Trying optics at Romney event
Detroit (CNN) – When Mitt Romney delivered his much-hyped speech here Friday on his plans to fix the economy, much of the buzz surrounding the event focused on anything but economics.
The optics of Romney's speech, hosted and organized by the Detroit Economic Club, were not ideal for a campaign meticulous about image control.
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Weeks ago the economic club moved Romney's speech to the cavernous Detroit landmark Ford Field after the campaign said a smaller venue quickly reached capacity. But the audience of 1,200 seated on the AstroTurf in the football stadium appeared dwarfed by the 65,000 seats arcing above them on all sides.
"I guess we had a hard time finding a large enough place to meet," Romney said during his speech. "And this certainly is."
Laughter and applause from the audience were swallowed up in the giant venue, which made the response appear muted to those seated inside.
At one point Romney seemed to reference the quiet after he was asked whether he was the best candidate to challenge President Barack Obama.
"I not only think I have the best chance, I think I have the only chance. Maybe I'm overstating it a little bit," he said laughing. And he encouraged the audience to applaud by pointing out: "I, uh, that's my family leading the applause down here."
Later, Romney made an offhand remark that seemed to broadcast his wealth. A Michigander by birth, Romney told the audience he drove cars manufactured in Detroit.
"I drive a Mustang and a Chevy pickup truck," he said. "Ann drives a couple of Cadillacs actually, and I used to have a Dodge truck, so I used to have all three covered."
A campaign spokesman said Ann Romney owns two Cadillac SRXs and keeps one at each of the family's two homes. The 2012 SRX model sells for between $35,000 and $49,000.
In his speech, Romney highlighted a tax plan, outlined earlier this week, that would cut marginal tax rates for individuals by 20%.
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Only the sound of crickets chirping among the 65,000 seats above could heard.
This is who is left after Romney excludes women, gays, and poor people.
Lame.
Whatever Republicans are smoking I woul like to have some
It is amazing that extreme right wingnuts think that 23 consecutive months of job growth under Obama is attributed to the tea baggers taking over congress a year ago. Talk about delusion.
How pathetic!. They could have held this event in a port-a-potty.