Washington (CNN) – Rick Santorum is urging Mitt Romney to "step up" and weaponize the issue of same-sex marriage.
"This is a very potent weapon, if you will, for Governor Romney if he's willing to step up and take advantage of a president who is very much out of touch with the values of America," Santorum said in an eye-opening live interview with Arkansas TV station KARK, a CNN affiliate.
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The former presidential candidate made the remarks before appearing at the Benton County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner in the northwest corner of the state Friday night. Santorum's comments also came the night before Romney's speech before the Christian conservative Liberty University in Virginia on Saturday.
Romney's one time rival noted the recent results of a ballot issue in North Carolina where voters approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
"Hopefully Governor Romney will continue to stand tall for his position on this issue and understand how detrimental it would be for society for it to have this changed," Santorum also told the Arkansas station.
"Governor Romney has to talk about his values," he added. "That's the most important thing."
On Wednesday, President Obama stated his support for same-sex marriage in reversal of his stance on the sensitive issue. Following the president's comments, Romney seemed hesitant to take on what he called a "tender" subject, though he did reiterate his view that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Santorum's remarks also indicate the former Pennsylvania senator is not fully on board Romney's team. After a bitter primary season battle, Santorum endorsed Romney in a lengthy email to his supporters. But Santorum did not actually state his endorsement until the tail end of the message.
When asked whether he would be interested in running as Romney's running mate, Santorum demurred.
"It's one thing you don't campaign for – at least I'm not campaigning for," Santorum said.
Considering the Republican views on marriage I have to wonder if they're all not stuck in loveless marriages for the sole purpose of procreation. That would explain why they are all so bitter, eh?
God has blessed Santorum through all the illness his little one has had, you'd think as a "Christian" Santorum would understand that and not continue to destroy other lives. And by the way, Happy Birthday to Little Bella, God is good.
There is a reason Young people are getting active in Politics and affecting the future. No matter how hard you try, you cannot stop progressive thinking, and you cant stop the true conservative thinking that will revolutionize the Republican party and eliminate the divisive and partisan thinking. Same goes for the Democratic party.
It will be just like the Reagan Revolution, in fact, it's just like the Reagan Revolution, only it's called the Paul Revolution. Even the Caucus wins with the delegates getting elected to have the votes go to the popular support candidate instead of the popular Media candidate is JUST like Reagan's Revolution.
Mitt Romney looks like the guy who fired your father because he is the guy who fired your father. Now it turns out he is also the guy who used to beat up the gay guy in high school. He thinks this is something he can laugh off as an adult. I have no doubt that that Mitt Romney represents the core values of the Republican Party. God forbid that this god awful human being represents the core values of the American people.
And put on a Chinese made (Polo) sweater vest for emphasis – and a CHinese made flag pin to show you are a patriot of the first order.
Stand CLOSER to Rick Santorum Mitt Romney, so we can gea a REAL picture........ I encourage Mitt to listen and learn, all the waty to the exit polls.
Or maybe this metiphore will help, "People dont get in the water unless they want to get wet"
It scares me that people even voted for this crazy, sick human being. It scares me more that some people even listen to him and agreed. This guy is a nut job.
I think Rick needs to step back and look at Romney and his baggage which is huge. Romney was the governor of the first state to legalizae gay marriage; Romney's grandfather was a noted polygamist (questions concerning traditional marriage); and he has flipped flopped on this issue and criticized Obama for evloving well Mitt you did and the Republicans need to face it. If Romney and the Republican were smart they would find a more positive toward their outlook topic. Sorry just my opinion.
Yes, Mitt, Please do take santorums advice. lolololololol
Why would a political party that preaches over and over about individuals rights be so adamant about taking those same individual rights away? This is not about whether you are anti-gay or not......It's about individual rights. Let your God decide if they will go to hell or not as you are neither the judge nor jury.
Yes, I agree with Mr. Santorum. Mitt should plant his feet on this issue. It's the surest way to a landslide for the democrats in November because he cannot win without the gay vote.
Romney doesn't need to listen to Santorum about anything, Rick should be very quite for a long time. Thats his only approach to resurrect his brand, what ever that was to begin with.
Really, very much out of touch with the issues? And it is Santorum saying this? wow...
Why is CNN reporting on what little Ricky wants or doesn't want. The guy is as close to Taliban you can get. He's leaping right out the 14th century at its' worst.
SCORE!!!
Sincerely,
Every Democrat.