CNN

Of course he doesn't care. He's got millions; his sons don't have to go to Iraq because "they are serving America by working on his campaign." This is a guy who is used to laying-off workers by the thousands. Mr. Slick; he'll take any stand to get elected; nevermind belonging to a racist cult...

Romney is a walking, talking joke of a candidate. While I'm confident that McCain will ultimately shred him to pieces to become the GOP nominee, I almost wish Mitt would win so the media can rip open his belly and expose him for the phony that he is.

Hey all you Rightwing retards, Romney is a FLIP FLOPPER right? All the CON's that are posting positive B.S. about Romney are the biggest hypocrites on the planet.

Yeah, it was taken out of context, but I'm a Democrat so it doesn't bother me. Have all these die-hard Mitt people noticed that he told a bald-faced fib when he said he doesn't have paid lobbyists on his staff? Well, all you anti-CNN people, check it out. Actually, I sort of hope Romney gets the nomination, because he would never be able to win in November.

How convenient for Obama to invoke his blackness when he at SC.

Just how much shinola are you dittohaeds going to slather on this idiot?

Slick Mitt will DO and SAY ANYTHING to get elected. He doesn't care ONE FREAKIN' IOTA about YOU, ME, the VOTERS....ANYBODY.

This man is a POWER-HUNGRY JACKAL who DESPERATELY NEEDS easily-led dittoheads who suck down his every word like its free beer.

CNN also left out the part where Mitt Romney said he will not owe anyone favors because he used his own money. That reason alone should be enough to make you think highly of him! If he is president, he wont have people (or groups) that contributed to his campaign funds telling him that he owes them and forcing him to do unethical things! I admire him for using his own money because it shows that he truly wants to make a difference.

Let's not forget that Hilary almost wen to jail when she was running for the Senate because she broke the law wtih her illegal tactics of fund rasing.

I n years to come, we will be talking about , not how the west was won. But about how our arivals, Tried to buy there way into the white house.
Shout the loudest , Lie after lie, that is what we hear. Voices of the little guy's , that have common ground. Keep getting the shortest stick from the media.

As we are witnessing , money talk's.

WHAT A TAX WRITE OFF.

HANG IN THERE MC CAIN, EDWARDS, HUCKABEE, AN HILLARY.

FOR OBAMA an the morman , shut up an sit down. Go to Mickey Mouse land an start over. By the way take Mc Caski along.

I watched the debate and came up out of my seat when Mitt made his comment.
It was not taken out of context. He said it in an arrogant way. Many of you say he got your vote because he is a great business man and understands the economy.
Do you not know he made his money thru leverage buyouts of companys? You know, buying a company, breaking it up and selling off the parts. Great for his bank account but awful hard on the people who lost their job due to this great business man. So now he has enough money to buy the presidency and a lot of people are willing to let him do it. Shame on you. A flip fopper in the same vein as John Kerry and you will let him get away with it. Not with my vote will I help.
I would rather have a man that is for the people, not his wallet.

Romney made money by gutting companies and putting people out of work. He was the son of a multi-millionaire with a vast array of connections who would have you believe he's self made. He's lined up Washington connections in an effort to secure a coronation. Don't be fooled by his "outsider" crap. It's a cynical joke.

When he was governor, he ignored the things that would have tarnished his run for the presidency, like fixing roads and bridges. He left the state with the largest flight of residents in 20 years. He was absent for 212 of his last 365 days in office. He wants to call himself a hard worker, but he was a lazy governor and a bad panderer.

I'm not sure what all the hysteria is about ...regarding the comments being "out of context." The context is right at the top of the page. The article very clearly points out that Romney was answering a question about fundraising. What concerns me more, however, is that Romney will say anything, change any position, to be elected.

Romney shouldn`t have to answer to russert question, he has legal right to that for now. He SHOULD answer to why his buddies at Bain are selling weapon systems to Chinese and he hasn`t said a word.

Please Dear Florida Voters,
Take another look at Mike Huckabee. Check out his value as a leader, not as a former preacher. He is not trying to push his faith off on anybody, but he will not deny his faith to be Politically Correct either. He is not rich like Romney and he hasn't been a part of the Washington establishment like McCain. He is old enough to have the experience and young enough to work hard for this country for 8 years. He really does see the people who make less than $30,000 a year. He really does care about every American. If you won't to know where Mike Huckabee stands on issues, turn to the Bible. If the Bible says it is wrong, then Mike Huckabee will also believe it is wrong. That is how it should be. This candidate deserves a chance to show America that he can help Americans take this country and this government back. This is our country, and it is up to us to choose a president that is willing to stand up for what is Right and fix what is wrong, WITHOUT all the entitlements and handouts and WITH the FREE TAX.
That can only mean a better life for all of America. Don't you agree. Go to Mike Huckabee.com and help this candidate win these primary elections and get to the General Election. We in this country, desperately need what Mike Huckabee is bringing to the table. Mike will be honest and true because he knows that if he is not, there is and All Seeing Eye that will hold him accountable for everything he says and does. You know, The "All Seeing Eye" that appears on the back of our nearly worthless dollar bill.
Please do not be misled by the slander of other campaigns, and the media. Go check this candidate out for yourself before you cast that vote and we get stuck with another money grubbing, liberal, who will sell us out to China along with our jobs. Don't pay attention to those polls. They don't know how people really feel.
If you compare all the candidates and check out their documented proof of their accomplishments, (not what they say they did) it will become very clear to you that Mike Huckabee NEEDS to be the President, for all our sakes. Thank You.

GO ROMNEY!!!!!!!!!!

AS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO THINK HE JUST SAYS WHATEVER HE HAS TO TO GET THE NOMINATION, GO STICK YOUR HEAD IN A WHOLE SINCE THATS WHERE IT HAS BEEN THIS WHOLE TIME ANYWAYS!!!

I MEAN, IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE TO ME. LETS VOTE FOR THE GUYS WHO LIKE TO SPEND OUR MONEY FOR THEIR AD'S AND EVERYTHING!!! LETS NOT VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS INVESTED THEIR OWN PROPERTY AND MONEY INTO SOMETHING THEY TRULY BELIEVE IN!!! WOW DOESNT THAT JUST SEEM SMART TO ALL OF YOU TO!!?!?!?!?!

GIVE ME A BREAK YOU ROMNEY HATERS....

Lisa comments:One should ask if Mitt "I saved the Olympics" and "I saved MA's economy" can't get endorsements from the governors of the States that he suppose to have done so much for. Governor Huntsman (a fellow Mormon) from Utah endorses McCain

Mitt has an endorsement from Jon Huntsman Sr. the father of Gov Huntsman. Gov. Huntsman previously held a high level position in the Dept. of Commerce and Senator McClain sits on the Commerce Committee of the Senate. Hence a long established relationship. When McClinton falls aside Jon Jr. will announce for Mitt! The real endorsements will come from the voters.

Wow. I wonder how much Romney is paying all of you for these positive posts. I am caucusing for Mitt here in MN, because in a general election Hillary will eat him for dinner.. Its time a Republican gets swift boated.

Clinton 2008

If you are old enough to vote, then you should be wise enough by now to investigate each candidate, out of the light of the media. Get their honest bio. Not the one the media puts out. I have checked state websites, and researched documents concerning the work of the top three candidates of both parties.
I have found the following:
Romney is so crooked they will have to screw him in the ground when he dies.
McCain is a true old veteran patriot. He has my deepest regards, but not my vote.
Huckabee will be the one who comes out of the dark into the light of the white house, because he is Honest , of good moral character, and has documented proof on file of what he was able to accomplish in Arkansas.
Hillary talks a good talk, but if she gives away everything she has said she will give away, America is headed for the poor house.
Obama also talks a good talk. But he is young and does not have the experience to run this country, especially in the shape that it is in now. But he will get there. Leave no doubt about that.
Edwards is a man for the workers. He is a champion of unions. He has a great plan in place. But he too, wants to give everything to everybody in the form of a handout. That can not work.
I'll just tell you. I voted for Huckabee because he comes across as a man who wants the American people to be greatly involved in the decisions of this country instead of being someone who tries to pull a fast one, like George Bush has done over and over. I am not a Republican nor am I a Democrat. I look at the record of the candidate. Not what they say their record is. I want my vote to be the best decision for America. I believe in Mike Huckabee.

The overwhelming ignorance in most rights in regards to him using his money is amazing since as a Republican who happens to be Mormon he is not only having to deal with his qualifications but also the fact that he is Mormon. Of course most Democrats don't get that since religion typically (except for Obama) isn't an issue as long as your Democrat. Just look at Harry Reid and how little attention was ever paid to the fact that the leader of the Democrat Senate Majority was Mormon. However as soon as god forbid we have a Mormon run for president CNN and other left leaning media as well as some of the far right (who think they have the right to stand in for God and Jesus Christ and determine what consitutes Christianity) attack his faith in full force even though the leadership ofthe Mormon church strictly adheres to a no campaining for candidates from the pulpit ideal (the one exception being in regards to the select support of laws in support of stregthening of the family, however the leadership never ever endorses candidates period. If you think otherwise you have no clue as to what your talking about). Which is quite different from a lot of other religions which have no problems endorsing candidates from the pulpit or letting candidates speak in church knowing full well that as the leaders of these churches doing these things adds pressure upon the congregation to vote for a particular party or person.

Some of you Romney haters are so pathetic. I wonder if there is any brain activity in your heads at all. You can call him a jerk, you can call him arrogant, but the truth is CNN grossly misrepresented Romney and those of you who have silly putty for brains are all over it like mindless zombies!

FACT: Did you know that Romney took on the job of fixing the Olympic Winter games when it had a 379 million dollar deficit and it was mired in scandal. Romney used his knowledge, education, experience and character to turn the games around. Not only did they clear the 379 million dollar deficit, he made 100 million dollars. Then, HE DONATED HIS $825,000.00 SALARY TO CHARITY. He also made a million dollar donation to the games from his own pocket. Sounds pretty selfish and arrogant doesn't it? You wouldn't know a good thing if it reached up and bit your *%$!

You can call him a jerk. You can hate him because he has used his education and drive to make millions of dollars, but the truth is he has more character, more ambition, and more drive than any of you.

You should all spend a little time researching how candidates get their money so that you could all understand that Romney isn't buying an election. How stupid can you possibly be? All of the candidates have to follow the same rules. The fact that Romney has raised so much more money is because he has many supporters, and NO THEY ARE NOT ALL HIS RICH FRIENDS! There are rules about that too. If you all had any smarts, you would know that. But, like I said, you'd need some smarts.

Clearly, what he meant was that he wasn't concerned that not revealing his financial data prior to the required time would be a problem with the voters. He will reveal it at the required time, but was simply making the point that revealing it in the meantime would be helpful to his competitors. And he didn't want to do that. What's so hard to understand about that?

Leave it to CNN to even write such a piece. It is a well know fact that CNN is an extremely liberal democratic network totally incapable of unbiased reporting.

He is a self serving, egomaniac who changes his positions to fit the crowd. I don't trust anything he says. One of those "tell them what they want to hear" guys with no idea what honesty is. His casual disregard of the "Voters" has been quite apparent. His only concern is "How much is it gonna cost to get me to the White House", Then let's see, "My friends gave me this much, so which cabinet position does he want........Hum, how many of those positions do I have to fill?"

The only way another candidate could use anything against him, is if he has done something questionable. Then guess what!! Everyone would use it against him.

As far as the illegal aliens factor. Who is gonna pay to deport all the ones that are here now? WE ARE. McCain is right in saying we have to secure our borders NOW, so that we can keep them, drugs, and terrorists OUT.

Does anyone realize that mormonism is the belief that "god" was once a guy who did real good things and was rewarded his own planet, and that if you (a mormon) do "good" here on earth, you'll be rewarded with your own planet and your own people?

Mitt is a good guy, who is really hard to hate....He is not very good words.....he's like Barack who fumbles sometimes, but he a good guy at heart

Mitt won last nights debate by a landslide and this is the headline? It will be the country's loss if Governor Romney is not our next president.

FINALLY !! It is long overdue that the press notices Romney has been trying to write his checks into the White House. This guy views the Presidential Office as for sale and he wants to buy it. Of course with a little help from "his friends!" I've had enough of the last 7 years of someone taking care of their friends.

I got a question for AK Surprise, Ted, Alvin Tanner, Mark in Tampa John Allen, and the Christian from NY and all the other "Conservatives":

But first, how can you fall for a johnny-come-lately, say anything to get elected phony? What enraged me is, Mitt is so ready to talk tough about winning in Iraq. But he skipped Viet Nam. If his religion forbade him, he could have been a medic.
He already admitted he is not interested in sending any of his five sons. (But he will send others) His most pathetic statement, saying his sons are serving by working on his campaign is almost treasonous. How dare he compare his spoiled brat kids licking envelopes to our sons and daughters in Baghdad.

But to you Liberal-bashers, just this one question: What the hell are you doing here? Your country and party need you in "Southwest Asia" If any of you already did your tour of duty in Iraq, I apologize. But I am guessing you are just like all your heroes (O'reiily, Rush, Beck, and Dennis MIller) -- Chicken hawks.

Answer my question.

Whats funny is every dem is complaining about how bad they have had it as of late, even though the dems have been pushing all the spending in the government. They have no idea how bad it would get if one of their own got in the white house and taxes start to go up. You think your wallet is stretched now try cutting everything you have in your wallet by half if the dems get their way.

I'm concerned for me and how this affects my wallet and way of life. Dems are so political and out of touch. But you get what you ask for. Don't be so short sighted.

Mitt understands how the changes in Washington affect the real person. Not one of the dems or republicans understand this as they have never had to live like a real person, whith exception to Mitt.

People that support McCain over Romney typically have no perspective on illegal immigration.

There is no way, in this lifetime or any other, that I would vote for or support Romney, but that quote is taken way out of context. This is exactly the type of thing that has Americans disgusted and pissed off wtih the media. Report, keep the politicians and the people informed and in check. Do your job and stop fanning fires that nobody wants.

If only Romney had a little bit of integrity, a smidgeon of fortitude and really cared about anything but himself....

I see CNN is using the “Reality TV: Manual of Editing.” They “conveniently” omitted the sentence in which Romney stated he would not divulge his personal contribution to his campaign in front of his rivals as it would give them strategic information and compromise his political campaign. Mr. Russert seemed more intent on casting Romney in a negative light than he was to get an answer. Romney was lucid and articulate and clearly the better man in that exchange.

Hey, the more of his own money that he spends – the less he has to take from the government (via the taxpayers) like the other candidates do because nobody will donate to their crappy positions.

Some of you Romney haters are so pathetic. I wonder if there is any brain activity in your heads at all. You can call him a jerk, you can call him arrogant, but the truth is CNN grossly misrepresented Romney and those of you who have silly putty for brains are all over it like mindless zombies!

FACT: Did you know that Romney took on the job of fixing the Olympic Winter games when it had a 379 million dollar deficit and it was mired in scandal. Romney used his knowledge, education, experience and character to turn the games around. Not only did they clear the 379 million dollar deficit, he made 100 million dollars. Then, HE DONATED HIS $825,000.00 SALARY TO CHARITY. He also made a million dollar donation to the games from his own pocket. Sounds pretty selfish and arrogant doesn't it? You wouldn't know a good thing if it reached up and bit your *%$!

You can call him a jerk. You can hate him because he has used his education and drive to make millions of dollars, but the truth is he has more character, more ambition, and more drive than any of you.

Mitt is a liar and a snake. He's just practicing for his backroom deals with security and electronic surveillance corporations, can you say 3Com, just like Cheney did with the energy industry and Halliburton.

This guy is nothing but a corporate puppet.

There are no set of circumstances under which Romney would ever get my vote. He is such a corporate puppet.

Bush says thsi all the time, he'snot concerned about polls or what america wants he has an agenda for his evangelical military industrial war complex and no one, certainly not the people, for the people, by the people, will get in his way, and theyrenot going to get in Mitt's way either i guess.

I wish that people that comment would read the quote and study the context before showing how dumb or prejudiced they are. It is very clear that the news media has informed us very well about Mr Romney spending his money on his campaign. why should he have to report a partial amount before January 31st.

Maybe someone should explain the system to him, unless of course it does not agree with his religious doctrine

Mitt doesn't care for voters, A lot of republicans don't care. Colin Powell .. There is someone I respect. Who knows what secrets are in his closet. At least he had the good sense to quit the Bush admn. A lot of smart people quit the Bush Admn. However, Powell is a republican. If he were running this would be a very interesting race. Then what would Oprah do?
Oprah has turned really black, I'm not talking color, Oprah supports Obama, only because he is black . A School in S. Africa, when inner schools in Chicago could use some help. Nothing wrong with getting back to your roots. Black people cannot let go of theirs. I asked a black friend where she might be or would even be, if her ancestors were not sold into slavery by their own people? Would she still be in Kenya or some other place in Africa, living in absolute poverty. The Civil rights movement, affirmative action have lifted them out of very dark time in our history. Here they are at time when their votes really matter. White people who spoke up for them changed their lives. MLK was their voice, Rosa parks was the catalist. There was a time they could not vote, there was a time when women could not vote. For any Obama supporter to suggest they stay home from the polls in protest if Obama is not the nominee is very sad. If you vote for Obama merely because he is black thats fine, just VOTE don't give up any of your rights to protest something the republicans would love for you to do. We are Americans first!

He meant he didn't care to disclose the amount to the voters now!!! It's not germaine to a debate on political issues! Why did Tim ask HIM that question? That figure will be disclosed at the required time like it always is – he won't be non-compliant. I didn't think Tim had a bias, but I believe he does also. Come on – let's report things in context. I watched and listened to the debate. Stop pulling those snip-its of sentences to be sensational and inflammatory to Mr. Romney. You're just showing you're as jealous as his fellow Repub candidates ... they, and YOU, hate him because:

* he's gorgeous
* he's rich
* he's brilliant
* he speaks beautifully and gives quick and direct answers
* he knows the nation's issues and has ideas and knows steps to take to solve them
* he has a beautiful wife and family
... the list goes on and on.

Romney in 2008!!!!!

I detect some JEALOUSY...
Mitt Romney meant that he 'wasn't concerned about the voters' thinking that spending his own hard-earned money in his campaign would be an issue whatsoever. That's not on their minds... IT'S THE ISSUES, STUPID. I admire someone who sacrifices his time, and money, (not to mention the sacrifices of his family, who have busy lives of their own), toward making this country a better place in which to live for everyone.
Mitt Romney is smart, handsome and rich and people are jealous. It's a free country, so go out there and earn your own money and stop trying to blame your shortcomings on someone else.

GO MITT IN '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does he really think he can buy his way into the White House ?

Can it be that , in the end he will , take Obama as his running mate an Kerry to Swift Boat them down Victory Lane.
With McCaski at the whelm. A good four some.

Why is anyone surprised? Romney is a Republican, and by definition Republicans don't care about anyone (voters include) who's worth is less than a few million bucks.

Romney's the only one who knows how the economy works.

That makes my vote easy.

I think what he meant was not that he did not care about the voters, but that the information was more useful to his opponents, and that he was not worried about the voters knowing the amount.

What if he uses his on money? To me this shows he really want's to be President (why I do not know, I would not have the job). He is the only one that I would trust to be president. I hope he makes it all the way and for the people that say they would vote for HILARY "BILL" Clinton need to stick their heads back in the sand.

This guy Romney is a joke. I will NEVER vote for him.

Americans are sick of corporte America controlling everything and Romney is the face of the corporations. He cant wait to sell us out to China by outsourcing good paying jobs. Come on people wake up!!

Please if you care about America and saving your job DO NOT vote for Willard Mitt Romney

Anyone who actually watched the debate would know that the "I'm not concerned about voters" line came from the statement that 44% of the nation doesn't believe that a Mormon president could unify the nation. It had nothing to do with money. For all of you who think that CNN was reporting that accurately, go find the actual viewing of the debate and figure it out for yourself.

Mitt totally took the debate last night, especially in terms of economics. The other nominees don't like him because they know he has the experience to turn the country around and they won't admit that.

Michael, as to our "irrationality," all you have to do is look at some of the the comments on this article made by uninformed and ignorant people who did NOT understand the article the way you understood it to see that damage was done.

It's obvious why CNN is reporting this. If they laid down the many facts as to why Romney is NOT a good candidate you're little pea brain would quickly get bored. Little sound bites are the only way to get through to you Mitt loving morons. Or is it mormons?

HAHAHAHA....YOU GUYS WHINE ABOUT CNN AND HOW THEYRE REPORTING....

WAKE UP!!!!! CNN = CLINTON NEWS NETWORK....THEY HAVE ALREADY CHOSEN THE CANDIDATES THEY WILL TRY TO BRAINWASH AMERICA INTO VOTING FOR BY INUNDATING US WITH PRO-CLINTON AND PRO-MCCAIN PROPAGANDA....THEY WANT TO RUN AGAINST MCCAIN, BECAUSE INCASE THEY LOSE, THEY DONT WANT TO LOSE TO A MORMON....

EVERYTHING IS SO SUNNY IN CLINTONLAND, COME HAVE CRYBABY COFFEE WITH HILLARY OR DOWN A COLD NAFTA SODA WITH BILL, OR HAVE A TALK WITH NO-CHARISMA CHELSEA....

AND MCCAIN...THEY SAID HE IS A WAR HERO? HOWS THAT? ANYONE CAN GET CAPTURED....

For all you knee-jerk reactors WATCH HIS ACTUAL RESPONSE IN THE DEBATE. That's right, I'M SUGGESTING THAT YOU ACTUALLY INFORM YOURSELVES!! CNN even admits that this quote was taken out of context. If you actually watched the debate you'd see that he was saying that he wasn't concerned what the voters would do with the knowledge of how much he's contributed, only what his opponents on that stage would do with that knowledge. It would give all of them an unfair advantage. By the way, there is a system in place which requires all candidates to report on their campaign contributions. Romney will do so WHEN ALL THE OTHER CANDIDATES do it, which is only fair and just. So all you Romney-haters can just chill out. There is no reason for him to have to report prematurely. THINK, people... please!

I caught this remark last night and thought it was a terrible answer!
Kind of like when he said "I'd first check with my lawyers" when asked in a previous debate what he would do if there was an another terrorist attack!
Mitt Romney is trying to buy the nomination with his riches, and I think that stinks for America.
Go away Mitt, and take your millions with you.

Romney doesn't care about anything but power. I hope he wins the GOP because any of the Dems would eat him for breakfast

Good sign about not being concerned about voters – say what you think without worrying about what other people think. Agree about always contorting his words to make headlines.

This is horrible reporting. I'm done with CNN.

Victor Edwards,
You ought to get a REAL life..........talk about ARROGANT ....and maybe IGNORANT!

Why does CNN have it in for Romney? They only give positive press to Hillary, Obama and McCain.

When I first read the transcript of the debate (I wasn't able to watch it live), I thought the exact same thing this article says. Even IN CONTEXT it sounds negative to the voters. Why would he NOT want the voters to know how he runs his campaign? Will he do the same with his administration as president too? When you're running your campaign on your economic principles and abilities, it should be understood that people would want to know how you manage your campaign finances. If you're in debt (to yourself or anyone else) the public should know.

I think how you run your campaign says a lot about how you would run your presidency. I'm impressed with Huckabee's decision to not go in debt with his campaign. That's the kind of outlook and focus I'd like to see our candidates take with their campaigns and presidency when they get there.

So, Christina is more worried about faith than whether a candidate cares about voters? I would not be surprised if many others feel this way – it says a lot about the sad state of American politics that fundamentalists have such a powerful impact and influence on the process and on politicians.

I can't believe that CNN had the audacity to try to spin that statement so out of context. Maybe they just didn't watch the debate because it wasn't on their own network. Anyone who watched the debate understands that he meant he wouldn't mind the voters knowing how much he had spent, but he wouldn't want to divulge it to his competitors. Romney fan or not, this story is a perfect example of how the media use their influence to sway voters.

You Romney bashers are pathetic. Take a line completely out of context and make Romney out to be "spoiled" and "uncaring." Use some logic. If Romney truly didn't care about the voters, would he be spending so much of his PERSONAL money to fund his campaign? Would you be happier if he bought a yacht and squandered his wealth on selfish things? He truly believes that he can make a difference and make America better. That's why he's spending his money. What he doesn't want is to divulge to the other candidates how much he still has in his coffers for strategic reasons.

Get some new material. By the way, the religion card has already been used. So has the "flip-flopper" rhetoric. Do any of you have any constructive analysis?

Here's some constructive criticism: McCain has no clue about the economy. He didn't even understand the question Paul posed to him. All he did was list the Washington gang that he'll pull in around him. Huckabee's fair tax is a fraud. Do a little independent research. Try the Wall Street Journal for example and read about how it is such a foolish idea that "no competent candidate" would push for its implementation.

Romney had an interesting twist on an answer asked by Russert.
The reason that things have gotten so bad in Washington for the past ten years is that republicans have been acting like democrats in spending. I turned the TV off after this amazingly stupid answer. You go Mit. Go to hell!

Please, please let MItt be the candidate ... even Shrill with all her negatives will mop up the floor with him!

Go Obama 08!

The Clinton Network (CNN) at its best, trying to discredit Gov Romney, again, an again, an again. Its why they are losing their credibility. I noticed that CNN did not take comments of others out of context. Interesting. I am not a big fan of MSNBC (MSDNC) but I respect Tim Russert, an when he says Gov Romney won the debate, that works for me. Could we see a retraction of this obvious slight to Gov Romney, or maybe a qualifier, before the voting starts.

I am all for a free market, but how on earth have we made it legal in America for someone to buy his way to the White House?? It's not right in the money comes from corporate interests, and it's not right if the money comes from a rich guy, whether his name is Romney 08 or Kennedy 60 or whoever. This is just wrong. American deserves better than this cynical garbage.

Democrat or Republican, you have to admit that the choices this year are a lot better than the previous two presidential elections.

If it ends up being Romney v Obama choice we can't lose!

Even IN context, it's not good. What Willard Romney has just told you is that he DOES NOT believe transparency to be important in the arena of campaign finance. He's also told you that he believes that his campaign has a right and reason to be secretive, and a secretive presidential admin. is something we don't need another term of. He's also revealed to you his personal paradigm about the presidential race: It's not a campaign to appeal to you, to the voter; it is instead a competition against the other guy. No, kids, I'm sorry. In context, out of context, however: This comment reveals a lot about Willard Romney, how he is running, and how he would govern.

You guys just have to take this and try and make something bad out of it don't you!!! All I can do is laugh when they say Mitt is only after POWER POWER POWER. There is not a single Republican OR Democrat that has the experience Mitt does; none of them could get us out of this economic mess that we're in except for ROMNEY. So hate him all you want!!! Show me ONE person who is as educated and qualified as Romney is to fix our economy!!

Who stills watches CNN??????

I love it how people are complaining about how CNN is taking Romney's words out of context, but they had no problems doing so when it came to John Kerry's "I voted for it before I voted against it" remarks, even though the full context wasn't provided there either.

CHEAP SHOT, CNN

1st CNN knowingly posts this story with the response taken out of context. What kind of journalistic integrity is there? CNN should clean house if this is going to continue, just like Ted from Denver said "the most trusted name in news". Not if you guys keep this up.

2nd if Mitt Romney wants to spend his own money so be it, at least he is not taking a bunch of money from private interest groups or lobyists. Or asking for the voters to give him money, especially with the economy the way it is now.

3rd has any other candidate say that they would forfeit their presidential salary and give it to a charity? No. Mitt is the only one.

Mitt Romney will be the Republican nominee, and I can't wait until he gets to squre off with the Clintons.

I loved that line last night in the debate..."we should all be afraid of Bill in the White House with nothing to do". Made me roll around on the floor laughing hysterically.

Whether in or out of context, the statement is more indicative of the fact that Romney has nothing in common with the voters.

The #1 issue influencing my presidential vote while our country is at war and American soldiers are being killed on the battlefield is a candidate's position on how to effectively manage that war and provide American soldiers placed in harm's way with the maximum degree of safety possible .

In the past, with his country at war and American soldiers being killed on the battlefield in Viet Nam, presidential candidate Romney avoided military service by performing "missionary work" in Paris.

Today, with his country at war and American soldiers being killed on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan, presidential candidate Romney told reporters with a straight face that his five military eligible sons were serving their country by helping him get elected president. That spontaneous response to a reporter's question was a window into Romney's true character and it cannot be mitigated by the fact that 24 hours later his tactical PR spinners pushed him in front of microphones to say he understood that political campaigning for one's father does not in any way equate with military service for one's country during wartime.

During a televised debate, presidential candidate Romney said the Guantanamo Bay prison camp in Cuba should be "doubled" in size and refused to take a straightforward position on torture. These statements from a man, whose actions and words demonstrate he does not believe in military service for his own family, showed a callous disregard for potential retaliatory torture of American soldiers captured by the enemy.

This arrogant, selfish, unpatriotic hypocrite is not the type of person we need in the White House when our country is at war and American soldiers are being killed on the battlefield.

So many politicians are outright frauds but since the mainstream media is behind the candidacy of Hillary Clinton, the Clinton News Network spends time in these gotcha games against Romney who would defeat her easily rather than reporting on the pile of evidence highlighting the fraudulent, deceptive and racist campaign being waged by Hillary Clinton.

Truer words were never spoken by a politician. What interest does any politician have in voters especially those with shallow or no pockets besides getting the vote.

The arrogant Mr. Romney ought to be a little less cocky. He ought to know that there was a phenomenon in Michigan that he seems to deny. I and many of my friends crossed over to the Republican primary to vote for this turkey so that we could "mess" with the Republican primary mess, keeping this turkey in to confuse and make McCain crazy. The margin of victory in Michigan was not due to Romney's charisma or message at all, but to a bunch of crossover Dems whose primary was thwarted by the ignorant leadership of the Democratic party in Michigan. Knowing that our vote was simply a waste of time over on our Dem side, many of us went over and cast votes for Republican candidates. I think the general election will show that Michigan, as a state, is not at all a Republican, and especially not a Romney state.

You "commentors" who are playing right into CNN's hands...wise up! It was taken out of context and then placed on the top of the story in bold print! Read the article.

If contributions decide who you vote for, perhaps you shouldn't vote.

Mitt '08

If you like Bush, you will love Romney. Bush on steroids. Only two things the Mittster cares about; power and power.

The Mittster is arrogant, pompous, and hated by his fellow seekers of the presidency.
Who cares how much money he spends – he'll spend it all if he has to so he can look his church elders in the eye and say "now who is most powerful?"

If this guy wins the grand prize, Costa Rica, here I come...

You Romney supporters are totally delusional lunatics. Have a nice life... on mars.

Did it seems like MSNBC had secretly declared McCain the candidate of choice to anyone else? He got more air time than any candidate, and nothing but powder-puff questions. Poor old Ron Paul just as well not have even come for the three token questions they tossed him.

Romney got more than his fair share of questions too, but too bad so many of them were attack questions from the moderators. Look at the last round of questions when the moderators...er, I mean the New York Times, unloaded on Giuliani and Romney, not even bothering to attack policy but rather attack them personally as arrogant and unlikeable.

Then you get to McCain. The "Chuck Norris incident" is mentioned, but there's no direct mention of age and it's dropped without asking McCain to respond to it, and then he's asked very mildly without all the editorializing and name calling that had come in the previous two "questions," if he has a temper.

Overall, that debate was about as lame as they come. I thought all the candidates performed well enough and we did get to hear some policy points rather than vague generalizations. But on the whole it was sort of a waste I thought. Thanks for nothing, MSNBC.

Oh ya, and as for the quote in question, I saw it in context. I knew what he was saying, but there's no question that it's an unfortunate sound bite.

A new low in reporting for CNN. Wow! I didn't think I could be surprised anymore by your ridiculously shoddy and biased reporting. But I am - I am surprised.

As anyone who actually watched the debate knows, this is a truly ridiculous report.

Romney will say anything to get a vote.
Puh-lease spare me, this guy has such little integrity and sincerity!
(Check YouTube for Mitt 's "bling bling" pathetic attempt to connect with Black votersin Jacksonville, FL.)

Yet, he'll probably get plenty of votes from the folks who voted for Bush, because they thought he was a "nice guy." When will people get it? ...Secrecy is for those who have something to hide.

(P.S. Nobody has that many friends and high school acquaintances with that kind of cash.)

Despite how CNN spins it, Mitt did a fantastic job last night.

Ah Ha !!!! Mr Perfect screwed up and gave his real thoughts on the American people. We have to give Willard some credit here. He finally told the truth about something!

Romney said, "Well, I'm not concerned about the voters." That pretty much says it all, doesn't it? Do we need an ego-inflated, narcissistic ideologue like this as the leader of our nation. No. This is what politics USA has devolved to. Pathetic.

I just donated $200.00 to his campaign yesterday. He is the man that will fix our country's economy.

Romney 08! Romney all the way!

Mitt also said that he does not owe anyone (lobbyist) any favors for giving him money to include his entire answer.
Mitt is a Washington outsider unlike McCain so think about who really wants John McCain to go against the Clintons. The answer is the dems, the media and the lobbyist.
Lobbyist – a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest; a member of a lobby.

Even as a staunch Dem., I knew what Mr. Romney meant when he said "Well, I'm not concerned about the voters.". He meant he wasn't concerned with voters viewing the information in a negative way and using it against him–as his opponents surely would have. I probably will not vote for Mitt, but come on; anybody who was watching knew that he meant it as swipe at his rivals, not voters. I am sorry CNN has decided to make this an issue.

Perhaps the man has 'earned' his money the old fashioned way. By working hard, investing hard and being smart. He certainly is entitled to spend his money as he see fits. Vote for him or against him. Your choice. At least he isn't spending your money.

It's a little funny, very telling, and somewhat sad how the pro-Romney folks will go to such great lengths to "prove" that CNN took him out of context.

What Romney said was very clear. He's doesn't care about voters – he only cares about himself and his own quest for power. As such, anyone who is still supporting this clown needs a check-up from the neck up, IMHO.

For reasons such as this the public remains ill informed about politics. You can do better than this CNN.

.....how sad that our elections are simply coming down to who has the most money to run smear ads daily!!! Yes, Mr. Romney you do have the most money but, that won't change my opinion of you.....rich, entitled, spolied little brat who thinks he can buy everyone & everything. Sorry, you can't buy my vote!!!!!

We all know that CNN is playing 'sound bite politics' with Romney's "don't care about voters".

However, that expression from Romney's mouth DOES sum up well the character of the deceptive and duplicitous Romney, who, like the Clintons, will say ANYTHING in order to score political points.

Romney is the Hilary Clinton of the Republican party. All the candidates HATE Romney, much as most democrats and others HATE Hilary Clinton.

For those of you who are complaining about CNN's pro McCain stance, let me tell you how it works.

The news media is a segment of the entertainment industry and they want to bring you the best entertainment possible. They promote Obama because he is the black guy (a huge story in itself) He is also the so-called change guru.

Now, for maximum drama, the news media must select a perfect couterpoint. And that is John McCain. McCain = George Bush x 10. So now we have . . . Super Status Quo vs. The Black Guy

Now there's some drama, and ratings, and advertising revenue, and profit.

As you Republicans already know . . . one should NEVER underestimate the power of the profit motive.

The guy is a corporate mouth piece the sooner he is out of the race the better.

It appears that CNN is totally BUSTED on this lame article! The worst so far on either side!
Those of us who were fortunate to watch the debate and/or are smart enough to read between your lines KNOW what Mitt was saying.
Cnn's horrible twisting lie is created to sink a candidate with an out of text headline.
You should be ashamed at yourselves!
SHAME!

C'mon CNN, stop playing King Maker, and just report the facts. Ever watch Dragnet?

"Just the facts Ma'am"
– Joe Friday

I would rather he buy a $10M yacht than put it into his campaign.

CNN usually has the integrity not to stoop to this kind of propogand. Please stay honest and stop with this kind of "out of Context, juicy headliner propoganda"! What Romney said, is that he does not want to release his financials early, as it will be used against him by his rivals who are not going to release their financials themselves until they will have to.

"I'm not conerned about voters?"

I wonder what he meant by that. Well, he's a Republican, so what he probably meant to say is "I'm not concerned about people."

I guess he's just being honest and letting his would-be constituents know ahead of time that his government will continue to focus on enriching the rich at the expense of everyone else.

Mitt would be as good for America as a strong dose of castor oil-- and just as hard to swallow!!

In context, he meant he wouldn't mind if the voters found how how much he contributed to his own campaign.

CNN does it again! Why don't you just come out and Endorse McCain I mean really! You might as well. Boo to you CNN!

To Christina:

I find it odd that it appears you seem to like Romney and his poliitical views and agendas, but that his relegion is disturbing you.
Religous ignorance is never acceptable. Your post claiming that only one man saw sacred records is false. Please study about it some more and you will find multiple other witnesses to the records.
Vote for the person you has the poliitcal views you want to support, no matter if he is Catholic, Mormon, Baptist, Jewish, or whatever.
For whatever reason, CNN, MSN, Slate, and other major media plays keep on attacking Romney more than the other candidates. Why is this? That wants me to vote for him even more.

I am a Democrat and not voting for Romney but SHAME on you CNN. This is a terrible biased, out of content article. You sound as bad as Billary with misrepresentation. I feel you owe Mitt an apology this slanderous headline. Are you taking lessons from the Clinton machine about half truths, distortions and outright lies?
Stick to the facts and dial down the slander in the headlines.

Well ... I'm not a Romney supporter (I like Huck, myself) but this is taken out of context. Personally, I find the question rude and should have never been asked in the first place. It's none of anyone's business really.

I still have doubts about him and won't vote for him, though. Huck and/or McCain are my ticket.

I think his statement stands on it's own, with or without the context.

Why is this clown even being considered for the presidency?

Oh yeah, the republicans, go figure.

They say that under duress you reveal your true self. The minute Mitt said that, I groaned. The election is about the voters. We elect the next president.

I don't care how you meant it, that is one phrase you do not utter. It shows a pompous, self-absorbed mentality that is consistent with Mitt's finger in the air position changing.

Be careful Florida – do not lose the election for America on the 29th by voting for Mitt.

Of for goodness sake. He is not concerned about the VOTERS having a problem with his personal spending but concerned about the other contenders twisting it into something negative. Give us a break, CNN.

CNN, please refrain from posting this garbage.

Everyone who watched it knew what he meant.

Heaven forbid Romney spend his own money (putting millions into our economy in the meantime) to support an effort that he clearly believes in. Would any of you spend millions of dollars trying to get elected if you didn't care about the voters? Come on CNN, lots of people look to you for news, many of them skimming headlines to see what is interesting. What would you think if you just saw this headline? This goes for all the candidates, the public needs a clear source for news.

Robert Robertovitch hit the nail right on the head in my opinion.

By the way, a question for all the hyperventilating Democrats. Are you suggesting there should be limitations placed on the principle of free speech that Gov. Romney is exercising by contributing to his own campaign?

Every candidate ought to have to raise their "own" money. Then we can see how effective they are at organizing and influencing...you know, the qualities every good leader has.

CNN, there was so much good stuff to report on after last night's debate and you chose this? Transparent.

Spin it how you want all those for Romney, maybe it was a bit of snark, no worse or disgusting than the negative out of contest crap being thrown the other way. But here is a fact that cannot be denied, he was a businessman in the sense that he bought and sold companies which is his right in a free market, what he did then is the stink in the corner, he laid workers off and traded these companies like houses on a monopoly board. He does not care about people, he destroyed them, he does not work for America he works for the select few who already have.
His statements about Guantanamo and the war are hideous, he has no wisdom of forethought and he has no honor.., and he sure as hell knows nothing about the hell of war.

The fact that he spent millions should speak volumes to the fact that no one of us can run for president because we have no money, that is not a democracy, and until we completely abolish campaign contributions and make all media free access for candidates we will have the likes of him and all the other characters whose only qualification to run is money and that is never good.

If you think that killing people in a war completely based on lies is honorable, I personally want nothing to do with you. Go look at some of the pictures of what we have wrought in Iraq, have you seen the man holding his dead son, or the picture of the little boy with half his head gone, or the soldier with no arms or legs, or the soldier with no face, or the little girl whose mother and father have just been killed, or the wedding party butchered, have you ever experienced almost drowning deliberately, have you ever had white phosphorous dropped on you, if these things are okay with you, vote for Romney and enjoy the show from hell.

Me, I want peace because all Iraqi's. all Jews, all Muslims, all Christians, all men, and all woman are my brothers and sisters, we are all in this together and men such as those running are always the ones who send us to our deaths for reasons that never have anything to do with high ideal and always something to do with power and avarice.

What a ridiculous headline and story – on the one hand, CNN boldly broadcasts that Romney doesn't care about voters while, at the same time, slamming him for spending too much to attract voters.

You can't have it both ways CNN – talk about flpflopping!

It is obvious the democrats WANT to run against McCain, just like Nixon wanted to run against McGovern. They are really afraid of Romney, and you can see why. Luckily, the voters are making their own decisions. There is nothing phony about Mitt: he's serious, hard-working, and results-oriented, and no ego problems to get in the way. This is what the country needs to get at least SOMETHING done.

HAHAHAHAHA Nice going Romney. You are the MVP of the Democrats.

Hillarea looks nice in that picture with the slum-lord! See Drudge....

I say let him win the Republican nomination... he will be a breeze for any Democrat to pulverize.

CNN, like much of the media, had their hopes set on a Clinton vs Giuliani presidential race. Giuliani never came close. Now they're desperately trying to get a match-up between Clinton vs McCain.

I long for the days of old when journalism was about reporting news.

CNN–you make me ashamed that I have a degree in journalism.

Give me a break. That is the worst sound bite and completely out of context. He was saying he wasn't worried about the voters having that information he was worried about his competitors.

Even though I am not voting for Romney; I agree with some other posts that his statement is being taken way out of context. Debating live on national TV makes it very hard to expand on everything one says.

I see nothing wrong with a thought-provoking question, which is what good journalism is all about. Keep it up CNN!!

OMG! Another Bush. Very arrogant.

So, Romney wins the debate last night, and CNN chooses to run this nice, little commentary?

Further evidence that there's some bias against Mr. Romney by CNN...

I guess we're even then, because voters don't seem to care about Mitt

Eric--Bill Clinton has never cared about anyone except himself. All the proof you need is to look at how he treated his wife and child.

he is secretive just like his chuch.

He doesn't care about the voter, only the vote.

Wow. Romney has a serious case of footinmouthitis. He's just another rich suit who hasn't got a CLUE about what's going on in the real world. If this country elects this hollow man president then we deserve what we get.

I don't need the media to tell me what I heard and saw. I usually lean toward the democrat candidate but consider myself neutral because there are things about both sides that I like.

That being said, I understand exactly what Romney was saying and it was not a diss to the voters. It was a strategic move that would protect him from certain attacks from the other candidates.

Actually, he does care about the voters. He's proven that by picking up the votes in states that others took for granted and that's why he's ahead in delegates.

I'm not voting for him, at least not unless Hillary is the nominee, but he made the most sense to me when talking about the economy and he looked the most presidential out of the rest of the candidates.

well, these people have slips of the tounges often so I can't chastise him for it. I'm not voting for him but I understand what he was saying.

I am an Obama supporter, and even I think this is RIDICULOUS!!!! To complete his thought, Romney was saying, "I don't care about the voters...knowing how much of my own money I have spent. I care about the other guys on this stage...knowing how much of my own money I have spent. Come on CNN! Stop diverting the public attention from the real issues!

I just wasted two minutes I will never get back. Thanks CNN

CNN has actually been a stronger supporter of Mitt Romney than Fox News. This article is pretty lame, but CNN has done a much better job covering the GOP field without bias than Fox. Romney is finding his place and people are listening to him. He is a man of integrity and has the values of moral and ethical leadership. Mitt is the best person for the job. If this is the worst dirt they can dig up on Mitt, then bring it on!

Mitt for President 2008!!!

What kind of fair journalist is Tim Russert? This is not a debate question. And if he thinks it is, how come each candidate wasn't asked? If a candidate has enough money to run for president or raises enough money (clean, not dirty) to run for president so be it. I have a question for Mr. Russert - How can you and your FAIR media DENY a PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE from taking part in a debate?

Seriously, the national media has handled the Republican race disgracefully. Romney is ahead in the Florida polls, he has won the most delegates and states so far, but for some reason McCain is getting all of the headlines and camera time. What does the establishment have against Romney? As a Republican, I have legitimate concerns about McCain's age and health–electing a 72-year-old? Is the nation nuts? What are we going to do when he has a stroke in office or breaks down with Alzheimers? I admire the fight in him, but Romney is an incredibly strong candidate and the only one I can imagine bringing down Hillary.

Nice bias CNN. Start talking about what's going on, don't try to steer my decisions.

His comment was the epitomy of ARROGANCE.

He means "I am not concerned about the voters [knowing how much of my own money i have spent]" Shame on CNN for even throwing this headline out there.

Why do so many continue to equate CNN with the liberal side, when it has clearly gone over to covering news like FOX in other words little truth, and run by the entertainment division of thier respective companies. Ted Turner has repeatedly stated that he should have never sold CNN, which has fallen into the grip of Time Warner who gave 1.6 million to GWB's 2000 campaign. It's not liberal rhetoric or taking themes out of context. Tthe news industry as a whole is controlled by the conservative side regardless of what Limbaugh,O'Reilly, and Hannity try to claim as the Main Stream Media what a joke!

If Romney really cared about the voters (the people), he would spend his money on charitable causes, community causes, not on himself to put himself in power.

Bill Gates just gave three hundred million for farming development in underdeveloped nations. Romney should quit the campaign and give the money away to the people who need it.

Then I would believe he has faith.

Yes, it's a terrible sound bite, but geez, this is about as lame an attempt at telling a non-story as I've ever seen.

I personally think Mitt Romney would be a lousy President because he stands for whatever will give him power and tells the voters what they want to hear, not what they should hear or what he truly believes in (if anything). I'm a liberal Democrat and my candidate is Barack Obama.

All that being said, I think this is shady journalism, at best. I was watching the debates and it was clear that what Romney was saying was that he wasn't concerned about revealing his personal expenditures to the voters of Florida as much as he was to his opponents.

This kind of sound bite, shotgun approach to telling a story is, in large part, why we've had 7 painful years of the Bush Administration, a quagmire in Iraq and are now sliding into a recession. Do journalists even want to tell a story anymore or do they prefer to just tell whatever slanted story they can that will whip the American Conscious into a frenzy.

CNN should try to be just a slight bit above this childish pursuit and avoid publishing non-stories like this. It doesn't do the candidates, the process or the American people any good.

After what we have endured with the Bush administration and considering that all the Republican candidates are essentially Bush clones how can anyone seriously consider voting for any of these candidates in the genreal election. Haven't we suffered enough?

I was starting to pay more attention to CNN since it seemed more "fair and balanced" this political season, but, I may have to rethink that and find my information elsewhere. By my quoting Fox News Channel you may think I watch them all the time. That's not true either.

I guess I watch CNBC more than anything – at least they talk about issues that matter to the public and have both sides on for interviews in a more objective way.

You guys should be ashamed lifting a quote like that out of context (and you bumped this post from last night). I guess all I have to say now is,

How anyone would try to defend romney is in itself a joke. He is nothing more than a snake oil salesman; romney has told you everything you want to hear, when you want to hear it; and if it doesn't play well, he'll simply just say say what works best in the polls. Eg., Pro ABORTION? -Nah, pro-life seems to get you more voters these days -I'm pro-life, and always have been!!!. "I'm a hunter! -I have been all my life!!" I joined the NRA, like, a month ago!!! -see? -I'm just like you!! -vote for me!!! I don't have any lobbyists in My campaign -other than that guy who is in charge of everyone in my campaign ... but he's not involved in the day to day operations!! I have more money than everyone campaigning -See? I'm just like all of you voters !!! -I know exactly what's good for you!!!.
How can you not feel ill watching this fraud talk ??? You can fool all of the people some of the time -but how/if this creep is fooling anyone at Any point is really a sad statement about out current affairs and politics. What ever happened to critical thinking and instincts in this country??
It's not that the Dem's are so great; It's just after the last 7 years of such awful 'leadership' and rampant republican corruption, how can you not see through this for what it is?? -Have'nt you had enough of these people -yet???

It is a scary proposition that a man might be able to buy the White House. Romney is just what we need, another puppet for business coupled with subservience to the Mormon Church.

I caught this remark last night and thought it was a terrible answer.
Kind of like when he said "I'd first check with my lawyers" when asked in a previous debate what he would do if there was an another attack.
Mitt Romney is trying to buy the nomination. I think he stinks for America.

If he had said, "I will let them know what was spent according to the law," and nothing else, that would have been fine. To say in any way, in context or not, that he was not concerned with the voters, that show little regard for the system. I don't care if it provides the other candidates with a tatical advantage, it would have shown how much honesty you had by revealing the number. Besides, there is less than a week to the Florida primary. How could the other candidates get another ad made and on the air to counter yours?

Yes, that's right, Republicans. Defend Romney from this onslaught of negative press. Defend him well, and vote for him in your primaries. Hillary will grind him into a fine powder in the general election. I can't wait.

Shame on CNN for making this a headline.

Romney has good competitive reasons for not releasing that figure. The fact that he has put a lot of his own money into this race shows just what an honorable man he is. He could live comfortably the rest of his life on his wealth and he has chosen to contribute what will undoubtedly be a significant portion of it for the greater good, the voters.... What more honorable use?

CNN is pathetic. Very slanted to print this as a headline. I believe "The Onion " more than CNN.

None of the others disclosed how much money they've spent on their camps either. It's like wearing night visions goggles. Why would you wanna give your opponent logistical info to use against you other than at the prescribed and mandated time. The element of others not knowing how much and when or where your've used this money, might force a miscalculation by one of them to your advantage.
Vote romney for responsible immigration and economics...

Yes, this is CNN and is FREE press in the USA last time I checked... If you do not like it you have choices...

Romney is arrogant and a weirdo .. enough said.

I am very surprised there are alot Romney supporters bashing CNN and claimed they do not trust CNN and CNN is biased. As it maybe, why the heck the same group of people come back again and again to read CNN. No one is forcing you to logon to CNN and certainly no one is forcing you to read the articles.

Romney's record on hiring minorities in his campaign and in his state house is absymal. His open hostility towards African Americans and that peculiar incident with the incoming Governor Duval Patrick plays very well in the South. That makes him the perfect Republican nominee and probably the odds on favorite to win the Presidency.

Romney, as stated by most columnists, was the better candidate last night for his answers and poise. McCain had only to list a number of people to consult about the economy. Clearly he was out of touch on the financial questions. Romney projected himseld like having a better grasp about how business, and government work. McCain had my supoort, not now. You cannot say that the US will be 100 years in Iraq. It did not work in Vietnam, get it McCain?

Man, the irrationality of conservatives shows through so well here.

CNN put this in context, as did the other ten news outlets who reported this same story simultaneously because everyone had the exact same reaction: We know exactly what he meant to say, but it sure didn't sound right and opponents could easily exploit this statment out of context and make him look really bad. Conservatives, liberals, etc., all caught it, and all have been looking at it frm this perspective, and I have yet to see anyone actually use it as an attack by taking it out of context. Chill out and actually take some ime to read articles rather than irrationally lashing out with ad hominem attacks on supposed bias.

Mitt, the truth comes out!!! Face it, Romney is a great looking but plastic politician who will say anything to get elected. Just remember how he pandered to the Michigan voters. Like he could really bring back the traditional jobs that that state is losing. But, hey, he will probably win the nomination.

Too bad more Republicans don't realize that McCain is an authentic American hero who thinks independently every once in a while. Romney has never been through anything compared to what McCain survived while staying in the Hanoi Hilton.
Go John McCain!!

We've had sixteen years of this kind of arrogance. We don't any more!

why does russert think voters need that information to factor into their decision. I vote for someone based on their stand on issues, not how much money they have.

Mark, Tampa, FL January 25, 2008 12:03 am ET

Romney won the debate, he'll win Florida and he'll win the nomination.

And if he does, he'll lose big-time to whoever wins the Democratic nomination.

Mitt Romney is a two-bit, arrogant liar who is going nowhere fast. He does, however, seem to have a great deal of support from sociopaths and faux-news types, which probably explains why he spends so much time pandering to these loonies.

Romney's comment, whether in or out of context, typifies why as a Republican I could never vote for him. He is arrogant and totally without a core or true conviction. Romney has always said whatever he needs to say to garner votes He cares only about winning and nothing for the people he claims to represent. John McCain is the best candidate for the Republican party. I predict that if either Romney or Huckabee is the Republican candidate, Republicans will support Hillary.

This was the easiest and most boring debate I have seen. Ever! Nobody but Ron Paul stood out. And this Ronald Reagan crap has got to stop. Maybe they should mummify Ronald Reagan and bring him out and prop him up in a shrine.

This was not a debate.

The republicans will only bring, MORE OF THE SAME.

This is the guy who has our own thank god fomer senater talent who did nothing in his years of substance he said in NH that he is no longher a senater because of unfortunate circumstance ya right all he did for us was a 1.2 million doller rock with the ten commandments! and play golf ny times hit him on the nose. hillary

I'm concerned about where he gets all his money. The race doesn't seem fair when one man can outspend everybody else. Sure, he cleaned up companies and made lots of money for himself and a select few, but what about all the people that came under his 'CUTS'. I'm not convinced his brand of economics – that makes some people wealthy at the expense of everybody else – is good for our country. When will he answer the question of where his money has really come from?

CNN – you're pathetic. What a pitiful excuse of journalism here. I hope you go off the air and never come back. I'll never watch your sorry-excuse-for-a-news-channel AGAIN! Do you think the American people are this stupid, that they can't see through your glaring bias!

C'mon, even Clinton knows that you gotta lie when it comes to being concerned about the voters.

I think the real question is why did Russert even ask that terrible question. No one would have asked Corzine that.

Russert was tactless last night. I thought another question to Giuliani was out of line regarded his dip in the polls and I didn't like the way he phrased the question to Huckabee about his religion making others feel queasy.

Is that the scariest picture of Romney, or what? He looks like a cross between a vampire, a court jester and the Joker.

The image absolutely captures the disingenuous core of this corporate candidate for President.

I do not really support Romney.

And I am niether a Democrat or Republican....I despise both parties, but this headline and little article is completely misleading.

I actually agreed with the way Romney handled the fair yet tough question by Russert.

CNN should be ashamed to run this idiotic distortion.

go McCain... Romney probably can't beat Hillary. And I'm a Democrat (and Obama supporter)

Romney just earned another $50 donation from me last night.

What a low road to take CNN....total distortion of what he said..........

Romney in 08 and Beyond!

This isn't fair, CNN. The context was about how much of HIS own money has he spent in running for president. Russert wanted him to let the voters know how much of HIS own money he spent. Romney was not releasing that info until the end of the month! That was the context! CNN, your headline is misleading and unfair

Of all the things Romney said last night, this is your take on the debate? CNN you are sad and pathetic. Mitt clearly won last nights debate, every pundit and even the viewers poll agreed.

First of all, TB, FYI, McCain is not a democrat. Sheesh, if you don't know that why don't you keep your majorly uninformed opinions to yourself.

Secondly, I think a McCain/Romney or Romney/McCain ticket would be unbeatable. Although I prefer the first, I could vote for the second.
Romney obviously has the business skill and economic prowess to work on the economy while McCain has the foreign policy and military background to handle foreign affairs and diplomacy with an tough but even-handed approach.

I'm currently an undecided independent voter and, while not perfect, I believe that team may perhaps be the best ticket for this country at this time.

But, that's just me.

How dare Tim Russert ask Prince Mitt how much Prince Mitt is paying for the Presidency! Prince Mitt is not accustomed to revealing to the common people the price amounts of his purchases.

ROMNEY MUST BE RELATED TO THE CLINTONS..

HE SOUNDS LIKE A LIAR AND HE SEEMS FAKE...HE WONT WIN THE NOMINATION

So who cares?

If nobody is donating to his campaign......then mabye that will be telling enough in itself.

I don't think he could pull off the primary if he's got no financial backing...it's like an instant litmus test of his popularity among the people.

I believe he is hopelessly outgunned by MOST other GOP candidates when it comes to Presidential stature...likeability, and trust.

What a misleading headline! Keep the quote in context people.

This kind of reporting illustrates what is bad about the media. Of everything that was said last night during the debate, this quote is the most insignificant one the media could have picked. It is a good thing Mitt Romney has monetary resources of his own because the media is certainly not giving him unbiased reporting. I think it is admirable that Mr. Romney is willing to spend so much of his own money to try to help the American people with regards to the economy. Think about it. When did it become a negative to be successful? I would rather vote for a person who has been successful in their job and has a proven track record of fixing a state economy.

I am really getting fed up with the media's reporting during the primaries. Everyone in the media is pushing John McCain. Probably because most newspaper/TV reporters are liberals. They want another Bob Dole to represent the Republican Party, so the Democrat can win in November. The media should stop reporting their opinions and stick with the facts.

Could someone please put this guy out of the race?

Russett and the editing department;why, couldn't you ask a question that has to do with governing the united States? What difference ,to the american voters, does it make how much of his personal money he is spending? Why not stop the comedy act between McCain and Huckabee and pin them down to answering the questions? All of CNN political coverage has lost credibility. If Cafferty contiues to share the same stage as the oxymoron, best political team in, unfortunately, he will also loose his reputation. Please try to remember, Report the news ,do not tell me how to think.

Let me be clear: I'd vote for Harpo Marx before I vote for Romney.

That said, why would you guys acknowledge that a comment of his sounds bad only out of context, and then use it out of context in a headline? At least you put it in context later, but once you do...there's no real news value. Are there like a dozen of you sharing one journalism degree?

"Well, I'm not concerned about the voters," Mitt Romney said during Thursday’s presidential debate.

That alone is reason enough not to vote for this imbecile.

Why don't you dig a pit and watch someone fall into it so you can report about it. WHERE'S THE PROFESSIONALISM? COME ON!!!

Its probably because you support the Clinton tag team and know that Romney is the only reasonable chance the Republicans have in November. Ooh, ooh, I can't wait to have my taxes raised and send the economy into a quicker tailspin.

Keep on going, Romney-bashing media. The more you bash, the more delegates he accrues and the higher he goes in the FL polls. You'd just hate to see him get the nomination, wouldn't ya'?

CNN is no longer the "most trusted name in news" for me. I am so disappointed about the way they have tried to bring down Romney. You want to talk about negative campaigning just look at CNN vs ROMNEY. Very very disappointed in CNN.

Funny...

Romney spends his own money to fund his run for pres. Edwards spends taxpayer's money for his run.

It's so odd how the media would rather beat up someone who spends more of his own money than someone who steals from the public for their own personal gain.

Maybe Russert should ask McCain and all the democrats this:
"Why not tell the voters of Florida and across the country how much of the country's wealth you are going to steal by funding ILLEGALS, so they can make a judgment and factor that into their own decision?"

Biased jerks.

You guys are so pathetic to put this on like this.
You are as bad as the Clintons, taking Mitt's words, leaving out the entire context and hoping that voters get ticked at him.
Shame on you!
It's the worst misuse of your skills yet, CNN!
Besides that, Mitt Romney clearly won this debate last night and there's nothing you can do but put this out-of-context comment as a headline?
I am through with you and am so glad that not everyone looks at these articles.
You are certainly trying to bury Romney alive and that is wrong wrong wrong!
Get a refresher course in ethics in reporting!

--–Ha, he spoke the truth--ha. The GOP has never been about the average American and they finally spoke the truth.......and don't worry haters, I read the whole story and he really does not care about me. No surprise here really!

Sorry the story left out something very important that Mitt included in his answer. Mitt also said that he does not owe anyone (lobbyist) any favors for giving him money.

Lobbyist – a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest; a member of a lobby.

Mitt is a Washington outsider unlike McCain so think about who really wants McCain to go against the Clintons. The answer is the dems, the media and the lobbyist.

Fortunately only republicans will have a voice in Florida next week and we will see who wins.

... this from Mitt – the man who told us that he was a life-long hunter, that he saw his Daddy marching with MLK and that the dog really liked traveling on the top of the car – speaking in harsh tones about illegal immigrants while the same worked on his lawn.

Why do all the major NE newspapers, including the ultra-conservative NH Union Leader, and the MA Boston refuse to endorse "the governor" or "the neighbor?" ???

What has New England seen in Mitt?

His comment about voters was out of context , unscripted and probably one of the truest comments he's made in the past year. You want change? Vote for Mitt! He changes his policies every week or so...

Wow CNN, is that the best you can do to knock Romney? Pathetic.
There are so many good sound bites from Romney at the latest GOP debate and you came up with that baloney? Romney was, by far and away, the only convincing presidential candidate out there last night. While McCain is aging by the minute, Huck and Rudy fading fast, and Paul (what is there to say?)....Romney made the others look like the weak politicians they are. The guy has a brilliant mind (law AND business degrees from Harvard) and has a record to back up his words. And all this talk about pouring his own money into the campaign...the guy is putting his money where his mouth is and the more people that get the chance to listen to him, the more his popularity grows.

You're going to have to try a little harder than this lame rubbish to stop the surge for Romney!

In the context of his statement, he doesnt need to worry about the voters judging him negatively for caring enough to spend his own money. What he does worry about is that someone "on the stage" would use that information to twist his motives in the same way they have twisted this quote. He seems to be very wise in keeping strategy within the campaign. Surely spending is part of a candidates strategy.

If you're looking for journalistic integrity at CNN you're wasting your time. Every analyst agrees that Romney won the debate hands down and the only thing CNN can report is a comment taken out of context. This is a great example of "MAKING THE NEWS" not Reporting it. Shame on CNN.

I find myself as a woman who relys on her income warming up to Mitt Romney he really cares and that means a lot to me.

The more I get to see Mitt, the more I find myself warming up to him.

Mitt is just a Republican John Kerry.

More anti-Romney rhetoric. You people at CNN (and especially TIME) can't help yourselves can you? You can't give Romney a story without bashing him at least part of the way through it. So the man has spent some of his personal money on the campaign trail! The question should be: why hasn't McCain? McCain is filthy rich by anyone's standard and yet he hasn't seen fit to sacrifice some of his own wealth for his own campaign. Romney is the leader for 2008.

I don't care for Romney but that comment was taken out of content as were so many other comments were from other candidates.

More spin, comments after the debate they couldn't say enough about Mitt and how he won the debate, in the morning I have seen one headline. what happened over night.

Romney, was not saying he didn't care for the voters, a better choice of words would have been I have "CONFIDENCE" in the voters. He was saying in this that he didn't think the voters had an "ISSUE" with it.

I think it says a lot about a person who puts there own money behind there convictions. They understand the value we place on it ourselves. No matter how much you spend, it is still up to the voters and he knows that.

It's irrevelant – so a guy is willing to invest his own money because he believes he can help the nation. The question was designed to get headlines and the exact amount shouldn't be a relevant factor for voters. Romney is the only candidate period. McCain is too old, too slow and doesn't get it on many issues. Guilani is a one-trick pony and we don't need a preacher as president in Huckabee. We need a CEO-model president like Romney who has intelligence and the resolve to "restructure government".

In the Iowa we saw alot of concern with Huckabee over religion endorsements? Now He wasn't active baptist minister.But,Romney is active Melchizedek Priest. Is not his endorsing him self representing the Church and issue that makes him unelectable? I mean you can't serve two god's.Does he not expect his Melchizedek Priest be issue brought on by the Clinton Political war machinery. And will destroy the GOP?

There is nothing misleading about it. He said what he said. The real zinger is how testy Mitt got when Russert brought this up. Not good for someone who said a year ago that it would be a "nightmare" to have to use his own money for his campaign. He definately came off as quite the slimeball.

And he's not concerned about the voters? How True! He is only concerned about the corporations.

Christina,

Don't get started with the faith issue. We could always bring up some of the things the catholics have done to other people throughout the centuries and what they believe but where does that leave me? Attacking a fellow American. This is what makes this country the greatest. That we all have the freedom to choose the religion that our conscience dictates. Does the belief in golden plates and angels make a person bad or is it the choices that they make with their life? Please make a decision base on what they are talking about and not their religious beliefs.

Romney stepped up as the leader on the stage in the debate last night. Who better to lead the county than an extremely successful businessman who has morals. Mitt Romney will do great things for the USA. He will make us proud to be Americans and proud he is our President.

One should ask if Mitt "I saved the Olympics" and "I saved MA's economy" can't get endorsements from the governors of the States that he suppose to have done so much for. Governor Huntsman (a fellow Mormon) from Utah endorses McCain.

Too bad the average voter falls for what candidates claim they accomplished rather than look into the facts.
If Romney was so good for MA, then why does he not have a chance to be elected there again?

'Mitt' cant even tell the truth to the public when asked what his name is (which is Willard Milton, names after Willard Marriott (marriott Hotels), another gazillionaire)...so what else is he inventing as truth? Seems like a spoiled RICHER THAN RICH kid trying to get the top toy in the store...at any cost.

This just shows that Romney will be another Bush, not caring about voters, laws and regulations, privacy, the constitution, and many other issues. If you want another president that wants you to just trust him and not share anything with the people vote for Mitt "The Chameleon" Romney!

Using admitted out of context quotes as a title to a news story ? hmmmmmm,,,,,I see very few bomb thrower comments on this story,,, I guess Obama and hillary's bickering tired the haters out,, It couldn't be that dem/libs are starting to get it ?

To Christina–Your comment is so offensive and bigoted. You admit yourself that you too are a Christian, and so surely there are people who wonder about your underpinnings because a Christian actually believes that a man who was God was raised from the dead after three days. Faith does not always look logical, especially when put under such a bigoted light. I don't care if you like Romney or not, but please look to the issues. 6 million other Americans believe like Romney does so it can't be that dumb.

That has to be the most idiotic comment ever.

Hey this guy is arrogant as hell and like Ross Perot,he thinks he can buy the presendency............My vote is for Hillary Clinton all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Romney answered every question directly, articulately, and intelligently. It is even more clear now who will receive the Republican presidential nomination.

Go Mitt!

Mitt scored on ways to fix the economy, especially in stopping the housing
crisis, while McCain only showed he lacked a firm grasp on the subject...
and what with those "bridge to nowhere" comments on spending about?

McCain needs to get more specific with his plans to rescue the economy.

He was obviously saying that it wasn't giving the financial info to the voters early that he was concerned about – it was giving away his fundraising secrets to his competitors any sooner than required.

You know, who would you rather have lead the country out of the mess we're in – a man who has proven over and over that he knows how to take large failing companies the turn them around or your uncle Joe, the bookie? Romney got his money the old fashioned way – he earned it. He didn't inherit it. The fact that he has a lot of it is clear evidence that he knows how to reorganize and put big organizations on their feet. Do some research yourself – I'm sure the details of his turn-arounds are out there – the companies were public companies. If anyone can turn this country around, Romney is the one who can.

The fact that he is spending a lot of his own money on the campaign makes it clear what sort of a Patriot he is. He isn't running for President because he needs the money. You won't see him pandering for campaign donations from China or renting out nights in the rooms in the White House for donations like certain past
degenerate presidents have.

Neil, according to the WSJ McCain has received 340,000 from lobbyists. The most of any republican. Who else does he owe favors too?

People will hate Mit all the way to the White House

Mitt Romney is a fraud.... I'm a registered democrat, and would vote for Obama hands down if he makes it past the primary. I like Huckabee and McCain, Though Huckabee more than McCain, on the republican side.

If Romney wins the presidential bid, Obama and Hillary are gonna have him for breakfast, cause it's sooooooo obvious he's a farce...

They only one's that don't notice it are the same ignorant fools that voted for Bush in 2004, even after all the crap that his administration did.

Look, my vote counts, therefore, nobody up there has my vote won yet. It's gonna take many debates before I know for sure where my vote is going. It's sad to say that most of you are so caught up in the Left wing – Right wing horse race, that you're too stupid to make up your minds by your own research and critical thinking.

It's a shame that the few of us intellectuals have to put up with the remaining morons out there, mostly republicans that aren't even in the proper tax bracket to begin with.

What this country needs is another Kennedy, which is clearly being portrayed by Senator Obama.

Go to hell right wing, neo-con, religious nutcase losers!

We know you're not concerned about the voters, Mitt. We know.

CNN I am not surprised but disapointed you would stoop to this kind of journalism. I would hope you would be "fair and balanced" and a source we could rely on, but once again you have proven we can't take anything any news conglomerate says to be the truth. We MUST find the source and see it from start to finish get the whole story.

For you haters & doubters out there, if Romney's religious beliefs where anything to be concerned about, that they might cloud his judgement and cause him to do something unwise that would damage him or the country then you simply have not been paying attention. Anyone as successful as Romney does not get that way by being short sighted, biased or brain washed.

If you doubt a religion, get to know it from the source, live it for a while, try it out and then form an opinion. But don't believe everything you hear from "experts" that have never stepped foot into an LDS church or taken a serious first-hand look into the religion.

Take another look, watch the entire debate and look at his track record, I think you will find he is human, he learns from experience and he has successfully implemented positive change in all the organizations he's been involved with.

I generally put up with CNN's liberal bias because they at least attempt to appear journalistically objective. It appears I may have to reconsider.

I am a election race junky and like to watch as many programs as possible on this race. The race is so tight with the Republicans. I have found CNN to be very anti-Romney, and this article does not surprise me. Romney may or may not end up being the nominee, but CNN will do it's best in the process to spread smear journalism. It would be wise to seek journalism that will be fair to all of the candidates.

MACACA MOMENT. GOOD-BYE MITT.

Totally out of context! Romney said he wasn't concerned about voters worrying about his finances, but he was concerned about politicians twisting it for gain. Case in point–this "ticker" posting! I think tonight's debate cemented Florida for Romney, which will seal the western states (including CA) and probably several other states for him on Feb. 5th. Surogates of the other candidates are going to attack Romney like crazy, but it won't do them any good at this point.

Christina,

Yeah...I would really be worried about that religion with golden plates and angels...I mean it's not like anyone else believes in crazy stuff like a man dying and then rising from the dead on the third day or another man traveling on a hugh ship for over 300 days with all sorts of wild animals.

Wait a minute...wait a minute...

Are you guys serious, this guy is a clown. The only reason he wants to be president is to make his money back and PAY BACK all his HIGH SCHOOL friends that helped him raise money. Did you hear him talk on his website, he has no clue about anything.

Yes he might have had some luck at Bain making his fortune, but thats where his career ends. He failed in his first company and will fail as President just like Mr Bush.

I think the only candiate in this race who can possible bring our country back on track is R. Paul

What a piece of trashy journalism! Anyone who watched the debate can see that was taken way out of context and was actually more of a compliment to the integrity of the voters. And yet the line is a link on CNN's politics page. This author just became the misleading, word-twisting type of person he references in the article. Incredible!

"I'm not concerned" and "I don't care about" are two different things. Take this into consideration.

Come on. You know better than that, anti-Romney people. Don't take every word literally and out of context. He cares about the welfare of American people. He wants to ease the economic burden of the people. That's why he agrees with tax cut and tax rebate. Of course, this is just and example. And why say he's not concern about voters regarding so many different things. The only issue here is his refusal to disclose his own expense to this campaign. And you know, even if he tells how much of his own money he spent, he'll still be arrogant to those who are against him, saying yeah, you're wealthy. You have that kind of money. Whatever he does, there will always be people who will say negative against him. Come on.

What are you trying to accomplish with your totally misleading title. If that is your idea of good reporting you need to think again. Not only was it poor, it was unfair. Talk about politicians taking things out of context! Certainly you can do a better job than that. You may not like him as a candidate, but I would think your bias wouldn't keep you from performing your duty in a more accurate way. CNN you disappoint me on this one!

Who needs voters when you're a Republican with money. It worked for George Bush in 2000. I wouldn't be worried either, plus he has the guy that is great with voter fraud Jebediah Bush in his arena.

I wouldnt be putting Clinton up against anyone yet....she still has to beat Obama and w SC bounce it will make things get closer than you think. She also has to be concerned with the bashing now that Obama would be willing to hurt her campaign as well for the general election.

Former Clinton Supporter
Obama 08

Dear Christina,

It seems that you fear the unknown. I was a Catholic, too. Should a Catholic not be worthy of a vote because of the checkered past of that church (i.e. Spanish Inquisition, torture, rapes, pillage, and plunder during the crusades?) It seems that we have no problem with an African-American candidate, a female candidate, a Baptist candidate, a Catholic candidate, a Jewish candidate, an atheist as a candidate, but we can't allow a Mormon candidate! Look a little deeper into the Mormon faith and you will find that we are indeed Christians.

Candidates should be judged on their abilities and vision for the country, not on the church the attend (or not) each Sunday! Don't overlook the vital issues of our country because of the personal beliefs of a candidate.

This is for Christina, I do not really think you honestly understand how important faith is. Questioning someone faith when your own faith makes the claim that at the point a catholic priest consumes the wine and eucharist he is in actuality consuming the very flesh and blood of Christ (see Transubstantiation plenty of sources) is not a smart move. I am a person of faith (not catholic or mormon) but I do understand why all faiths must be respected and why belittling other human being's faith is wrong. The founding Fathers were so wise when they included Article VI, section 3 "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." I have no ax to grind I support no candidate, I am utterly dissatisfied by the entire field of choices

Oh who cares how much of his own money he has spent. All of the candidates have spent ridiculous amounts. Maybe it shows that Romney believes in his message enough to invest in his own campaign. Besides I'm tired of our leaders spending our money all the time and contributing very little. On that topic, why do we have a bunch of US senators running for president when they are supposed to be doing their jobs. They pay themselves more than 98% of us make and they miss senate votes and appear to be attending to their own ambitions and not the work of the people. Clinton, Obama, and McCain: do your jobs or give the money back!

Christina i understand your concern for Romneys faith, but the facts you listed are ALL wrong. In fact, many people saw those gold plates and never denied seeing them till the day they died. It wasnt written in the language of angels but rather reformed Egyptian. Your own faith is riddled with the bullets of history. Im utterly surprised that you as a Catholic would try to degrade Romneys religion. Youve obviously never studied your own history. After all, Mormon cities are the safest, cleanest, and bst family towns in the nation... Mabey they're doing something right...

so I see.......... Libberals would prefer only people who are financial failures to run the country?

Romney is the best candidate hands down!

The problem is not only the context but you have to understand how a campaign runs. If he tells everyone X amount then his opponents take that figure and try to make it negative any way they can. Also, there is an entire strategy within political campaigns of trying to make your opponents spend money out of a reaction of your own spending of money (or how you act like you are spending tons of money). Nothing to see here, except for understand competitive intelligence!

"I'm not concerned about voters," stated Mitt Romney. I don't care what context that's taken out of–it's still a slip that shows what's really going on in his mind.

He doesn't care about constantly changing his positions on the issues to suit his needs at a particular moment either, which he has proven time and time again.

When are voters finally going to recognize Mitt Romney for what he really is: a "wishy-washy" yet good-looking and smooth politician who will say whatever it takes to look good in front of a specific crowd without regard for the actual truth of the matter at hand.

He won't even tell us how much of his own money he's spent on his own campaign because that would be proof positive that he wouldn't even be a contender if he wasn't incredibly independently wealthy.

America, we can do a lot better than Mitt Romney! With a common sense, outstanding candidate in Mike Huckabee who's a contender despite working with very limited finances and another lesser but good option in John McCain, why should we settle for a "second rate" president like Mitt Romney?

Of course he's not. The only people he's concerned about are the wealthy and the radical right.

You lead with a story that completely twisted what you know he was talking about why?( He slipped and said voter instead of candidate.) What ever happened to good journalism? You all need to go work for THE STAR or other taploids. Was it late and this reporter just wanted get a story submitted and could come up with nothing better?Alexander Mooney you are a poor journalists.

You have got to be kidding me CNN....You know full well that most readers don't click on every single headline to read every single article and to have a headline like this is just ridiculous. It just goes to show the liberal bias of CNN. Any honest person that watched the debate would feel this headline is obnoxious and totally misleading and to choose this as your blog post shows how warped your coverage of the debate is.

“not concerned about voters” [finding out] - "finding out" was inferred in the context of his answer and was obvious to all. He noted that because campaigns are a competition, he would wait and disclose that information along with everybody else on the appointed date.

I like that Romney is "putting his money where his mouth is."

Politician are so willing to spend other peoples money–here is a guy willing to put in some of his own. I like it.

The fact that he has raised more than his peers and is able to add some of his own says to me that not only do others believe in him, he believes in his ability to win and bring positive change.

Again, as a Democrat, what better gift to be given, than the gift that keeps on giving!

I can hear this comment echoing down the long hallway of the election process, and to the Republicans and Mitt Romney, it will become the gift that keeps on hurting!

He will not survive the ordeal.

I smile as they shoot themselves in the feet.

Random comment taken out of context. He meant he wasnt concerned about voters knowing how much he spent in Florida.

Not fair to make that the headline. Maybe the debate was so boring that the folks at CNN are fishing for controversy.

"I have rich friends"

What is it with the news coverage, this is all they could come up with.
Every correspondant I heard gave Romney glowing reports on his performance, he's leading in the polls and the news papers act like he's not a serious contender. This is getting to be rediculous. There' s good reason he's the least liked by the other Republican candidates, he's the least like all of them and the biggest threat.

I used to think that no one could be more deceitful to the American people than Bill Clinton was. I believe Mitt Romey may be that guy. He will say anything to get his way. Unbelieveable!

Forgive my spelling error. It is late and I study economics, not English (obviously). The last snippet should read:

I humbly suggest that you CHOOSE a headline that reflects the reality of a civil and excellently conducted debate – an ENDANGERED species as of late.

please dont distort his comments! present his whole sentence, im not a romney fan, but i admire this guy, he is smart and knows how to play a goog game! he had a great debate night!

Dear CNN,

I know you're in the business of combing through intelligent dialogue for good soundbites, but this is raw distortion.

Russert's question was loaded and, in my opinion, inappropriate. As an independent who looks quite favorably on multiple candidates, I felt Mitt provided an honest, articulate, and very reasonable response. To pull an unbecoming "buzzphrase" from an otherwise legitimate answer is an unfortunate attempt to raise controversy where there is none.

I humbly suggest that you chose a headline that reflects the reality of a civil and excellently conducted debate – an endengered species as of late.

So you acknowledge that taking the line out of context is misleading and potentially damaging to Romney, and you do it in the headline anyway? I'm no fan of Romney, but that's a little low.

Russert got an earfull,but was still soft ball question.

Mitt is a loser, just wait.

Go McCain!!!!!!!!!

CNN!!! Come on guys. Romney made his point- it had nothing to do with the "voters" it was about Tim Russert's framed question and not willing to let Romney answer how he wanted- Russert couldn't handle not owning the situation.

Romney is the answer to beat the left-wing-loco's!

MITT 2008!!!

Nice and the people who vote for him will be voting about a candidate that doesn't even care about you and wants to be president for his own personal gain.

That's Ward Cleaver for you folks...

Come on. This isn't news worthy. Are you trying to get readers to take this out of context?

These guys don't take the issues seriously.
The republicns play politics as if it were a game. Give me a break. God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe Russert was so adamant with that question. What relevance does that have with voters, really? None. Totally worthless question. And for Russert to pretend that he's doing Florida voters a favor by asking the question...as if Florida is gathered outside the debate hall, waiting for the answer so they can go on with their early voting ballots. What a joke Russert. Stupid, stupid question.

These debates usually favor the leading candidates because they get more questions, but the way the questions went out on this one I felt like Romney was being courted by those asking the questions. It was like date night with Romey. And since no other candidate put up any real debate with Romey about what he was saying it was like Romey was Scarlet O'Hara and the rest were just at the barbecue admiring Romney...just happy to be in Romey's company. And when Romney was asked how much money he had spent on his campaign...well just like Scarlet O'hara...he will "worry" about that question "tomorrow".

CNN and the other media players are more and more desperate to find anything and everything to dismiss and discount Romney's success. Here is another example of fabricated "news." The fact that the victories in Wyoming, Michigan and Nevada went resoundingly to Mitt Romney is not mentioned nearly as frequently as the "impression" that he had garnered the most ill will of any candidate. It seems he garners this ill will more from the "experts" and "pundits" who are repeated proved wrong as he makes his way to the White House despite all the best attempts to distort the truth and sway the public with dishonest and biased reporting

When Joseph Smith, the founder and great prophet of the Mormon religion, ran for president in 1844, a pamphlet expressing his views (”General Smith’s Views”) was distributed across the nation. The following are some of Joseph’s positions*; they are worth reading for their striking humanity alone, born, no doubt out of his own deprivations:

“Petition your state legislatures to pardon every convict in their several penitentiaries, blessing them as they go, and saying to them, in the name of the Lord, go thy way and sin no more. Advise your legislators when they make laws for larceny, burglary or any felony, to make the penalty applicable to work upon roads, public works, or any place where the culprit can be taught more wisdom and more virtue; and become more enlightened. Rigor and seclusion will never do as much to reform the propensities of man, as reason and friendship. Murder only can claim confinement or death. Let the penitentiaries be turned into seminaries of learning, where intelligence, like the angels of heaven, would banish such fragments of barbarism.

Way to go, Mitt. Even if this is some kind of a slip, this guy obviously shouldn't be leading the nation. "I'm not concerned about voters." AWESOME.

Typical CNN BIAS.... take the verbiage out of context and make it an issue. Then in customary liberal style... remove the meat of the answer where Romney explains why he is investing his own funds and that he will OWE NO ONE.

Do you at CNN think you could make this headline sound any more negative? "It’s a sound bite that probably wouldn’t play well without any context." This is exactly what you have done to readers who online skim the headlines on your page.

That's ok Slick Willard, we're not concerned about you either. =)

Come on CNN. You know better than this. This quote is taken completely out of context and you know it. By any standard Romney won this debate and you decided to pick one random comment, spin to your favor, and use it against Romney. Luckily voters were listening and they are intelligent enough to decide for themselves that Romney is most qualified to lead this country to economic security.

CNN stop starting off for me with your opinion please!

Why don't we try to be honest and true to the values of journalism and tell the truth and report all of the facts. In your piece here, you delibertly mislead us all by the way it is titled and your failure to report the whole message that came from Govenor Romney. You make it sound that he says he does not care about voters across the whole spectrum of both voters and issues. That is so blatantly not true as anyonie with at least some degree intelligence knows. He clearly stated that he has contributed a large amount of HIS own wealth, but it is worth it to have the opportunity to run for this office. I personally admire a person that is so strong in his convictions that he is willing to put his own dollar on the line. Come on CNN you can do better.

Sounds like a good campaign strategy to me.
You've got my vote!

It's obvious from context that he meant "I'm not concerned about the voters knowing how much of my own wealth I spent". Duh!

Romney is right. And his totals only recently (since right after New Hampshire) start to take into account General Election funds. Following New Hampshire, Mitt raised another $5 million in ONE DAY. Makes you wonder how much he would have raised if he had won the state?

Every Republican candidate, including Mitt Romney, should look hard at this "Mitt-stake." Every voter should look hard too. If this statement doesn't tell people about the type of politician Romney really is, nothing else will.

This oops comment, "Well, I'm not concerned about the voters," may have been a freeby for the other candidates. It will be used out of context I'm pretty sure. I'm not a Romney supporter; but the qestion was a bit unfair because all the politicians are sinking in money to win no matter how you look at it.

This is AWFUL reporting. There was absolutely NO DOUBT that Mitt was saying he was not concerned about voters knowing how much he spent, but concerned about rivals knowing.

The fact that you call out that it sounds bad out of context, but then don't give the context, makes you irresponsible.

Russert seemed shocked when Romney said that he had raised more money than any other candidate. "What? you mean that people want you to be president?" Sorry Tim, more people have voted for Mitt than any other candidate, and he has more delegates. People support Romney because he is talented, not because he has boat-loads of money to buy TV spots.

Why do people care so much how much of his own money Romney has spent? Does that change where Romney stands on the issues, or his past record? Does it change his multitude of successes? Does it change his character, or his abilities to lead?

From what I've read Romney has raised more money than any other Republican candidate. He has also contributed from his own money. Romney stated earlier that he didn't think it was right to ask people to contribute to something that he was not willing to contribute to himself. I think that is pretty honorable.

Romney knows that the voters are smart people. He doesn't need to worry about them, as he said.

It seems the media will try to sour anything they can about Romney. Good luck. He’s a pretty amazing guy. The best they have is name calling and stupid questions about how much money he has invested.

One thing is for sure. The American people have contributed more to his campaign more than any other candidate. That says something.

Context...is CNN trying to sabotage Romney...this isn't relevant.

Yes... this statement can easily be taken WAY out of context. I too am not concerned about voters because the VAST majority of voters don't care how much money a candidate personally invests into a campaign. Neither is Gov. Romney.... voter simply don't care by and large. But the other candidates are because they're all strapped for cash and Romney's the only one who isn't and they're not happy about it.

He is not concerned about the voters!!! He is only concerned about HIS own self importance. What a telling comment... I wouldn't vote for him EVER!!!!!!!!!! Pompus jerk.

Thanks for posting this. I'll be curious to see who exploits the soundbyte and who does not.

Wait just a minute, politicians AREN'T concerned, this is earth shattering stuff people.

Oops!

When I watch CNN, I feel like they are acting as a media manager for Clinton and McCain. They intentionally clouted the debate, raising the race issue to help Clinton. That’s why Time magazine already focused McCain's picture.

The other candidates couldn't have said it better themselves! Great job Mitt! Go Huckabee!

Did he not say he raised more than any other on the stage, then proceed to say that he was his own largest donor?
What else could this mean than he's put more money into his campaign than the public?

Very poor context or very Freudian. People will spin this anyway that they want.

If he has raised more money than any other Republican in the race, it has been raised out of his own wallet and raised out of his friends trustfunds!

What about money donated by individual citizens? How about $6.02 million in one day? Has anyone heard of this amount of money being donated in one day to one single candidate? Well it was, December 16, 2007, the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. But it wasn't donated to Romney, McCain, Ghouliani, Huckabee, Obama or Clinton! And unfortunately no one will ever know who managed to raise that much money, because the MSM won't tell you!

Look it up!

And this is surprising?

Leave it up to CNN to take that line and run with it.....Give me a break..

Mitt is going to WIN Florida you watch....

I love how CNN can completely take this out of context and then not report the whole story. Mitt went on to say that it shows something when a candidate says he'll inves a lot in to the campaign as well...not just relying on others to toot his horn. He's invested, sure, and because of it the election is more personal to him in comparison to the other candidates who rely too heavily on others' personal bank accounts to parade them into the White House. It's like when your young and you have to earn your own money and because you do, when you finally buy that bike, you take care of it a whole lot better. Mitt Romney is showing America that this is something personal and important to him and if elected, he'll make greater efforts to solve the issues that we are facing as a nation since he's made the personal financial commitment. I recommend watching Mitt's entire answer to the question before you make any sort of opinion.

That may be the only truthful comment you will here from him,write it down for posterity.

this is gonna come back to haunt him.

It's a non-issue. Romney clearly won the debates tonight. He spoke to the major issues that this country faces and tackled them with poise and leadership. McCain looked like a total idiot when he LIED about his knowledge of economics, and then skirted the question posed by Ron Paul. Huckabee should just quit, he's a non-factor and Romney could use his delegates.

Vote smart, Vote Mitt!

I JUST KNEW CNN and the other liberal maintream networks would twist Romney's comment and take out of context to make it appear he was blowing off voters. These liberal media types really are scumbags, and this is proof. CNN frames this issue and creates a headline intended to make Romney look bad, when in fact there was nothing at all wrong with his statement.

Here's what Romney really said. When asked the question about his donations to his own campaign, Romney said he wasn't concerned that the voters would think this was a big issue. He said he was more concerned that the other GOP candidates could use the information to hurt Romney in the election. And he's right. The scumbag tag team of Mac & Cheese wouldn't hesitate to use it against him.

With that bit of narrative, here's the quote again. It's OBVIOUS he's not denigrating voters.

"Well, I'm not concerned about the voters. I'm much more concerned about the other guys on this stage. And we have some competitive information we make sure that we use for our own benefit.

If only CNN could report the news rather than framing issues in a way that advances their political agenda.

CNN be ashamed of yourselves. Be VERY ashamed.

How dare Tim Russert ask Prince Romney how much Prince Romney is paying for the Presidency! Prince Romney is not accustomed to revealing to the common people the price amounts of his purchases.

Fair enough, Wiilard. We don't care much about you either.

What a misleading title.

Every analyst agreed tonight. Romney rocked the house. He was at his absolute best. He not only won resoundingly, but McCain seemed too old, too out of touch and he downright lied about a quote about the economy he had made before.

Romney won the debate, he'll win Florida and he'll win the nomination.

Go Romney in '08!

The line of the night, Mr. Producer, was Mitt saying, "I don't want to think about Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do."

Why not put the quote you have in context where he said he was competing against the guys on stage with him?

I was starting to think CNN "fair and balanced" and have been watching it more than the other cable news channels. I may have to rethink that.

Too bad Hillary's not running against him right now. I'm sure she'd love to take this out of context and run with it.

Wow! He had lobbyists go to his same high school? Go Romney!

As Mitt said, he is not concerned about the voters misusing the information about his personal funding a share of his campaign....he can trust the media and his opponents to distort the facts and twist reality!

Mitt is commited to the campaign for the right reasons!

He will improve our nation plain and simple...what he spends in doing that doesn't matter to me, we all have choices to make with where we put our money....HE IS INVESTING IN OUR NATION!

The problem is not what he said, it is how badly it will be taken out of context. If you have the context, he was saying that he is not concerned about the voters knowing how much he has spent (not that he doesn't care about the voters), but that he is concerned (for strategic purposes) about the other candidates knowing how much he has spent. I hope that reporters and other candidates will be intellectually honest with this one and not take it out of context.

I just knew some anti-Romney outlet (like CNN) would sieze on that statement.

That is exactly why we should not elect him. He is not concerned about us. He is more concerned about winning with his money. Money knows money so, I am not impressed by the fact that his friends have given him more money. He is obviously for the rich. If you dont see that you have blinders on, or you are rich yourself.

Pathetic that you libs trot this out. You even admit its not in context, so how is it even newsworthy....?

When Economey Romney says JOBS JOBS JOBS he earned my vote.

Economey Romney is the most respponsible candidate that has the right balance.

Please use a little journalistic integrity wth your post here. Maybe that sound bite was just too juicy that you had to race to zing this one out there?

The specific question to Mitt was regarding reporting of the funds that he's contributed to his own campaign and Mitt responded that his concern is posturing with the other candidates as the fundraising totals provide a level of uncertainty and possible advantage until the figures have to be reported.

CNN's attempt here to spin this that Romney isn't concerned about voters is laughable.

WHY DO THEY ALWAYS MESS WITH HIS WORDS. Why does everything always have to be turned negative. Comment taken way out of context. Just another jab as usual. Even with all the jabs he is still #1 so whatever.

This coming from same guy who attacked Bill Clinton?? Well at least Bill cares about voters Mitt.

Romney seems like a good man. He really seems to care and he is sucessful in his own right. I am good with on that point alone. I question someone who is of a faith (as a consenting adult) that proscibes to sacred golden tables found written in the lanuguage of the angles that only one man has ever seen . I am a catholic and understand how important faith is...but there is a point when you should question the under pinnings.

Oh I don't know, even in context it shows Romney's arrogance and superiority complex