Exactly how Reaganesque is Romney? [Mitt Romney is NOT a Republican]

Deseret News ^ | 12/25/07 | Me

[Mobile Vulgus]

It never ceases to amaze me how a person who has decided to support a candidate all too often arrives at a point where FACTS are meaningless to them. Such is true with those who support this Romney character. There has been one example after another that proves that Mitt Romney isn't even a Republican much less a conservative and that he has repeatedly lied about his positions. Yet, well meaning Republicans still support this flip-flopping liar. Here is yet another article that shows that Mitt Romney is the single worse candidate the GOP field has today.

David Lightman of the McClatchy Newspaper chain asks this question: Exactly how Reaganesque is Romney? And the answer is a decided NOT AT ALL.

A few excerpts of this article:

"I take inspiration from the strength Ronald Reagan talked about," Romney said. "It was his view that the right way to overcome challenges was for the country to strengthen itself."

Yet Romney wasn't always such a Reagan fan.

In 1994, when he ran for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, he said, "I was an independent during the time of Reagan-Bush. I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush."

And...

Romney spent years in the state registered as "unenrolled," or unaffiliated with a political party, and in 1992 he voted for former Sen. Paul Tsongas, a liberal Democrat, in the Massachusetts Democratic presidential primary.

And...

Romney replied: "Look, I was an independent during the time of Reagan-Bush. I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush. My positions don't talk about the things you suggest they talk about. This isn't a political issue."

Romney has lied about being a hunter, he has lied about his not supporting the baby killers at Planned Parenthood, he even lied about his father marching with Martin Luther King, Jr. He led as Governor of Massachusetts as a center left executive yet now claims that he is a conservative.

Yet, all these flip-flops, all these lies and his supporters stick their fingers in their ears and scream "LA LA LA" at the top of their voices. So, here is the thing. Romney is not Reagan, he is far more like Clinton. Because during the first Clinton run lie after lie was revealed and his supporters simply refused to take stock of their man. They voted for him despite the lies, the rapes, all his past troubles were ignored.

Mitt Romney is Bill Clinton without the sex crimes.

[Edit35]

(Romney has)...drawn the antipathy of lots of conservatives for various positions he has taken - be able to "pull all the segments of the GOP together" better than Fred?

Well, firstly Romney has certainly made several dumb STATEMENTS in years past, but his "positions" in actual governance have been fairly conservative.

He is one of the few, perhaps only, Gov. who didn't raise taxes. His statements were perhaps distasteful to conservatives like myself, but they went a long way toward befuddling the wackadoodle libs in Massechusetts.

Lastly, I love Fred. I really do.

But it has become obvious he does not have the stamina...the fire...the drive ...to lead this enormous nation US of A (and the world) for an entire eight (8) years.

Methinks Fred is suffering more from his latest health issue (I forget the disease) than he lets on.

[Edit35]

It is a shame that you have to mainly use leftest news articles to stomp on Mitt. You have literally become an extension of the left.

These Romney-haters on FR have NO candidate they like or support enough to mention.

They just hate Mitt Romney.

In fact, they would make better DUmmy members.

[ejonesie22]

The OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY (according to the officials locally) stance is if you VOTE for a Republican...that makes you one. Not to mention that you have one of those nice shiny cards that show you a member.....

You know what redrock, for once I agree with you. All that is needed to be a REPUBLICAN is to vote for one....

Now as for being a CONSERVATIVE....

[ejonesie22]

Just one quick question.

What the hell is a Social Path?

Is that some odd deviation of a sociopath....

[ejonesie22]

All opinions are biased Lion, even your about Mitt....

[ken21]

one year from yesterday is december 25, 2008.

the presidential election is the second tuesday of november 2008—

well within one year.

[dmw]

“The OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY (according to the officials locally) stance is if you VOTE for a Republican...that makes you one. Not to mention that you have one of those nice shiny cards that show you a member.....”

Nice, but guess what (in case you forgot)? FR is a conservative forum. Sometimes people tend to forget that.

Why a conservative would want to support a liberal flip-flopper is beyond me—unless of course—they aren’t a conservative.

[Servant of the Cross]

Charles, you are correct; let's keep to the facts. The inference that someone will be banned just for being a Romney supporter is fantasy.

Also, FRed supporters don’t hate Mitt. We could vote for him, but he would not be our best candidate, IMO. The Republican candidate needs to be clearly “authentic" and "conservative" to provide a marked contrast to the phoniness of the Dem nominee. Hillary would be brutal on Mitt’s flipping.

It is not about one event of faulty memory. It is the disturbing pattern of saying whatever Mitt thinks voters want to hear. He can easily be painted as just an opportunist.

Really, how many opinions can one man change in such a short period of time and not cause a reasonable person to question the sincerity of the "new" beliefs?!

EXTREMEly

recent conservativeMAKEOVER

Here's some facts in Mitt's own words that you requested since you state that all Romney receives here is "false accusations."

Abortion rights

“I will preserve and protect a woman’s right to choose and am devoted and dedicated to honoring my word in that regard.” Boston Herald Debate, 10/29/02

“Roe v. Wade continues to work its destructive logic throughout our society This can’t continue.” Speech to the Massachusetts Citizens For Life Mother’s Day Pioneer Valley Dinner, 5/10/07

Immigration reform

“With these 11 million people [here illegally], let’s have them registered, know who they are....those that are here paying taxes and not taking government benefits should begin a process towards application for citizenship.” Lowell Sun, 3/30/06

“One simple rule: no amnesty.If that [Kennedy-McCain bill] is not a form of amnesty, I don’t know what is.” New York Times, 6/4/07

Gun laws

“We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts; I support them. I won’t chip away at them; I believe they protect us and provide for our safety.” Romney in 2002 gov. debate, Boston Globe, 1/14/07

“I have a gun of my own. I go hunting myself. I’m a member of the NRA and believe firmly in the right to bear arms.” Boston Globe, 1/14/07

Amendment to ban gay marriage

“Mitt does not support it...As far as Mitt is concerned, it goes farther than current law, and therefore it’s unnecessary.” Romney spokesman, Boston Globe, 3/22/02

“When I was Governor, we took every conceivable step within the law to stop, block or slow down this unprecedented court decision.” Speech to National Right to Life Convention, 6/15/07

“No new taxes” pledge

“I’m not intending to, at this stage, sign a document which would prevent me from being able to look specifically at the revenue needs of the commonwealth” Associated Press, 3/27/02

“Signing the pledge now sends a very clear message to those in Washington who have voted against tax relief and for tax hikes that such actions will never grow our regional and national economies.” Romney spokesman, Boston Globe, 1/5/07

Minimum wage

“I think the minimum wage ought to keep pace with inflation. I think the minimum wage is a good thing to have in our economy and I think it ought to be updated.” Boston Globe, 10/17/94

“[T]he challenge with raising the minimum wage excessively is it is a hurt to those that are entering the work force, the very poor, those that are trying to get early jobs, get those first jobs.” Associated Press, 7/25/06

Cutting Social Security

“I don’t think you go back and rewrite the contract the government has with people who’ve retired.” Boston Globe, 10/17/94

“Personal accounts would be a big plus.”... [Romney]also said changing the retirement age could be considered, as well as basing the Social Security cost of living adjustment on a different inflation gauge. Union Leader, 6/7/07

Adoption non-discrimination

Governor Mitt Romney and a legislative leader yesterday delivered unwelcome news to the Catholic bishops of Massachusetts, who plan to seek permission from the state to exclude gay and lesbian parents from adopting children through its social service agencies. The governor said he was not authorized to give such an exemption... Boston Globe, 2/17/06

“And then another slide along the slippery slope. The Catholic Church was forced to end its adoption service, which was crucial in helping the state find homes for some of our most difficult to place children... Now, even religious freedom was being trumped by the new-found ‘right’ of gay marriage.” Speech to National Right to Life Convention, 6/15/07

Stem cell research

[Romney]endorsed embryonic stem cell research, saying the controversial science might one day help treat his wife’s multiple sclerosis....”I am in favor of stem cell research. I will work and fight for stem cell research. I’d be happy to talk to [President Bush] about this, though I don’t know if I could budge him an inch.” Boston Globe, 6/14/02

“FACT: Governor Romney Opposes Using Taxpayer Money to Fund Embryo-Destructive Research.” MittRomney.com A Record of Protecting Life

Bush tax cuts

Governor Mitt Romney refused yesterday to endorse tax cuts at the heart of President Bush’s economic program...In addition to refusing to endorse the president’s tax cut, the governor surprised several people at the meeting by saying he is open to a federal increase in gas taxes. Boston Globe, 4/11/03

[Romney] said it was “absolutely critical” to renew tax cuts proposed by President George W. Bush. Letting them expire would result in a “massive tax increase” that would retard economic growth, Romney said. Detroit Free Press, 2/8/07

Reagan Republicanism

“I was an independent during the time of Reagan-Bush. I’m not trying to return to Reagan-Bush.” Boston Herald, 10/27/94

“Ronald Reagan is ... my hero. ... I believe that our party’s ascendancy began with Ronald Reagan’s brand of visionary and courageous leadership.” Boston Globe, 1/19/07

Desire to serve in Vietnam

“I was not planning on signing up for the military. It was not my desire to go off and serve in Vietnam...” Boston Herald, 5/2/94

“I longed in many respects to actually be in Vietnam and be representing our country there and in some ways it was frustrating not to feel like I was there as part of the troops that were fighting in Vietnam.” Boston Globe, 6/24/07

[restornu]

You telling me you don’t know it was cheap shot fodder for you!

[TAdams8591]

"After all, we KNOW his opponent will govern like a liberal. Better to elect the guy who says he’s on your side, and then scream about being deceived if he turns on you, than vote against a guy who is hitting all the right notes on conservatism (because you don’t “trust” him), and hand the election to a real liberal while proving to the general public that people voicing the conservative message can’t be elected.

That is why I think Romney is much more electable than his primary numbers would suggest."

Agreed. Very logical analysis and precisely the way I see it. Furthermore, as Mr. Lowry from the National Review also stated, Romney is not going to return to his former views.

[dmw]

“Shame on YOU for pretending to be a conservative.”

I’ve noticed quite a few of the old timers here on FR have become more liberal over the years. When the big Rudy debate was going on a few months back, a good number of FReepers who have been here since 1998 were supporting Rudy. Many of them are no longer here (they got zapped). Maybe it’s time to get the liberal bug zapper out again. ;^)

[Rick_Michael]

I’m not buying into the Myth.

[dmw]

Those pesty facts are gonna get you in trouble. You must hate Romney so bad. /S

Good post!

[redrock]

Reading is fundamental...try it sometime.

The 'focus' of the article(and all the self-serving crap that was posted with it) was that Romney was not a REPUBLICAN.

Being a conservative had nothing to do with it.

Romney IS a Republican wether you and the rest of the chimp's like it or not.

His conservative values are mixed that much is true.

So are every single other candidate that is running for the Republican nomination. Not one is perfect. But that's the way it is.

redrock

[Rick_Michael]

This should be a ping list. haha...

[CharlesWayneCT]

There’s something wrong with someone who joined in 2004 eagerly calling for the expulsion of people who have been here from nearly the beginning.

[dmw]

“Reading is fundamental...try it sometime.”

Thanks for insulting me.

“...wether you and the rest of the chimp’s like it or not.”

Name calling...cool. Need to work on your spelling though.

Yes, I know that the article was about Romney being a republican. Officially, he is. However, he could easily be a democrat with his liberal voting record, not to mention his flip flopping and lies. In my opinion, he’s a democrat masquerading as a republican.

Since I’m still feeling the Christmas spirit I will refrain from calling you an idiot. ;^)

[dmw]

“There’s something wrong with someone who joined in 2004 eagerly calling for the expulsion of people who have been here from nearly the beginning.”

I see. So, if I joined in 1998 would that make it OK? Actually, I said it in jest, but the fact remains, it is interesting to me how many of the old timers seemed to have veered to the left since they joined FR. I find it an interesting observation. Maybe you don’t, but I do. Nice to post to you again—been awhile.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Actually, yes. old-timers are allowed to attack other old-timers in that way, although in truth the rules say you shouldn’t make any personal attacks.

If someone does something to upset the ownership, the ownership is ready, willing, and capable of dealing with it without the rest of us egging them on.

I value the opinion of those who have been in the fight for a long time here, and wish others would have a little more respect for people who have proven over the course of their time here that they stand for conservative principles.

But nowadays, “conservative” seems to mean just that you agree with someone. Agree and you are labelled “conservative”, disagree and you are “liberal”. When in fact some of these “old-timers” understand what true conservatism is much better than those who are now gleefully chuckling at their fate.

[dmw]

We’ll just have to agree to disagree my FRiend. By the way, I did not personally attack anyone in my post. I stated an observation about what I have noticed regarding some long time FReepers. You seem to be a little sensitive today. I wish you well.