Romney sticks by his '47%' remarks, hits back
(CNN) – Mitt Romney said in an interview Tuesday that remarks he made at a fund-raiser in May casting supporters of President Barack Obama as dependent on government were an honest reflection of his campaign's message.
"This is a message I'm carrying day and day out and will carry over the coming months," Romney said on Fox News. "This is a decision about the course of America, where we're going to head. We've seen the president's policies play out over the last four years."
- Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker
- Check out the CNN Electoral Map and Calculator and game out your own strategy for November.
On Monday, secretly recorded clips of Romney speaking at a campaign fund-raiser were released on the website of the left-leaning magazine Mother Jones, including a clip of Romney characterizing supporters of Obama as dependent on government support systems.
"There are 47% of the people who will vote for the president no matter what," Romney says in one clip. Adding to his argument about entitlement, Romney said his "job is not to worry about those people."
In the interview Tuesday, Romney said he was making a political analysis in the remarks, not a broader assessment of Americans who rely on government-funded programs.
"We were of course talking about a campaign and how he is going to get close to half the vote," Romney said. "I'm going to get half the vote, I hope, I want to get 50.1% or more. Frankly we have two very different views about America."
He went on to cite an opposition-research video, released on the conservative Drudge Report website Tuesday, that shows Obama endorsing "redistribution" in 1998.
"The president's view is one of larger government," Romney said. "There's a tape that came out today where the president's saying he likes redistribution. I disagree. I think a society based upon a government centered nation where government plays a larger and larger role, redistributes money, that's the wrong course for America, that will not build a stronger America, or help people out of poverty."
Republicans began circulating the clip of Obama on Tuesday afternoon as the full 50 minute video of Romney's fund-raiser was set to release on Mother Jones' website. In the Obama video, the future president is heard speaking at Loyola University in 1998 about making government more effective.
"I think the trick is how do we structure government systems that pool resources and hence facilitate some redistribution, because I actually believe in redistribution, at least at a certain level, to make sure that everybody's got a shot," Obama is heard saying.
Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, responded in a statement which cited figures from the 2008 campaign, "The Romney campaign is so desperate to change the subject that they've gone back to the failed playbook co-authored by Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber.
"Fourteen years ago, then-Senator Obama was making an argument for a more efficient, more effective government – specifically citing city government agencies that he didn't think were working effectively," LaBolt continued. "He believed then, and believes now, that there are steps we can take to promote opportunity and ensure that all Americans have a fair shot if they work hard. Unlike Governor Romney, he doesn't believe that if you're a student who applies for a loan you're looking for a handout."
In his interview Tuesday, Romney framed Obama's remarks as an endorsement of redistributing private wealth, rather than on making sure government agencies were well supported.
"I believe the right course for America is one where government steps in to help those that are in need, we're a compassionate people, but then we get people to build their own lives, creates their enterprises, we believe in free people and free enterprise, not redistribution," Romney said. "The right course for America is to create growth, create wealth, not redistribute wealth."
Also see:
– Eastwood: If they were 'dumb enough to ask me…'
– In new tape, Romney casts doubt on peace in Israel
– Obama camp wastes no time highlighting Romney tapes
From CNN Politics
- Biden administration does not plan to release frozen Afghan assets soon over concerns they may be diverted to terror groups
- 5 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- The Washington Post: Trump-allied lawyers sought voting machine data in key battleground states
- Untitled
- The number of people with Top Secret clearance will shock you
- 11 members of Congress have lost their primaries this year. Is Liz Cheney next?
Go ahead and stick to it Mitt. All the sane people are already in the lifeboat and your ship's sinking quickly. See ya!
stevegee
The truth hurts. Romney told it like it is: The people who support Obama want government support (aka Socialism). People who stand with Romney and Ryan want to stand on their own, like the Founders intended. On November 6, vote for freedom and liberty. Vote Romney and Ryan.
September 18, 2012 05:38 pm at 5:38 pm |
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any idea how much government assistance the big corporation and banks have gotten from your tax dollars over the years? Do some research on how much debt burden states and local government have obligated tax payers while giving enormous breaks to lure business. So that $150 million that was borrowed end up costing the taxpayer $300 million in debt for a company that might close it doors a few years after its tax breaks expire. What about that truth?
What if mitt quits? Who will run?
"There you go, another republican who puts food on his children."
I have no idea what that means but you gave me the giggles haha. Dogs on the car...food on the children...what's next...handcuffs on the wife?
Little Gov said
And as far as quoting something Obama said in 1998 being labeled desperate, he still believes in redistribution. Look at his policies
Why don't you point out the redistributation policies that Obama has put through and I will make it real easy for you,don't bother listing any that Bush started or any that Paul Ryan voted for, this should keep you busy for 15 seconds
As Fred Armisen would suggest... Hey Mitt, put a bird on it. Every stupid thing is better with a bird on it.
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on US.
Obama's aunt is the perfect example of the 47% and she was here illegally!!!!
Romney No Military Service.He dodged Vietnam with a religious deferment.Has five fully physically capable boys none of which has done even a single enlistment.I also understand people can contribute in other ways other than the military but these things stand out for someone running for president.
Wow he now has no chance of winning. First he puts his foot in his mouth and then follows it up with putting his other foot in his mouth.
I don't know; is it me or does the Republican party spawn idiots? Any intelligent Republicans should hide under the rocks until Romny's comments die down if they do.
Does the greedy coward know the US govt military is the only reason he & his ilk hold their fortune??They get MOST of the benefit from the military-no enemy wants to take over US sick,aged & poor... the world trade center was not a nursing home or hospital-his delusions run VERY d eep!!
I am one of the 47% and have worked very hard since I was 14 years old. I am now in my 60's. Looking forward to retirement in the future and yes Mitt-Witt, after having paid into Govt plans for a life time I DO EXPECT something back. It is not free stuff as you would have us believe. You disgust me on many levels. After you go down in a big ball of flame in Nov., you might want to join your money in some foreign country and take your snobby little family with you. Where did you come from? Uranus?
I am the 53%
Mitt Romney criticizes 47% of Americans who owe no federal income taxes, yet he is too much of a COWARD to release his own tax returns.
Hmmm If this is about the course of American then I am worried because to follow Romney would be not the United States but only 1/2. To follow Romney would be to take orders from Bibi. To follow Romney would be to build, buy, hire, and invest in foreign countries economies vs America. To follow Romney's course we will be at war. To follow Romney would be like following GWBush.
Redistribution policies? I don't remember Obama coming and taking things nor do I remember him giving me things, either.
Hey GOP lemmings, Bizarro much?
Romney just doubled-down on insulting the elderly, war vets, and the disabled. He also insulted all the hard-working people who happened to have voted for Obama (not that he cares about offending them).
Trolling Obama Voters does not equal Foreign Policy, Economic Experience, or Presidential Material.
Game Over, Ratt Money.
I luv it when a guy steps in a bunch of crap and then, instead of saying 'too bad' and trying to clean his shoe, he actually doubles-down on his misfortune and kneels down to take a big bite from the fetid mess. God luv the stupidity of [R]s and the foresight of our forefathers who gave them the right to advertise it to all of us.
Dear Mitt,
Your "message" sucks.
Sincerly,
The Traveler
P.S. I won't be voting for you either.
Romney's response is just SO unbelievable and not credable. Now I am clear this man cannot be President. He has distain for the working people. He revealed this and now it appears he is lying and feebly trying to cover it up but doing a very poor job of it.
It is The Economy, Mr. President. Your Economy, Mr. President.
He speaketh the truth and the oposition just can't handle it.
Obama comes out of hiding for 20 minutes to pummel a conservative
for speaking truthfully,
but hide your self for everthing else (ecomony/unemployment etc).
what a true american...........obviously you just luve the daylights
out of my country
oh great divider.
As per the facts close to half of 44% are senior citizen and even small portion of this this 47% are actually rich and are paying no taxes thanks to exemptions'.
Game over and these losers don't even realize it.