Romney's son apologizes to Obama for 'swing' remark
(CNN) – Tagg Romney, Mitt Romney's oldest son, apologized to President Barack Obama Monday for saying he wanted to "take a swing" at him during contentious presidential debates.
Obama and Tagg Romney were seen speaking on the stage after Monday's final presidential debate, held at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Two Obama aides said the conversation included an apology for the remark, made last week during a radio interview.
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Asked in that interview what it's like "to hear the President of the United States call your dad a liar," Tagg Romney joked about his fantasy response.
"Jump out of your seat and you want to rush down to the debate stage and take a swing at him," he said. "But you know you can't do that because, well, first because there's a lot of Secret Service between you and him, but also because that's the nature of the process. You know they're going to try to do anything they can do to make my dad into something he's not."
"We signed up for it, we've got to kind of sit there and take our punches, and send them the other way," he continued.
One of Tagg Romney's brothers, Josh, downplayed the comments in an interview on ABC's "The View."
"That brother has slugged me a couple of times," Josh Romney said. "I'm sure President Obama has nothing to worry about."
Asked about the original comments on Thursday, Romney campaign spokeswoman Amanda Henneberg said Tagg Romney was "joking about how frustrating this process can be for family."
CNN's Rachel Streitfeld contributed to this report.
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I have no problem w/the "swing" comment. It's one of the few honest comments that I've heard from someone with the last name "Romney".
If it were me and I was Obama, they wouldn't have been able to pull me off of Romney in the second debate. After the last 3 1/2 years of lies, distortions, character assassinations ... hell, even questioning the legitimacy of my Presidency because of my freaking birth! I would have been arrested for assault and battery.
But that's me. And Obama is a MUCH better person than I am.
How christian-like - I do give him kudos for apologizing but, will say - what is it about a person that is deserving to represent an entire Country? The character of one that has likely conducted financial scams to gain wealth (something happened w/ those hidden taxes). One that has changed positions more than Carter has liver pills? To say he can "resolve" the econcomic issue - he may make some gains but, Romney doesn't deserve it. He doesn't demonstrate character deserving of such a role. For those that say they can overlook his actions, be real....
Media blowing nothing out of proportion. Who cares? We know the Romney's are good people. Anyone talking about this doesn't understand the issues. Give me a break. We all defend family that way. If anything, it makes Tagg a normal person. Obama 2012
WOW that is something and arrogant democrat would have never done!!
Bad loser is always a bad loser.
I'd pay to see Obama knock lil Tagg silly
How can you post such weak mindless garbage. Yes, if this is what matters most in the US... We are all doomed.
Please post worthwhile articles... Tag supports his father... Just like you support Obama.
But it is okay to call Romney a felon and a murderer. CNN needs to stop shilling for Obama and get their act together. They are starting to sound and look like the National Enquirer.
Tagg should take lessons from the obama girls
No apology needed. Most Americans feel the same way.
I am not an Obama supporter, but I have to admire that Mr. Obama never states anything inappropriate.
So is Josh calling Tagg a sissy puncher?
his name is Tagg and I think that's hilarious
He should be arrested for threatening the President.
So what? Half of America wanted to do the same thing?
There was no call for that statement in the first place.
When you just can't win, you want to take a swing. The true American way.
It is a shame that this news had to come from Obama aide. Tagg should have made a public apology. However this is a problem with Romneys. His father did not apologize after insulting the 47%
I completely see how Tagg was in the moment of heat when he said that. I just don't get why his reasoning is that everyone is mad and fail to include that that's our President. Say what you want but you have to show the oval office and more importantly the President rescpect. As long as he remains the President, god willing.
Seriously? This isn't news. It was a joke. I'm sure we can all pick up the pieces and go on with our lives.
$50 on Obama. "Swinging" is normally left to the fathers of Mormon families.
I really like this story. In the heat of the moment, if a member of my family was told that they were a liar when I feel like they aren't I might have to make a similar remark. Yes it was dumb to make it publicly known that you had that thought, but what are you going to do? Everything is "news" now-a-days so you know it will be a headline. The fact that he was a big enough person to apologize in person and not submit a press release or something of that nature is big of him.
I'm voting for President Obama in a couple of weeks, but I do admire that Governor Romney raised a respectful and thoughtful son.
The Romney family is made entirely out of spoiled brats.
You can't talk to my daddy that way! Don't you know who he is? He's RICH!
i bet Obama's got a mean right hook though!