(CNN) - Mitt Romney mocked a conference call President Barack Obama held with supporters to talk about his State of the Union speech by doling out tips at a campaign event on Saturday, the day South Carolina voters head to the polls.
"He was having a conference call with his donors and was soliciting ideas for his State of the Union address. He asked them what he ought to talk about, so I've got some ideas for him," Romney told campaign volunteers in Greenville, South Carolina referencing the president's address to Congress this coming Tuesday.
It's a big day for politics in South Carolina Saturday on CNN. Tune in at 4 p.m. ET to see the candidates debate the issues from Thursday night's edge-of-your-seat debate then, at 6 p.m. ET, CNN's special live coverage of the South Carolina primary begins. See the results as they come in on on CNN, CNN.com/Live and the CNN mobile apps.
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But Ben LaBolt, press secretary for Obama's reelection effort, said the former Massachusetts governor was incorrect in his characterization of the call and he issued a tweet in response.
"Romney's claim that POTUS asked donors for SOTU ideas is false - call was with mayors & electeds. Romney will say ANYTHING to get elected," LaBolt wrote.
Obama held a call with local leaders Friday, as he has done before previous State of the Unions, to discuss the impending speech, according to a senior administration official.
On Saturday, Romney jokingly suggested someone make a donation to Obama's reelection effort so he may participate in the discussions.
"I think it may be worth it to see if we can help him craft a different message for the State of the Union," Romney said at his Palmetto State office.
He proposed the president lay out plans to create jobs, balance the budget and reform entitlement programs during the yearly remarks.
With polls already open, the two-time White House hopeful said he expects a "very close" outcome Saturday, adding that his near-win in Iowa proves "every vote counts." A survey of likely voters released Saturday showed rival candidate Newt Gingrich leading Romney by double digits in the state.
Romney appeared at the event flanked by two powerhouse backers, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.
"Everything is showing that it's gonna be what South Carolina primaries are, close. I love that," Haley told the group. "We've got to get our Romney supporters out there."
– CNN White House Correspondent Dan Lothian contributed to this report.
Also see:
Gingrich adviser predicts 4-6 point win in South Carolina
Santorum's South Carolina closer
From CNN Politics
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I hope he's blown out of the water. his arrogance the past couple weeks is obnoxious.
Says the guy who is surrounded by advisors who put words in his mouth 24/7.
REALLY !
Romney said Obama made the economy worst , yesterday Romney said economy is improving (getting better)
Romney need correct his speech first
I think Mittens has other things to worry about before he start trashing the President.
It's always about the money, just think how many people could be helped.
What is new? Romney has been doing very poorly on the fact checks sites after the debates as well – but he is not the only GOP candidate having serious problems with the facts – that would be a great political add – Romney is showing making statements and is stamped with a false over and over and over – would be a very long commercial though. However, this "fact problem" is shared by most of the GOP candidates.
So, should he talk about his tax returns, Mitty?
Is this the best Romney can do? Make snide remarks in the hopes that it will divert attention from his slumping campaign.
Very Petty...coming from a man who claims to be above everyone...he can get his digs in...we will all be laughing when he become a three time loser in his quest to become POTUS
The Bain company are now actively trying to cover their ass from Romney. "WE ARE NOT THE ROMNEY BAIN" they
say in a new communication to new hires. He worked in "the other Bain". He does not work here anymore! Etc.
Romney has already done a ton of damage to Bain & Co. and will continue to do so. And how they deserve it!
Just another major argument for Obama when he takes Romney down.
It looks like Romney is going to be one for three after the South Carolina primary. If he is the most electable Republican, Obama should start working on his second-term agenda.
Oh, yeah. As if Romney doesn't have anything better to do than trying to be funny. We all know Republicans don't like unions–Labor unions, gay unions, or unions of American states. Or Americans, for that matter, say, 99% of them.
I don't think our pres. would be the least bit interested in hearing any of his GAFFES. He's far too intelligent for that.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
You can tell that Romney is starting to worry about the potential of debating Obama.
He will be made to look like what he is, the 1% versus the real working people in this country that do not make money with someone else's money.
Romney was born into wealth, lived in wealth, and thinks that everything can be bought as witnessed buy what is going on right now..
Mittens is one funny guy. It is good to have a sense of humor on top of his tax evasion, corporate raiding, flip flopping, lying, and being in the upper .00001% of the elite aristocracy.
Fortunately for the USA, Romney will never be able to give a State of the Union Address!
Is it OK to poke fun at Mittens dying campaign and loss today in SC?
I was going to comment but LaBolt said it all. Willard will say ANYTHING to get elected even if it doesn't make sense.
Obama 2012
I have an idea Mr. Romney- why don'y YOU tell us how you intend to re-build America, and the American middle class after the destruction of the Bush era? Tell us how you intend to not repeat the Bush disaster while you cut regulations. Tell us how we'll be "free" when we can no longer afford commercially available health insurance. Tell us how we'll go to war with Iran (as every Republican but Paul) promises while you continue to cut the rich man's tax rates.
You can't and you won't. You're too rich to get it, and your financial supportes won't let you.
Hey Mitt, instead of poking at Obama about anything, you better be doing your speech prep on your tax returns, the Caymen Island accounts and anything else that is going to pop up. Only two reasons people use offshore accounts – to not pay taxes on it or to hide who you are doing business with. Neither option looks to good for you.
I want tell warning warning to please people must watch what about fraud check scam
Me thinks Mitt needs to stop criticizing Barack Obama and start focusing on winning the nomination against Newt!!! Do not be so presumptious and ignore Santorum, Paul and the Newt, or you are going to lose big time.
Congression must check up to busnuiess bank with fraud check scam other 50 untied states amercian
That is alright
Well, at least Mr. Obama ask for the main street people's opinion! He doesn't tell them to move to Russia or North Korea like Mr. Romney did to protect his own privileges!
This guy will say anything, hide anything, mischaractarize anything, and do anything to get elected.