Santorum campaign suggests Mitt Romney may have done deal to make Ron Paul his running mate

Daily Mail U.K. Online ^ | Thursday, February 23, 2012 | Toby Harnden

[DestroyLiberalism]

After tonight's debate, in which Ron Paul and Mitt Romney repeatedly attacked Rick Santorum over his 16-year record in Congress, the former US Senator for Pennsylvania hinted that something nefarious was going on.

"You have to ask Congressman Paul and Governor Romney what they've got going together," Santorum told reporters in the spin room in Mesa, Arizona. "Their commercials look a lot alike and so do their attacks."

Santorum's top strategist John Brabender went even further, charging that the two men had "joined forces" and were coordinating attacks against his man

"Clearly there's a tag team strategy between Ron Paul and Mitt Romney. For all I know, Mitt Romney might be considering Ron Paul as his running mate. Clearly there is now an alliance between those two and you saw that certainly in the debate."

The was also coordination in their attack ads, he charged. "Ron Paul for all practical purposes has pulled out of Michigan. Correct? Where's he running negative ads against Rick Santorum? Michigan.

"It was interesting to me that if you watch Ron Paul when he came into the debate, he wrote negative things about Rick Santorum down because when he started to get questions he would immediately pick up his paper and start mentioning Santorum stuff."

[DestroyLiberalism]

It appears the blogisphere is starting to notice how Ron Paul NEVER attacks or criticizes Mitt Romney in any of the GOP debates, yet ALWAYS goes after the conservative frontrunner, whether it's Santorum, Gingrich, etc.

[C210N]

For the record, it’s probably Rand Paul that Ron Paul has in mind for VP.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Related thread:

Rand Paul Says ‘It Would Be An Honor’ if Romney Asked Him to Be VP
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2850000/posts

[Christie at the beach]

Santorun never said anything when all parties were attacking

Speaker Gingrich. He accused Newt of whining. I do think

Paul is helping Romney.

[makomako]

Paul and Romney definitely are working together. Paul is a disgusting little old fool if he thinks these tactics will help him.

[DestroyLiberalism]

makomako wrote:
<<
Paul and Romney definitely are working together. Paul is a disgusting little old fool if he thinks these tactics will help him.
>>

**************************************************************

One HAS to wonder the real reason why Paul is staying in this race. He hasn’t won any primaries or caucuses so far and has NO CHANCE of winning the presidential nomination.

I thought he came off as a condescending jerk tonight.

[Politics4US]

It proves that Ron Paul is a fraud.

[Gator113]

Cry baby Ricky isn’t sounding very presidential. LMAO

Will he blame the devil too?

Santorum continues to demonstrate how lightweight he really is.

President Newt Gingrich—”Our beloved republic deserves nothing less.”

[ConservativeTeen]

The panelists on Special Report outwardly stated that there is collusion between the Romney and Paul camps, so this is not some crazed conspiracy theory dreamed up by the Santorum camp.

[DestroyLiberalism]

Gator113 wrote:
<<
Cry baby Ricky isn’t sounding very presidential. LMAO

Will he blame the devil too?

Santorum continues to demonstrate how lightweight he really is.

President Newt Gingrich—”Our beloved republic deserves nothing less.”
>>

************************************************************

Oh, good grief! Is it really NECESSARY for you to nastily denigrate Santorum in order to elevate Gingrich??? Santorum may be my first choice, but I’d also be happy if Gingrich were to get the nomination. I’m certainly not going to savage one for the purpose of pushing the other. Let’s save the more venomous remarks for our REAL enemy, BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, shall we?

[Gene Eric]

>> Cry baby Ricky isn’t sounding very presidential. LMAO

The flustered disbelief often gets the better of him.

[staytrue]

How do you explain Paul almost putting a serious blow on Romney by almost winning (or maybe really winning) Maine ?

[DestroyLiberalism]

staytrue wrote:
<<
How do you explain Paul almost putting a serious blow on Romney by almost winning (or maybe really winning) Maine ?
>>

**************************************************************

I don’t recall Paul ever launching any vicious attack ads against Romney while campaigning in Maine.

[AmericanInTokyo]

I smell a RAT

[AmericanInTokyo]

The personal, vile, nasty and uncalled-for attacks on Rick Santorum were NEVER vicious like this, that I can ever recall in my 11 years on Free Republic. And now all of a sudden. Go figure. Attacks like that, personal and NASTY and ad hominem at that name-calling, dripping bile in so many of them, toward a FELLOW GOP CONSERVATIVE. [From the National Taxpayer's Union (NTU), based on Santorum's 1995-2006 12-year Senate tenure in question only 6 of the 50 senators got "A"s in more than half the years. Santorum was one of them. He was also one of only 7 senators who never got less than a "B".]

Oh sure I recall the Arlen Sphincter fiasco, and rightly so, but not much outside of that.

Now on the other hand, truth be told, I can recall this place, Free Republic, ON FIRE AGAINST NEWT GINGRICH in thread after thread and post after post as recent as five or six months ago, and particularly two years ago or so, for being a "RINO" or washed up and in need of moth-balling. Ahem! Shall we resurrect some of those old FR threads to show what kind of hypocrisy and nastiness is going around in, in an anti-Santorum environment that is totally uncalled for? That's right, the true enemy is Obama, and the immediate impediment is Romney. I don't get some of these people for NG that have to be so nasty to RS in order to gain the golden cup, their targeting is entirely off base.

[Eleutheria5]

Cheery thought. Ron Paul a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Wooooooo!

[no dems]

For all I know, Mitt Romney might be considering Ron Paul as his running mate.

---

PULEEEZE!

[no dems]

Rick was just not ready for Prime Time as the front-runner. He wasn’t surrounded by those of “like precious faith” and he was not prepared. He missed a great opportunity to seal the deal last night. Newt did the same thing after winning SC. But, Newt may rise again.

[Gene Eric]

>> He wasn’t surrounded by those of “like precious faith”

Well, Newt and Rick share the same Faith, and Newt kicked ass. So if it’s the Mormon faith you’re referring to, I don’t think that influence affected too much.

Poor Rick. He’s being used by a confused constituency.

[NavVet]

I think Paul just hate’s the more conservative candidates because most conservatives think Ron Paul is like that crazy uncle that lives in the attic. But surely, Romney, as flaky as he is, is rational enough not to put that loon on the ticket if he were to buy the nomination.

[Happy Rain]

The Daily Caller has Rand Paul lobbying for Mitt's VP and the Romney/Paul alliance against Rick has long since been established.

The GOP establishment and RINOs gave the debate to Mitt of course and the Newt People gave it to Newt of course—Paul is a nut and Santorum, as the frontrunner, took the most heat of course.
I'm for Rick and so I thought he did as well as he could being attacked from both his left and Right but he still is going to win because Newt is too far back, Mitt's obvious mendacity shines through whenever he appears before conservatives and Paul's a nut.
The Newt, Mitt and Paul people can whine and be as mean-spirited as they wish but the polls will not change because conservative Americans have already seen and then saw again last night a virtuous Christian Conservative being persecuted—and they don't like it cause they like Rick.
If anything, after last nights performance, I believe Rick may be on his way to wrapping this thing up.
But we are all biased partisans by now so only time will tell if I'm wrong and not the heated opinion of some bent out of shape opponent of Rick Santorum’s.

[caww]

Conservative Americans have already seen and then saw again last night a virtuous Christian Conservative being persecuted.

Where on earth are you getting the idea Santorum was 'persecuted' in a debate? It's a primary , politics, candidates, and a run for Presidential office....it's a race against opponets...sheesh!

I'm a Conservative and a Christian...Santorum has no discernment capability when it comes to framing his judgemental religious comments...while pointing his one finger at others while he has three pointing back at him. He does not reflect the statesmanship we need...rather comes off like a circut riding preacher blathering fire and brimstone........the place for that is not an election.

[Happy Rain]

As I said, time will tell and not biased partisan opinion.

But you don't think there is religious persecution against Christianity in America and that CNN is not part of it?
Using the law (with threats of fines and/or imprisonment) in defiance of the constitution to force faiths to conform to a government agenda is not persecution to you?

Thank God we have a solid CONSISTANT Christian Conservative American like Santorum to not only take the heat but send it right back in their faces.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Obama is taking our country into a moral cesspool. On the fast track.

Somebody has to stand up and say it and take a stance.

Heck, the Israelites grumbled at Moses for bring some law down to them, for their own good.

The reasons libs and libertines don't like Santorum is that by his personal example, and words (warnings, more than anything else), in their darkness and wrong, they know they are convicted. And it makes them downright uncomfortable.

If people in the White House, in MSM, on Broadway, in Music/Billboard Magazine, in Ghetto Chic/Rap/Hip-Hop World, on cable reality shows, in Hollywood, get a little "uptight", then so be it. As it is, they are taking us over a moral Niagara Falls in a barrel and I for one find the social conservative element to it not only refreshing, but what our country needs.

[SueRae]

Becoming crystal clear now. THanks.

[CharlesWayneCT]

No, that was just people here. Just like people here were non-stop whining about how Santorum was just playing for the VP slot.

It’s called political posturing. I think you are familiar with it.

[CharlesWayneCT]

It’s just funny seeing a Gingrich supporter attack Rick Santorum for whining when he has a bad debate.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Are you sure they care anymore if it elevates Gingrich?

[Reagan69]

That would be pretty stupid on Mitt’s part.

[Def Conservative]

Rick needs to grow up. He whines A LOT.

[Fresh Wind]

Oh sure I recall the Arlen Sphincter fiasco...

Then surely you must remember Romney's endorsement of Toomey in 2004. You don't? Does anyone?

Perhaps Governor Romney was supporting Spectre at the time over Toomey. In any event, less than a year after the 2004 election, Romney was there on his knees working Spectre for a handout of federal money. From the link:

"Yesterday (Oct. 6, 2005), Romney met with Senator Arlen Specter, Chairman of a key Senate Appropriations subcommittee, to lobby for the additional funding."

[parksstp]

Hey, I wonder who actually brought this up in a a few weeks ago in terms of the brokered convention?

Oh yeah, that’s right, me.

If Romney/Paul combined equals 1,144 delegates, Romney wins by putting Rand on the VP slot. It’s that simple.

It’s now not about denying Romney 1,144, but also Paul.

[parksstp]

Here it is, February 8th

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2844715/posts

It took them a few weeks later to figure it out, but looks like I was right.

[helpfulresearcher]

Mitt is the big guy descended from the planet Kolob, and Ron Paul is his little friend from some asteroid.

What next? Moonies running for President? Heaven’s Gate cults?

[Eleutheria5]

Weirdos running for President is nothing new. Look at Lyndon Larouche and David Duke. Weirdos of their ilk running on the ticket of one of the two major parties, however, is something else. If this is his plan, it’s as if Romney were deliberately sabotaging his own candidacy so you can have four more years of you-know-who and the GOP can be a laughing stock well into the 2020s. If he is, then Mitt must be denied the candidacy at all costs, and kept off the ticket of whoever is nominated, and out of the cabinet. He’s got to be retired to private life forever. Let him go make money doing some damn thing or other with corporations, like he was before.

[1010RD]

I think you’ve got it.

[BobL]

“Cry baby Ricky isn’t sounding very presidential. LMAO”

I think it’s important to point this stuff out. CLEARLY, there’s something going on. Newt said he would stay positive, and he did. Paul seems to ONLY be able to go after Rick, but not Romney. For Paul that makes no sense, since Romney was a BANKER, and is a GLOBALIST. Lots of red meat for Paul...but he ignores it all. Romney/Paul are definitely a team at this point.

If getting Romney for nomination means that the crackpot Paul, or his half-crackpot kid, end up in a VP slot, it’s certainly better to know it now, would you not agree.

[marygam]

That’s my thinking too. Ron Paul is laying groundwork for Rand. I like Rand but don’t you just hate the dirty politics that has been apart of this election. Makes my stomach turn. Guess that’s why average folks tend to ignore what we political junkies observe.

[Ozymandias Ghost]

“The personal, vile, nasty and uncalled-for attacks on Rick Santorum were NEVER vicious like this, that I can ever recall in my 11 years on Free Republic.”
_________________

Hi AIT-

You're usually objective; however, in this case I have to point out that the “slams” and “nasty” “ad hominem” attacks have been from both sides and I have noted that on more than this thread.

For instance, one poster who posts things favorable to Newt and detrimental to Rick apparently lives in France and was repeatedly “slammed” just for living in there; (called “Frenchie,” and other disparaging remarks that had NOTHING to do w/this election or w/Rick's or Newts positions); yet, I can't recall anyone “calling you out” just because you live in Tokyo (which is as it should be; as where you live has nothing to do w/either your right to express; or, the validity of your political opinions).

I'm not picking on you; as I don't think you have done that type of vicious posting; but, there are several on both side that do that; and, there is one poster who posts on virtually every Newt thread a series of mean, “snarky” comments; but, NEVER posts anything that is meaningful, useful or constructive. (There are probably some who do this from Newt's side as well.)

That said; what I am hearing recounted on FOX and NBC this morning indicates they watched an entirely different debate than I did. The media narrative is that Romney won, Rick “missed the mark;” Newt didn't say much; and, Paul made relevant comments which pointed out Rick's shortcoomings as a conservative.

What I saw was Romney came across as his usual mendacious faux conservative self w/an extra measure of meanness thrown in for good measure; Rick had a good debate and certainly didn't lose any ground to Romney; Newt had a very good night and was the only one who was effective at turning the “trick questions” back against the media and Obama; and Ron Paul was his usual loony self w/a little extra effort in his attempts to "tagteam" w/Mitt against Rick.

I had noticed the collusion between Mitt and Paul several weeks ago and had speculated w/friends (not on FR) that there might be some sort of “deal” between Romney and Dr Paul to have Rand Paul selected as VeeP if Romney wins the nomination; so, I don't consider Rick's speculation to be unfounded; although, I am not sure it was wise of him to voice that opinion; as that sort of criticism is best left to surrogates.

Full disclosure: For those who are not aware, I started out supporting Cain and stayed w/him until he suspended his campaign. I have been w/Newt since that time; but, have stated (except for one emotional “rant”) that I will vote for Rick if he wins the nomination; which I remain committed to. I would only vote for Romney if I was convinced my vote was desperately needed to stop Obama ...and I'm still not convinced I can do that even then!!!

‘Take care,

-Geoff

[CAluvdubya]

I don't get some of these people for NG that have to be so nasty to RS in order to gain the golden cup, their targeting is entirely off base.

You know, I keep reading about how terrible the attacks are against Santorum by the Newt folks here on FR. I see one or two posters that are pretty ugly but I also recall one or two posters being pretty ugly towards Newt and Newt supporters here, as well.

Remember the vile comments here towards Sarah Palin and her supporters?

I don't think it's any worse towards Santorum than any other candidate on FR. The claim is made against everyone, all the time.

[PapaBear3625]

One HAS to wonder the real reason why Paul is staying in this race. He hasn’t won any primaries or caucuses so far and has NO CHANCE of winning the presidential nomination.

He's running to be able to speak about libertarian principles to a national audience. It will be interesting to see what happens in Virginia, where Romney and Paul are the only candidates who qualified to be on the ballots. If Paul does not say anything negative about Romney when the Virginia election comes about, then you can be certain that Paul is getting some financing from the Romney camp.

[dead]

Any "deal" between Romney and Paul would certainly end with Ron Paul shivved in the alley.

Romney would promise him the veep slot just to shut up him through the primaries, but he'd stab him in the end and go with some other get-along like Christie.

For all his many many faults, Ron Paul seriously wants to shrink the federal government. Romney needs Paul on his team for four years like I need Hillary in my bedroom.

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

I see more of the libertarian vote going to Romney than Santorum.

[CAluvdubya]

What next? Moonies running for President?

Well, right now he's happy being the govenor of CA.

That's not to say that ol' Moonbeam Brown won't want to run for president next, though. :)

[Hattie]

Ron Paul rarely attacks any one individual in any primary he has been running. He runs against issues like war, for budget and economy. He also has a sense of humor. I don’t believe he has any deal with anyone, other than the opportunity to speak his mind at the convention.

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

——I smell a RAT-——

I’m beginning to suspect Romneybots in disguise. It fits Mitt’s M.O.

The quality of the “arguments” is telling.

[Cato in PA]

You hit it on the mark. Santorum may have had a terrible debate last night, but you’d have to be a fool not to notice that Wrong Paul is clearly working with Romney.

I was so disappointed to hear about Rand gushing over the prospect of being Willard’s VP. I had a lot of respect for him, but I guess it shows that sellout politicians come in all shapes and sizes.

[TexasFreeper2009]

yep, I have suspected for some time now that 90% of all the threads here with attacks on whoever the non-romney leader is at the moment are actually just rabid mormon Romney supporters trying to tear down whoever is currently threatening their butt boy Romney.

[Fresh Wind]

Any "deal" between Romney and Paul would certainly end with Ron Paul shivved in the alley.

Exactly.

I could definitely see Romney pulling something like that (figuratively speaking, of course). He has no principles whatsoever and he's smart enough to have made his deals strictly by word of mouth.

Romney needs Paul on his team for four years like I need Hillary in my bedroom.

That's a scary thought!

[RetSignman]

I believe St. Santorum might be a little paranoid.