of the establishment that he seeks to change. That leaves us with Mike Huckabee. While I like most of what Gov. Huckabee says, I am concerned about some of his past beliefs and wonder if he will be able to win against the Democratic nominee.

What this country needs is another candidate with the charisma and charm of Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately we are left without an heir aparent.

Lynette   January 14th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

I watched Mr. Romney at the debate. I must say that I do not trust him.
To me, he seems to lack sincerity and of course I know he lacks military experience!

MiddleClass, TX   January 14th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

"His plan to stimulate the economy calls for increased investment in research and development in science and technology, eliminating the savings tax, and working with homeowners to avoid foreclosures."

Yeah right Mitt, I'm sure your plan also includes giving your old company Bain Capital no-bid defense contracts. Mitt obviously has no national security concerns about the deal between Bain Capital, 3Com and China which is the reason it's currently being investigated.

Romney and Cheney are two peas in a pod! People, this guy cannot be trusted!

Nate   January 14th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

Ok, since everyone feels Mitt's business experience is what qualifies him for presidency, let's go over that experience. He wasn't actually responsible for running business, he made his money buying and selling companies. He's not a business man he is a salesman. He made a lot of money for himself, his associates, and some stock holders, but the workers paid the prices. Romney made some nice money for himself while killing Stage Stores, DDi, KB Toys, Babbages, Holson-Burnes, and Dade-Behring. I'm sure the employees of those company don't feel his experience qualifies him. Bain made $100 killing Ampad. They fired 100s of employees and offered to "rehire" them at lower wages with less benefits.

Of his three suggestions to solve Michigan's problems only one even directly applies. Removing savings tax I'm not against, but it doesn't help someone who has no money to put in savings. That plan helps the board members more thn the line workers. Bailing out homeowners in the sub prime crises means government spending money. Investing in research and development alo means spending money, but is the only thing that would actually help in Mich. Too bad Romney's track record has been to cut R&D not improve it.

Sanjit   January 14th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

I'm curious as to why the none of the Democrat candidates save Clinton appear on the Michigan ballots, whereas on the national scene all of them are going to town publishing comprehensive recession battle plans. It would seem to me that a state that desperately needs a resuscitation plan deserves at least to have Democrat candidates battling to address these issues. In a national debate where the state of the economy is the most important issue across party lines, and having such an excellent case study at a state level for candidates to showcase their implementation strategies, how this can be allowed to happen is particularly disturbing.

Sandy, St. Paul, MN   January 14th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Romney WON'T be getting MY vote. He keep saying he has a plan for 'affordable private healthcare' but won't tell his plans. Is he going to raise everyone's salary, so they can afford the astronomical rates? I doubt it. Is he going to lower the rates that private companies can charge? I don't think that the 'shareholders' would allow it. He's blowing smoke out of his nether regions with NO PLAN, other than lying and cheating his way into the White House.... and look how well America fared after the last idiot who did that....

Jeremy Irons, Waynesville, MO   January 14th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

Wayne, Greenville TX, then how come he has the most delegate votes right now? How come in poll after poll, more true conservatives vote for him more than anyone else? Why don't you try and back up that blanket statement of yours with facts? I'll tell you why, because it's not true. Get your head out of the sand and wake up.

Mark, Lansing, MI   January 14th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Romney has my vote here in Lansing. McCain's double-talk about being for tax cuts then voting against them has disgusted me. Romney has the intelligence, energy and vision to win here in Michigan and around the US.

FiscalConservative, USA   January 14th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

David, I agree that our financial system has it's problems, but apparently Mitt has figured out how to work within the system and knows about the fundamentals of change, and how to bring about consistent, positive change. No, everything's not roses with our financial system, but it is also possible to make the system work for us for a change. This starts by controlling deficit spending and getting our nation back on track by investing in our future. Mitt has spent 25+ years doing this in the private sector, he did it for the Olympics, he did it as Governor, and if anyone can do it as President, it's him. He's earned my vote and confidence. No one else can even touch him when it comes to this. If you want a handout, vote for the other guy (or gal), but if you fundamentally want change in Washington, vote Mitt (or else it's more of the same).

Fred from Michigan   January 14th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Amalea Hendrickson you are right. The media has been ragging on Mitt from day one. I wonder what the agenda is of the Media Companies. There always seems to be some "stupid" comment added to his words in an attempt to damage his character or ideas.

It is very apparent that Mitt is the person to fix the economic crunch we are now under. I was able to go to his speech today and he is a very powerful leader. He knows exactly what needs to be done and trust me DAVID he is well away of the main root of the econmic problems but leave it to the media to not include that in their articles. He deserves to win and will be the best by far for the people of this great nation.
MITT FOR 2008

Joe   January 14th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Please support Mitt Romney!

He is clearly the most qualified to fix the economy and he can handle the world stage without embarrassing the USA (like Huckabee would).

McCain is so bitter toward the Bush presidency that he would do anything to try and make them look bad if he could get away with it…that is why he voted no on the tax cuts for America. His ego got in the way of doing the right thing for his constituents. Is that the kind of president we want?

Wayne, Greenville TX   January 14th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Amanda January 14, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Mitt understands trade and business success. He knows that Michigan will need to compete for the jobs. Michigan can do it with investment, innovation and hard work!

Romney 2008-2016!

Mitt doesn't understand squat. That's why no one is voting for this loser.

Brian   January 14th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Uh. . . David, You really don't know what your talking about. I'm speaking as a financial advisor with licenses in series 7, 66 and designations. That's not the deep underlying cause of inflation, your simply explaining the effect of the markets, and how the FRB issues $ to curb the markets which in turn cause inflation, but remember good old Dave, the FRB wouldn't need to issue $ if the economy wasn't so stressed. Without the Feds, we would already be in a recession. Mitt isn't walking blindly in the economy Dave, he already knows this basic principal of finance. Bless your heart, I'm sure you'll understand someday. Mitt Romney everyone has the financial experience to understand how the economy works, that has been one of his motto's from the beginning. I do have faith and trust in him as a financial professional myself.

big doug   January 14th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

John McCain did his duty 40 years ago in Vietnam. He was unlucky enough to get shot down and captured by the enemy. I respect him for surviving the hell that he and many other brave soldiers went through. All of them should have our sincere gratitude.

That being said, we are now choosing our next President.

Mr. John “ITS NOT AMNESTY, THEY HAVE TO PAY A SMALL FINE” McCain could never win the Presidency. McCain would even lose his home state of Arizona where they just repudiated him by enacting the harshest anti-illegal alien law in the nation.

In 1987 Ronald Reagan granted amnesty to what they estimated to be 1 million illegal aliens. It was in reality 3 times that number. Now John McCain and the Democrats estimate that 12 million illegals are here now. Logically they are again greatly underestimating the real number. Under the McCain plan, all of the illegals would be able to bring their entire families to the U.S. All of them would immediately be eligible for government assistance such as food stamps and healthcare. Last year in the Senate, John McCain lead a few misguided Republicans and almost all the Democrats in a failed attempt to pass the amnesty bill. It just barely failed. The Democratic Presidential candidates all support the amnesty bill. That bill will pass in 2009 unless we stop them.

The media is doing its best to help the Democrats via John McCain. The Democrats would love to see a John McCain nomination.

A vote for McCain or Huckabee is a vote for the Democrats and economic failure.

Mitt is the answer.

Amanda   January 14th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Mitt understands trade and business success. He knows that Michigan will need to compete for the jobs. Michigan can do it with investment, innovation and hard work!

Romney 2008-2016!

Amalea Hendrickson   January 14th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Is it really necessary to add the word stupid after the title in this article? Doing so implies Romney was saying the people of Michigan are stupid which he did not do. When is the media going to give him a break?

David   January 14th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Don't be fooled by Romney. He does not understand the root cause our economy is experiencing, which is inflation caused by the Federal Reserve banking system.

Inflation comes from an uneven change in the volume, say, when money is printed and given to a defense contractor. For the moment the contractor’s suppliers do not realize the money volume has changed, the recipient of the printed money experiences increased purchasing power. The workers end up receiving the wage in old money, but then are faced with prices in the new money after the vendors adjust to the new money supply. If the Fed injects more money into the system, which causes more spending, then you will have more money chasing the same number of goods which causes inflation! All of this causes the citizens to issue T-bills to support the created money and it is our children that pay for the treasury bills we issue to prop up the markets. Any money it releases to “curb market jitters over sub-prime woes” is a tax on unborn children who will be paying the interest on the debt we have accrued.

Thats right, the whole principle and function of money has switched! Back in the day it was free for citizens to turn their gold and silver into money, which increased the money supply as a wealth to the people. Now green backs created out of thin air are loaned into circulation as debt against future production, not exchanged into circulation as production performed. Money has been switched from an evidence of wealth to an evidence of debt!

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   January 14th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

This man HAS it, if you haven't looked into him because you've been snowballed into believing the negative hype from Huckabee and McCain or the Dem's, go check him out.
Mitt has the WHOLE package!

Gobama   January 14th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Which of the Clintons are running for the Presidency?

IS BILL CLINTON RUNNING FOR A THIRD TERM?

Is Hilary Clinton incapable of running a national campaign on her own?

So much for woman's liberation. LOL

Bill Clinton is proving that a woman/Hilary Clinton IS INCAPABLE of running a US national campaign on her own. LOL

And if Bill Clinton has to be the one campaigning for the Clintons THIRD TERM, then it means that the Clintons are eager for another chance to DAMAGE THE US PRESIDENCY!

AJ, Iowa City, IA   January 14th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Mitt is our best chance to get out of economic recession!

Vote McCain = Vote more War
Vote Huckabee = Vote for Socialism (what are you thinking?!)

Brian   January 14th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Mitt is certainly the most qualified for the economy. I want my 401k and My IRA's to stop suffering! I will vote Romney based on his credentials and his intellect to stimulate the economy. I know he'll be working for America hard!

Texas Teacher   January 14th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

:) Matters of the ECONOMY are Romney's strong point...that and his dignified, Presidential-like leadership demeanor free of the childlike tantrum throwing and wild-eyed hysterical off-base accusations and name calling tirades which plaque the uckabee/McCain and Clinton/Edwards gang.

Romney/Thompson in 2008!!! :) WOO HOOO!!!!

Cat, Costa Mesa, CA   January 14th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Romney is the only one who knows how to turn this economy around. Being young and just starting my career, the idea of a recession is absolutely frightening to me. Can my job be done better, and CHEAPER by someone over seas? Will my taxes increase in order to fund some illegals medical care? Will my student loans go throught the roof? These are all questions I concern myself with every day. The only candidate who knows how to stimulate the economy, and in turn alleviate these concerns is Mitt Romney!

He knows how to turn tough situations around. He knows how to make money and bring life into what others have said has failed! He is the only candidate I can trust won't take my hard earned income and give it away. He is the only candidate I can trust won't make me sign up for some third rate healthcare plan, spend thousands a year in pork barrell scams, and will do what it takes to keep us safe.

The same cannot be said of others!

Nate Lambert   January 14th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

If Mitt wins, he's back in the race! Go Romney!

I. Dern, Farifax, VA   January 14th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

A poll comes out.

Two days later Mitt Romney's campaign is all about whatever the new poll is about.

Just like clockwork.

MITT HAS MORE FLIP FLOPS THAN A SHOE WAREHOUSE...

AJ, Iowa City, IA   January 14th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Oh, Huckabee will fix this economy by implementing a 23% federal tax in addition to a 7% state tax and if you can't afford to pay for essential, trust the government and you'll fit right in with the equations in use today to get paid (or a pre-bate) to cover your essentials. We will make everything fair! (Sounds like communism to me!). What the economy is a business... well no body told me that!

Then McCain will come in and call everybody "jerks" who do not contribute the economy and the insult will stike to the heart and everyone will go out and buy a Ford, Chevy or Dodge.

Done, fixed!

Mike Allen   January 14th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Romney represents the Problem with the economy, not the solution. It is multi millionaire / billionaire corpoate Ceo's like Romney who have sent all our jobs overseas so that they can reap grotesque personal fortunes off the sweat of Chinese slave labor while Americans lose jobs. We are supposed to be impressed by Romneys experience and success as a billionaire Ceo. When in fact it is the fat, filthy rich Ceo's that are destroying the middle class while awarding themselves billion dollar golden parachutes for draining american companies dry.

Wayne, Greenville TX   January 14th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

“Michigan is a bit like the canary in the mineshaft. What's hurting Michigan,” he continued, “will imperil the entire nation's economy."

And MItt Romney is to America what carbon monoxide is to a canary...

Lev Klinemann, CA   January 14th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

I don't even know why the Repulicans bother with Michigan, that state was devastated by this Neo-Con "Free Market" crap that has destroyed the unions...

...and an empty belly breeds a lot of resentment, the Michiganians are not stupid, they know who did it to them.

Jamal Williams, Washington   January 14th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

This should be his pitch to the entire NATION, not just MICHIGAN. Yes, it is about the economy stupid. If you want the US to continue down the same road, keep electing the same stupid politicians! (who I wouldn't even trust to balance my checkbook).

Doug   January 14th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Unlike McCain, he has not lived off of a Government check his whole life. Mitt knows how the economy works.

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