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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Wow, by the looks of it the ENTIRE crop of GOP-registered voters in the country was in attendance! I'm impressed! By the way, did you hear the one that goes: the 4 GOP presidential candidates walk into a bar - and everyone else walks out.
Romney – a tiny, little voice on a big empty stage in a cavernous void. The Republicans really have a problem and they will be whipped in November!
GO head PLAYER!Mitt is rolling in dough. You Mitt a real player he keeps two cars at each of his five homes.
"I not only think I have the best chance, I think I have the only chance. Maybe I'm overstating it a little bit,"
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You don;t have a chance in hell Willard. And why are you always laughing at your own jokes? I guess you're the only one who finds humor in them. What's really humorous is the empty 65,000 seats.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
ELIZABETH WARREN 2012 & BEYOND
So on top of which of his numerous American made cars did they strap their dog to make the Boston to Toronto (if my memory doesn't fail me) trip?
Just wondering.
I don't know if the rest of America really cares about whether or not the crowd was loud enough. We care about what he had to say, and the issues at hand.
Boy, couldn't they have done this on a basketball court? The court only of course. This just looks very odd.
The Republican Party has been headless every since they supported Sarah Palin who proved to them what an idiot they were supporting. That's why they are in the mess they're in right now, they degraded themselves.
LMAO! Disastrous day for Romney. 1200 in a gigantic stadium. This time four years ago, Obama was filling stadiums. All Romney can get is 1200. What's his campaign slogan - Curb Your Enthusiasm?
As if all that wasn't enough: in his lame attempt to demonstrate how much he loves American cars rah rah we're #1, Pandy McPanderson goes on to inadvertently brag about the kajillion care he owns, half of which are apparently Cadillacs. Real Man of the People stuff.
Mitt, just get a stiff drink and go to bed early tonight. Things will look better in the morning.
I cannot believe that 1200 people would show up to see the flip-flopper do his acrobatic tricks.
“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.”
Average Joe can’t dream more than one house and a Cadillac Romney never understand average Joe life wonder only 1200 people attend
Mitt is part of the 1% and he can afford it so what do you expect. He is TOTALLY out of touch with the rest of what is now referred to as the 99%. He's also unemployed remember.
Bain Capital. Vulture capitalist, and private equity capitalist looted this nation and shipped jobs to China. Watch youtube type, when mitt romney came to town...enjoy. this is the man we need, no..no..no..no he is a thug.
This is absolutely hysterical!
romney 2012
At least 1200 showed up to see how Mittens became a corporate raider and tax evader. Mittens has kept the Cayman and Swiss banking industries alive, and has created countless jobs in China.
ANY of you clowns who really think this idiot will actually beat President Obama should go seek counseling NOW rather than later. As much as I dislike Palin, Gingrich, Santorum and Paul they DO know how to connect with people – something Willard STILL hasn't learned (even though he's been on the campaign trail for five years now). Once the world sees Willard on stage with our president he will overwhelmingly be REJECTED and returned to his Mormon cult as a "bishop".
You must be kidding...Romney should fire his entire campaign staff. As an ex-advance man for a number of political campaigns....You NEVER have a candidate in an empty room or in this case a STADIUM...What the hell were they thinking!!
And this guy wants to be POTUS.... What a stupid move
His comment about all of his cars is like trying to win the love of minorities by telling the crowd how many minorities he uses to clean his pools, do his gardening and cook his food.
You must be kidding...Romney should fire his entire campaign staff. As an ex-advance man for a number of political campaigns....You NEVER have a candidate in an empty room or in this case a STADIUM...What were they thinking!!
And this guy wants to be POTUS.... What a stupid move
Honestly, who picked this venue? They should fire whever did that.
YO Izz how come there aint no brothers in this mormon crowd????
I waiting for the video with Mitt showing his many SRX's and singing you can roll like me a real player!!!!!!
MR Personality is even dumber than I thought, GAME OVER
For someone who claims he is the only one who can beat Obama, he sure makes a LOT of stupid decisions and mistakes!
Obama 2012!